Boost Your Glow, Just By Face Rolling
Face rollers are a bit of an anomaly; they popped up (seemingly out of nowhere) one day, and became a skincare staple the next. Put on a beauty pedestal for their super easy skin massaging or facial sculpting benefits, we thought it best to let you know: there’s a reason we’re hooked, why they come in the materials they do, and that there is a right way to roll.
First things first, what even is face rolling?
Typically made from crystal, jade and rose quartz being the most popular, face rollers (and cryo rollers and gua shas!) are designed to gently massage the face and stimulate the lymphatic system. So much more than a chic looking addition to your beauty shelfie, this skincare technique has actually been around for a very long time. Chinese cultures have been using crystal beauty tools for centuries as they are believed to carry anti-ageing properties. Oh, and apparently Cleopatra was quite keen on crystals as a way to keep her complexion clear and wrinkle free.
The benefits of using a face roller are pretty extensive. Used correctly they can improve skin tone and texture, decrease puffiness, ease muscle tension, encourage collagen production, smooth wrinkles, and tighten your pores. Woah. By increasing blood circulation with each sweeping motion, you’re going to look brighter and more awake, like you didn’t just snooze nine alarms, and therefore walk away from the vanity with a revitalised complexion.
Right, so how do I incorporate one into my routine?
We could say ‘just have a crack!’, but there’s actually a bit of a trick to massaging your face correctly with a roller. It can’t be random, and you don’t want to be going back and forth like you would a pizza dough. Beginning in the middle of your face, roll up to your hairline and out to the edges of your cheeks, repeating at least five rolls in each area before moving to the next. With each upwards/outwards motion you can gradually apply more pressure to ensure you are really lifting those facial muscles for a youthful finish. Think of it like encouraging your lymphatic system to work in overdrive (in a good way!).
Around the eyes is where you want to be a little more cautious, and where a mini roller is going to come in really handy! Hey! We have one of those! Our under eyes are more sensitive than the rest of our face, as the skin here is much thinner (and prone to damage from products and tools). Going in with a smaller tool will allow you to gently reach those fine lines and help work away those suitcases on display after a few sleepless nights.
For long lasting benefits you want to make face rolling a part of your daily regimen, retraining your facial muscles to sit tight and upright. Defying gravity! And if you really want to double down on the skin lovin’ after you’ve got the swing of it, face rolling is made even more therapeutic when you add a few drops of face oil to the roller, or a nourishing sheet mask underneath, pressing those antioxidants and serums into the skin at the same time.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
