! Ice facials are a skincare ritual that involves immersing your face in a bowl of ice after waking up. This hack has gone places, from TikTok to reels to our house and our own bowl. So, what is it exactly about this hack that rejuvenates your skin?
Rubbing ice on the face is inspired by an ancient Chinese skincare practice called ‘ice therapy’ or ‘ice facials’. It involves applying ice or cold water to various body parts, including the face, to stimulate blood flow, regulate lymphatic fluids, and reduce swelling and puffiness. “There are several benefits for applying ice on your face, and each of these benefits can help cure different skin problems,” says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and medical director of ISAAC Luxe, a Delhi-based skincare clinic.
The Benefits of applying ice on the face:
The rising awareness of skincare across all generations makes any practice sound like a myth unless scientific evidence backs it, doesn’t it? So, here are all our detective finds about the scientific significance of an ice facial.
Reduces inflammation:
Cold temperatures can help to reduce inflammation in the skin by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected area.
Enhances circulation:
The constriction of blood vessels caused by cold exposure can also improve circulation.
Stimulates collagen production:
Cold temperatures have been shown to stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tighten pores:
Cold temperatures can help to tighten the pores, making the skin appear as smooth as a glazed doughnut.
Improves product absorption:
Icy temperatures can also help to improve the absorption of skincare products into the skin, allowing them to penetrate deeper and deliver their active ingredients more effectively.
Different ways to try an ice massage on face:
Here are a few ways to indulge in ice therapy as a perfect jumpstart to your morning:
Ice cubes:
The old-school way of simply wrapping a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth and applying them to your face, using gentle circular motions. You can also add ingredients like green tea, cucumber juice, or rose water to the ice cubes.
Ice rollers:
The popular kid of the TikTok school of trends are ice rollers. These handheld devices are designed to be rolled over the face to provide a cooling, massaging effect. They are typically made of plastic or metal and can be kept in the freezer for easy use.
Ice water splash:
Fill a bowl with ice-cold water and splash your face with it, using your hands or a washcloth to apply the water to your skin.
Ice globes:
Ice globes are similar to ice rollers but are typically made of glass and filled with a cooling gel. They can be kept in the freezer and rolled over the face to soothe and refresh the skin.
Ice facials:
Some spas and skincare professionals offer ice facials as a treatment option. This typically involves applying a mask or serum to the skin and a facial massage with ice-cold globes or rollers.
Things to remember
- Care and concern: Applying ice directly to the skin can cause ice burn or frostbite if done improperly. Start slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of the cold exposure as your skin adjusts.
- Cleansing: Cleansing the face before doing an ice facial is likely to impactfully get rid of dirt, oil, or makeup, allowing the cold treatment to penetrate more deeply.
- Protect the eyes: It’s best to apply ice away from the delicate skin around your eyes, as this area is particularly sensitive.
- Use a barrier: To protect the skin from intense exposure to the ice, it’s a good idea to wrap the ice in a clean washcloth or use a specialised ice roller or globe.
- Moisturise afterwards: After doing an ice facial, applying a moisturiser to the skin can help lock in hydration and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
- Be aware and beautiful: Some of us might have befriended or other skin conditions; it’s a good idea to check with a dermatologist before trying an ice facial, as the cold temperature may exacerbate these conditions.
