Life Style News

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, October 14: Durga Puja around the corner, many people are looking for ways to make their skin appear brighter, fresher and more youthful. Along with dietary changes and regular skincare routines, beauty tools such as facial rollers and gua sha stones have become increasingly popular for reducing facial puffiness and enhancing the appearance of the skin. But can using a facial roller every day really make the skin firmer and the jawline sharper, or is it simply another beauty trend that consumes time without delivering lasting results?

A well-defined jawline, firmer-looking skin and a sculpted facial appearance are beauty goals for many people. This has contributed to the growing popularity of facial massage tools, particularly gua sha and facial rollers. However, before adding them to your pre-Puja skincare routine, it is important to understand what these tools may actually achieve and what they cannot do.

A study led by Dr Yashi Mishra, a maxillofacial surgeon in Hyderabad, examined the effects of gua sha and facial rollers on facial appearance. According to the study described in the report, 34 women were divided into two groups. One group used gua sha daily for eight weeks, while the other used facial rollers over the same period.

The findings indicated that both tools were associated with modest changes in facial measurements. After eight weeks, the gua sha group showed a change of approximately two millimetres around the jaw, while the facial roller group recorded a change of around three millimetres. These findings suggest that facial massage tools may have some effect on facial contours, although the changes were relatively small.

The reported measurements should not be interpreted as proof that either tool can permanently reshape the face. The extent to which such changes are noticeable or meaningful can vary, and the study's results alone do not establish that facial rollers can remove facial fat or create a sharply defined jawline.

How can a facial roller help the skin?

A facial roller is generally used to massage the skin with gentle, repeated movements. The massage may temporarily improve the appearance of puffiness and leave the face feeling refreshed. The cooling sensation of a chilled roller may also feel soothing, particularly after a tiring day or when the face appears puffy in the morning.

However, the effects should be kept in perspective. Although massage can influence local blood flow temporarily, there is limited evidence that facial rollers produce lasting skin tightening or significantly alter facial structure. They cannot selectively burn facial fat, and regular use does not guarantee a permanently sharper jawline.

Gua sha works somewhat differently. It involves gently gliding a smooth-edged tool across the skin, often using a facial oil or serum to reduce friction. The technique may help some people relax facial muscles and relieve a feeling of tension. Gentle massage can be soothing, but it should not be considered a substitute for established skincare practices or medical treatment when needed.

How to use gua sha correctly

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, sweat and makeup. Apply a suitable facial oil or serum so that the tool can glide smoothly over the skin without pulling or dragging it. Begin around the neck, using light pressure and moving the tool gently upwards.

Next, move from the centre of the chin towards the ears, following the natural contours of the jawline. You can repeat the movement around five to ten times in each area, provided it remains comfortable and does not irritate the skin. Along the cheeks, glide the tool outwards and slightly upwards, moving from beside the nose towards the ears. Gentle strokes can also be used across the forehead, moving from the brow area towards the hairline.

Avoid pressing too hard or repeatedly scraping the same area. Excessive pressure may cause redness, irritation or bruising, particularly in people with sensitive skin or those who bruise easily. Do not use gua sha over open wounds, active skin infections or severely inflamed acne. Keeping the tool clean before and after use is also important.

How to use a facial roller correctly

Begin with a clean face and apply a suitable serum or moisturiser to help the roller move smoothly over the skin. Start at the centre of the face and roll gently outwards across the cheeks. Move along the jawline from the chin towards the ears, and use light strokes across the forehead.

There is no need to press firmly or repeatedly roll over the same area. Excessive pressure will not make the face slimmer or tighten the skin more effectively. Clean the roller after every use according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid sharing it with others.

People with sensitive skin, rosacea, active acne or other skin conditions should be particularly cautious, as repeated friction may worsen irritation. If a tool causes persistent redness, pain or swelling, stop using it and seek professional advice if the symptoms continue.

What should you do for healthier-looking skin before Puja?

For a fresher appearance during Durga Puja, facial massage tools can be an optional addition to a regular skincare routine, but they should not be treated as a miracle solution. Gentle cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection remain important. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet and drinking sufficient water within any medically advised limits can also support general skin health.

Ultimately, the choice between gua sha and a facial roller depends on personal preference and comfort. Both may provide a relaxing massage and temporarily improve the appearance of puffiness, but neither guarantees dramatic or permanent changes in facial shape. Before investing time in a new beauty trend, keep expectations realistic and prioritise a routine that suits your skin.

This Durga Puja, focus on healthy, comfortable skin rather than chasing instant results. A gentle skincare routine and consistent care are more useful than expecting a facial tool to transform your jawline overnight.