Know the Benefits of Ice on Face for Glowing Skin

Applying ice to your face has always been advocated by top facialists and makeup artists. Cool sculpting has also been a mainstay in Korean culture. The ‘ice on face’ ritual offers a multitude of skincare benefits, including calming redness, inflammation, blemish control, and tightening properties. Research has also corroborated that focused cold therapy is a safe and effective alternative to invasive wrinkle-reducing treatments.

Lately, ‘ice therapy’ has been touted as celebrities' go-to secret for fresh and glowing skin. Many B-town actresses like Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, and Tamannah Bhatia are not only die-hard fans of skin icing but also boast about it on their ’Gram feeds. So, if you’re having any doubts about putting ice cubes on your face, we’re here to tell you that skin icing is the secret to a healthy glow.

Ice facials, professionally called cryotherapy, are a treatment where the skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a few minutes. It works to stimulate blood circulation and reduce signs of ageing and puffiness. Remember the time when we used to place an icy cold spoon around our eyes to calm and reduce under-eye puffiness? Well, that is one part of ice therapy. There are multiple benefits of applying ice on your face, which might convince you to incorporate it into your daily skincare regimen.

Here is a brief guide on ice facial benefits and how to get that natural glow you’ve been looking for.

Benefits of Applying Ice on Face

There are several benefits of ice on the face, from reducing inflammation to minimising pores on your face, applying ice on face is advantageous for a myriad of reasons.

1. Soothes Redness and Inflammation

When you apply ice to your face, it quickly and effectively reduces redness and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels. Ice your face for several minutes and let it work its magic.

2. Reduces the Appearance of Pores

It is not uncommon for people with oily or combination skin to have enlarged pores, inviting blackheads and acne. Rubbing ice on the face can help eliminate dirt and impurities from these open pores and reduce their appearance on the skin.

3. Facilitates Better Absorption of Products

When you put ice on your face, it restricts the capillaries and creates a pulling effect that helps products penetrate deeper into the skin. For instance, when you apply a serum, moisturiser, or toner after an ice therapy session, it absorbs deeper and gives you better and faster results.

4. Gives a Healthy Glow

Applying ice on your face can also help you get that radiant glow without any blush or highlighters. Rubbing ice on the face stimulates blood circulation in your skin, leading to enhanced oxygen flow for an inherent glow.

5. Prevents New Acne Eruptions

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ice is touted as an effective remedy for acne, too. The topical use of ice regulates sebum production, preventing fresh bumps and eruptions on the face.

6. Reverses Skin Ageing

Regular use of ice on the face is associated with a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The process also makes your skin look more taut, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

7. Removes Under Eye Bags

Didn’t get your beauty sleep last night? Fret not! Grab some ice and massage it on the concerned areas a.k.a. the worrisome bags. When this under-eye skin is warmed right after, blood vessels enlarge instantly to facilitate better blood flow. This exponentially decreases the puffiness, making your gaze brighter and tighter.

8. Treats Bites and Burns

Has the mighty summer sun unleashed its wrath on you? Use a cold compress to alleviate these sunburns in a jiffy. You can also use a combination of ice and soothing aloe vera extracts for the best results.

Different Types of Ice Cubes to Try for an Ice Facial

The benefits of rubbing ice on face can be made more beneficial when different elements are added to the water and frozen for the nutrients of the ingredients to seep into the skin slowly. Some of the ingredients we recommend are:

Aloe Ice Cubes

Aloe vera gel for skin soothes irritated skin, itchy skin and hydrates dry, sensitive skin. When frozen with some water, these aloe ice cubes act as an instant de-puffer for inflamed skin and hydrate from within. It also soothes any burns or redness and calms irritated skin.

Green Tea Ice Cubes

Green tea, when frozen and used as an ice sculptor, can help improve blood circulation, reduce puffiness, and control acne flare-ups. They are power-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin.

Turmeric and Saffron Ice Cubes

Turmeric and saffron are known for their healing and brightening properties, they tend to also reduce inflammation significanlty and provide a relaxing experience with a visible radiance.

How to Use Ice on Face for a Refreshing Facial at Home

You would never know the benefits of rubbing ice on your face if you do not try it yourself. You can reap the ice facial benefits by incorporating it into your beauty routine in the following two ways -

Method 1: Ice Bowl

Take a bowl and fill it with chilled or normal water and 15-20 ice cubes. Dip your face in the bowl for a few seconds. Repeat and enjoy the benefits of icing your face.

Method 2: Ice Massage

Cover a few ice cubes in a thin muslin cloth or handkerchief. Gently rub it on your face in an upward or circular motion. Pat dry with a soft towel.

