It looks like ‘ice facials’ and ‘face icing’ are trending all over social media. Over on TikTok, videos tagged #icefacial have been viewed more than 600 million times, showing people dunking their faces in sinks full of ice water or gliding ice cubes straight from the freezer over their faces. Here’s the (simple) scoop on the latest beauty hack and a few reasons why you should consider face icing.
An ice facial or face icing is simply the practice of applying ice to the face. It’s nothing new but it has become a pretty popular skincare technique recently thanks to its various benefits. For anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine, face icing presents a simple and cost-effective method that can deliver several benefits, including reducing redness and depuffing.
So, what is face icing exactly?
An ice facial simply refers to the application of ice cubes or cold compresses onto the skin. This cold therapy is well-known for constricting blood vessels, which leads to reduced swelling and inflammation. Some Dermatologists and skin care experts swear by it — supermodel Kate Moss is also a huge fan of the method.
Here’s a few reasons why you should consider face icing.
1. Acne and inflammation reduction:
Face icing helps in reducing inflammation and redness associated with acne. It minimizes the size of pores and the production of excess oil, which are significant concerns for many beauty lovers.
2. Improved blood circulation:
The cooling effect of ice stimulates blood circulation, providing a healthier and more vibrant appearance. Improved circulation aids in the efficient transportation of nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, promoting a youthful glow.
3. Puffiness and wrinkle reduction:
For anyone who experience puffiness around the eyes or are noticing the onset of wrinkles, face icing can be a life-saver. The cold temperature helps to temporarily tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and under-eye bags.
4. Cost-effective and natural:
Face icing is an economical alternative to high-priced creams and treatments. It’s a natural method without the addition of harmful chemicals, aligning well with the growing trend towards organic and sustainable self-care products.
Here’s how to incorporate face icing into your beauty routine
There’s no right or wrong way to do an ice facial (with the exception of the amount of time your face is exposed to cold conditions) and incorporating face icing into a daily routine is pretty straightforward. Beginners should wrap ice cubes in a soft cloth and gently apply them to the face, moving in circular motions. Focus on areas that are prone to acne, wrinkles, or puffiness. You can also submerge your face in a bowl of ice water, use an ice globe or mask, or try an ice roller.
Follow up your ice facial with a moisturizer or serum of your choice.
Are there any downsides to an ice facial?
Exposure to the cold can be uncomfortable for some. Otherwise, ice facials are generally safe for most people.
However, limit each session to 10-15 minutes ― any longer won’t offer extra benefits and could actually damage the skin in a number of ways.
People with autoimmune disorders, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions should double check with their doctors before trying an ice facial, as they may be extra sensitive to a reduced body temperature or impaired circulation.
Need more? You don’t need to splurge at the spa to make your skin smoother, softer and get deep clean. Here’s how to get your best facial at home in 5 simple steps.
