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They see me rolling, they hating...

If you’re like the cool Instagram kids, you’re jade rolling. And if you’re not, you’re seeing everyone and their mom run these baby paint roller things up and down their faces.

However, this DIY beauty technique that claims to de-puff and tone the face started way before the 'gram—think hundreds of years ago, when Chinese empresses were rumored to use the jade tools to smooth their complexions, according to China Daily.

But is this just one of those things that IG influencers latch onto because it makes a good video, or does a jade roller actually do something for your skin? Read on for an expert's take:

A jade roller is basically a facial tool where a rounded, smooth jade stone is attached to a handle and rolled across the face. It was traditionally used in China and other parts of Asia to firm and tighten the complexion.

Actually, yes. A jade roller can help de-puff the skin, making it look tighter and firmer. That's because rolling the jade stone firmly over your face can help push along built-up lymphatic fluids under the skin. "Puffiness in your face when you wake up from sleeping, for example, is from pooled lymphatic fluid," says Purvisha Patel, M.D., founder of Visha Skincare, who practices dermatology in Tennessee and Mississippi.

You can also boost the de-puffing power of a jade roller by putting it in the fridge or freezer before using to get it nice and cool, since coolness also helps reduce swelling.

What they can't do: Allow skin-care products to absorb more deeply into skin. (This is a popular claim often floated around on IG.) The rolling motion can help evenly spread product, but the pressure doesn’t affect penetration of ingredients.

When using a jade roller, Patel says the best technique is to work from the center of your face, up and outwards, in circles. “Don’t expect miracles,” she says—but with gentle circling, you can help promote lymphatic flow. She says you always want to move upwards, not down.

If it hurts, you’re doing it too hard. The pressure should be gentle yet firm, says Patel—enough to reduce swelling, but not enough where you're wincing in pain.

You also don’t have to do it every day (unless you want to!); this can be a step you add when you’re feeling especially puffy, whether from congestion, allergies, eating too much salt, or sleeping on your face in a weird way.

Want to get rolling? Here are some of the most popular jade rollers on the market today.

An amazing bargain budget buy, this hand-cut tool is crafted with 100 percent Xiuyan Jade and silver handles, and comes with a travel bag for easy rolling on the go.

This handmade tool is made of natural jade sourced from northeast China. Each roller will vary in color as well as stone size.

Get a jade roller and a matching jade Gua Sha scraper—a Chinese massage tool that gives even deeper circulatory, depuffing benefits—in this elegant set.

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