When It’s Best to Avoid Ice on Your Face

The best time to avoid ice-ing your face is when you have extremely thin and sensitive skin. Ice can sometimes burn your skin and give you a rash, especially if your skin is super inflamed. It’s also best to avoid putting ice on your face during the cold weather, as it can dry out your skin, or even trigger your sinuses. If you have active acne, open wounds, or scars, it’s best to avoid putting ice on your face.

Tips For Facial Icing

While skin icing is known to be a safe and effective technique, consult your dermatologist before indulging in the facial. Ensure you use a dedicated ice tray for the cubes you’ll be using on your skin, and avoid re-using the same cube more than once. Wash your hands and face thoroughly before rubbing the ice on your skin and keep a tissue handy to wipe off excess liquid. Lastly, to avoid an ice burn, don’t hold the ice cube in your hand for too long and use a washcloth as a barrier between the ice and your skin.

Explore the Best Ice Face Massagers

Keep these ice facial rollers and face massage machines handy!

1. Matra Ice Globes Facial Massager Roller Tool for Anti-Aging & Face Lifting

Made with premium quality, non-toxic glass with anti-freeze liquid, this ice globe for the face is 100% safe for your skin. It restores your skin’s natural vibrancy, reverses signs of ageing, boosts lymphatic drainage, and leaves you with a brighter and enhanced complexion. Just pop this magic wand in the fridge for 30 minutes and use it for a rejuvenating experience.

2. Nykaa Naturals Ice Roller for De-puffing and Face Toning Massage

The sun, pollution, and winds can be harsh on your skin. Thankfully, ice rollers exist. Nykaa Naturals’ Ice Roller for De-puffing and Face Toning Massage calms your skin and gives it a soothing feeling. This ice facial roller can be used under your eyes to reduce fatigue. It tightens the skin, reduces swelling and irritation, and boosts blood circulation.

3. House Of Beauty Pink Ice Roller

Make The House Of Beauty Pink Ice Roller your BFF if you are looking for instant relief from skin inflammation and stress. This handheld massage roller harnesses the power of cold to soothe your skin and reduce redness, irritation, and swelling. It depuffs the eyes and can help in reducing the appearance of pores, too. Moreover, it stimulates blood circulation and oxygenates the skin. Rest the roller in the fridge for just 10 minutes and roll it over your skin to get the amazing benefits of rubbing ice on your face.

Adding it to your morning skincare routine can get you maximum ice facial benefits, but you can also use ice cubes on your face at night to treat facial inflammation and redness.

Word of Caution: Avoid submerging your face in the ice-cold water for a longer duration. Extreme chilly water can cause skin irritation. Moreover, avoid using ice directly on the skin as it can cause frostbite and numb your skin cells.

Key Takeaways On Benefits Of Ice On Face

Ice facials peaked in popularity ever since we spotted Bollywood celebrities making a compelling case for their effectiveness. An inexpensive, DIY solution to common skin woes, the natural, non-chemically based technique is presented as a logical and sensible alternative to invasive beauty procedures. Better yet, it’s super quick and easy to do, right from the comfort of your home!

FAQs

• Can Ice Damage Your Skin?

  Prolonged exposure to ice can damage your skin and make it itchy and red – verified by the National Library of Medicine. If you have sensitive skin, avoid applying ice cubes directly to your face. Use ice therapy only once a day and for a short while, no more than 4-5 minutes.

• Can I Apply Moisturiser After Rubbing Ice On My Face?

  Yes, it is suggested to moisturise your face after rubbing ice. It will prevent your face from drying out and replenish the lost moisture. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, moisturisers improve skin hydration and increase stratum corneum water content by directly providing water to the skin from their water phase and increasing occlusion to reduce trans-epidermal water loss. They also cover small skin fissures, provide a soothing protective film and protect skin from friction.

• How long should I keep ice on my face?

  You can put ice on your face for 10-15 minutes, if you don’t have extremely dry or sensitive skin, you can go upto 20 minutes, but any more than that can give your face a cold burn.

• Is Ice Water Good for Face Everyday?

  Yes, you can use ice water on your face once every day, ideally, you can do this in the morning. When you wake up from the sleep, your face tends to be the most inflamed.

• Is it better to use plain ice or infused ice cubes?

  It’s always better to use aloe vera, turmeric, green tea, or milky ice on face rather than just water. Using only water can help reduce inflammation, but mixing in some skin-friendly ingredients can also help brighten, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin.

• Can Ice Remove Pimples?

  Putting ice on your face can reduce inflammation but it can’t remove pimples althother. It is ideal not to put ice on active acne, to avoid aggravating it.

• How to Get Glass Skin?

  Read: How To Achieve Glass Skin Naturally At Home: A Complete Guide to get glass-like skin.