Two years ago I bought this $24 ice roller from Amazon and it’s become a longtime love. For a while it got buried in the freezer only to recently re-surface, and I forgot how much I loved it!
I wrote this post a long time ago, but I’m reviving it because if you don’t have one yet, I think it’s the most fun, affordable little self-care gift you could purchase for yourself––(aren’t we all looking for one of those?) I think it’s much needed as we ride out the LAST month of 2020. And I also think we could all use a little post Thanksgiving de-puffing. ????
Ice Roller Benefits
First, the obvious:
What is an ice roller? What does an ice roller do?
An ice roller is pretty much what it sounds like–a facial massager device that you roll over your face. Depending on the model, it can either be filled with water/gel on the inside (like mine is!) so it can withstand cold temperatures, or there is also the stainless steel ice roller so it gets SUPER cold. It’s just personal preference I guess–I have not tried the stainless steel version!
Store it in the freezer for some cold therapy and use it every day as part of your skincare routine or at the very least, keep it in there and pull it out for a spa-like treatment you can do at home!
Short-term benefits:
There are a lot of benefits to ice rolling! Basically, an ice roller is going to help anything that ice, or massage, would also help. Just in the comfort of your own home and for only $20!
Lymphatic drainage and de-puffing:
You may have heard of lymphatic massage, and this is the same thing, just way cheaper! It aids in increasing blood flow, draining fluid, and therefore, de-puffing your face. This is especially effective on under-eyes right after you’ve woken up. (Especially after a few too many martinis the night before.) It really helps you look and feel more awake, and is a really nice way to start or end the day.
Soothes and reduces inflammation:
If your skin is super inflamed, whether it’s because it’s acting up or right after you’ve had a facial, an ice roller is the BEST way to help it recover. The massage part will stimulate blood flow, soothe your skin and help speed the recovery process and reduce redness. Ice rolling helps constrict blood vessels and reduces the appearance of broken capillaries, too!
Helps with headaches:
A lot of people say ice rolling their temples helps to alleviate headaches! (Again…back to the hangover part, haha!)
Alleviates sore muscles:
Ice rollers are beneficial for your face and body! They’re great for aches and sore muscles anywhere on your body! Just apply where you’re feeling pain for cold therapy relief!
Helps products absorb more easily:
This is because ice rollers help stimulate blood flow, and therefore, when used at the end of your skincare routine, they help products absorb even further. (Just make sure you’ve left enough time for them to sink in initially–you don’t want your face oil or eye cream getting all over the roller and wasting it.)
Long-term benefits:
Many say that with regular everyday use over time, ice rollers can help reduce wrinkles and prevent aging. (Honestly, I can’t speak to that, I don’t use mine religiously twice a day.) Basically, I think it’s just worth it for the spa-like experience in itself, but I guess time will tell about the anti-aging part, right?
Does it have the same benefits as the Jade roller?
Basically, yes. You can put your jade roller in the freezer, too! I just don’t think it stays cold for very long. The jade roller is also smaller, so many people like that better because it can get into the smaller parts of your face better as well. I also have a jade roller from Amazon! (I like to keep it in my makeup bag for when I’m traveling or just too lazy to walk to the freezer. ????
How do you use an ice roller?
You want to make sure you are makeup-free, so do this in the morning and/or at night after you’ve applied your products and allowed them to FULLY absorb.
Take your ice roller out of the freezer. (You can totally remove the little roller part from the handle and only freeze that portion, but I’m lazy, so I just freeze the whole thing!) Start by rolling your face in sections: start near your nose and work outward. I like to roll under my eyes, and then let the ice roller just sit stationary under them for a few seconds for extra de-puffing. I roll it bothup and down and sideways along my cheekbones. Then I follow with my forehead, rolling toward the hairline.
Do this until it gets warmer in temperature or until you feel sufficiently relaxed! Then, you can clean with soap and water, or a wipe, and pop it back in the freezer.
Hope it helps you squeeze a few extra zen minutes into your day!
You might also like…
