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Then there’s the fact that the devices, used for facial massage, are thought to help sculpt the features – by way of encouraging drainage and toning slackening muscles – which feeds our collective compulsion to contour. And, well, we’d rather cut cheekbones without make-up, if we can.

The wider wellness movement marrying skincare with self-care may also play a part in the resurgence of facial tools. As we’re all buying into crystal-infused beauty, it makes sense to incorporate tools made of gemstones that not only grant us time out for a ritualistic daily facial, but made of materials revered for their restorative properties, benefit our skin in multiple ways, too.

Or, zeitgeist aside, it could just be that we’ve returned to an old school anti-ageing strategy that truly works. The mechanism is basic (think paint roller) and the premise (of massage) is traditional, but sometimes simple really is best.

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The beauty benefits

Skincare expert and facialist Abigail James explains that the main benefits of self-massage using a jade roller are that of “drainage”, by way of encouraging the lymphatic system’s natural detoxification process, and “brightening” – by boosting the circulation and blood flow beneath the skin granting a visible glow.

Ross J Barr, a revered acupuncturist practicing at Wimpole Therapeutics and the Harrods Wellness Clinic, says that “jade is really good for evening your skin tone, for cooling and calming the skin”. He recommends the Yu Ling Jade Facial Roller “as a way of treating yourself to a daily facial”.

As James points out, “A jade roller gives a cool surface that’s super smooth and allows you to access into muscles and tissues with a pressure”. With this in mind it can provide a more effective manual massage than your hands alone, while being gentle and safe.

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Technique tips

James says it’s best to use your roller on clean skin, before the use of your skincare products. “Cleanse your face, then roller, then apply your eye products, serums and moisturisers,” she instructs. “In the evening, you might like to add a little oil to the rolling action, in which case I would cleanse, apply a small amount of oil to the surface of the skin, use the roller and rinse off excess oils left on the tool.”

While seemingly simple, they can be used in different ways. “It’s best to use the roller back and forth, up and down and out to the side,” James says. To get the most out of it for an uplifting massage, James advises, “Working around your facial contours,” adding “I would usually recommend more pressure with the upwards motion,” – you want to lift the muscles with this action. “Don’t forget the neck also,” she adds.

To encourage lymph drainage, follow Barr’s specific instructions. “Imagine the bridge of your nose is the central point and roll away from that in all directions. Imagine you are very gently rolling all the toxin build up outward and downwards, finally rolling outward along your jaw and down the channel that runs down your neck by your ear.”