We’ve seen enough celebrities dunking their faces into ice water and rubbing ice cubes on their face for skin benefits—-from Alia Bhatt to Hailey Bieber. Even American actress Joan Crawford was known to reap the benefits of applying ice cubes on her face nearly half a century ago! What is it about this technique that labels ice good for skin around the world and for decades?
Different ways to use ice for your skin
While applying ice, on face value, seems like a simple enough task, there are actually a few ways to go about it. And yes, there are ways you can go wrong with it.
- Ice water for the face: Many prefer this method of using ice for skincare. By adding ice to a bowl of water and then dunking the face in it for a few seconds at a time. Be warned to not go overboard with this, especially if you have any conditions like rosacea.
- Ice massages/facials: Another way to reap benefits of ice is by rubbing ice cubes on the face. But there is a correct way to do this. Do NOT go around applying ice to the face directly. Instead, wrap 4-5 ice cubes into a soft and clean cloth and slowly massage your face for a couple of minutes.
- Tools: This is a fairly new way to reap the benefits of applying ice on the face. Tools like ice rollers come in various forms and types—you could opt for a silicone facial roller or stainless steel ones that are filled with either water or gel. The important thing to keep in mind is when to apply ice on your face. It is recommended that your skin be well lubricated when you use these so keep these for your post-serum routine.
Smytten recommends:
Natural Vibes Ice Globes Facial Tool:
This comes with anti-freeze liquid and is super easy to use to reduce puffiness.
Sotrue Ice Roller For Face, Neck and Body:
Your go-to for DIY ice therapy. It is fully customisable so you can try new recipes and add tomatoes, milk, cucumber and other ingredients to try out.
Paw Shaped Ice Roller:
A cute roller mould that is durable and leak-free to try with essential oils.
Things to keep in mind:
But as we mentioned before, there are things to keep in mind while trying out these techniques:
- Don’t linger too long. Exposing your face to ice too long can make it itchy and may even cause frostbite!
- Do not apply ice to the face directly. Instead wrap it into a cloth or use tools specifically created for the purpose.
- Do hydrate the skin well with serums when ice rolling on your face. The idea is to give the tool something to slip on, creating an experience that is healthy for your skin.
- You can freeze ingredients into your ice, such as cucumbers and aloe vera for an extra refreshing experience.
- Always use a clean cloth when practising ice therapy for the face. You don’t want any bacteria on it to climb onto you!
- When to apply ice onto your face? Bring it into your morning routine when you are most in need to be refreshed and depuffed.
Benefits of applying ice to your face:
Reduces puffiness:
Possibly one of the most well-known benefits of applying ice cubes on the face is that they reduce puffiness that is most noticeable in the mornings. In fact, even the American Academy of Ophthalmology has shared that a cold compress for 15-20 minutes on your eyes can help depuff those eye bags at least temporarily.
Provides a glow:
Applying ice onto your face can help constrict the blood flow to the region, and provide you with a healthy looking glow on your skin.
Helps with inflammation:
For those whose faces are inflamed due to acne or allergies or maybe a sunburn, icing can be a great way to soothe it and provide temporary relief to the redness and swelling. Combine this with your skincare and any medication/treatments you have been prescribed for a holistic and therapeutic experience.
Reduces the appearance of pores:
It’s important to understand that pores cannot be enlarged or shrunk; this is just a myth. However, applying ice onto your face can temporarily reduce the appearance of the pores, giving you a smooth surface to apply your skincare and makeup on.
A bonus to the many benefits of applying ice cubes on the face is that it is a fun and refreshing addition to your routine. It wakes you up and soothes you down!
Conclusion
Ice therapy is no rocket science, neither is it any new trend. It’s been tried, tested and many claim it to be a great experience. By knowing the right techniques and products, you ensure that you enjoy the best of ice therapy in the best way possible. So go ahead and try out some ice therapy for your face. Perhaps you too will become an ice queen!
