The Rise of Ice Facials: The New Skincare Trend
Move over, gua sha and jade rollers — the hottest, new skincare trend is, well, ice.
The Popularity of Cold Plunges and Ice Baths
Using cold as a therapy to treat inflammation by way of ice baths has been touted by fitness gurus and celebrities alike. Cold plunges rapidly gained popularity last year. Even Jennifer Aniston splashes ice water on her face every day, she dished to Allure last fall.
The Rise of Ice Facials
Ice facials, though, are beginning to rise to the top, with the hashtag scoring more than 700 million views on TikTok. Users gush that the ice-cold technique curbs acne and sculpts their swollen faces in the morning.
The Basics of Ice Facials
“At its most basic form, it involves gently rubbing ice or an ice rolling tool over your face in a circular motion as part of your daily skincare regimen,” explained board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.
Affordability and Convenience
The routine is likely gaining popularity due to its ease, affordability, and supposed benefits that can be obtained in the comfort of your own home, she added.
The Benefits and Duration
While the skincare method is said to reduce redness, puffiness, fine lines, acne, and more, experts are divided over how long the benefits last.
Potential Risks of Ice Facials
Aesthetic nurse practitioner Chris Bustamante warned that the effects of ice facials are usually temporary, wearing off after just a few hours. There’s also the question of safety, as exposure to the cold can cause skin conditions to flare up and icing for too long can actually damage the skin. Those with sensitive skin might find the sensation uncomfortable rather than soothing.
Precautions for Ice Facials
If bare skin is exposed to ice for more than 15 minutes, there is a risk of developing an ice burn or frostbite. Those with rosacea could even see more redness post-ice facial, and the treatment could aggravate the symptoms of skin conditions triggered by cold temperatures. Experts also warned that those with autoimmune disorders should consult their healthcare provider as they could be more susceptible to the cold.
Best Practices for Ice Facials
While there’s no “right” way to go about icing your complexion, cleanliness is key. It is recommended to start with a cleansed face, wash reusable products, and use filtered or distilled water. Applying an ice cube directly to the face is not advised, as the freezing temperature could potentially damage the skin barrier and have the opposite effect desired.
Follow-Up Skincare Routine
After an ice facial, experts encourage following with a full skincare routine or at least moisturizer. Using a lotion with humectants, like glycerin, can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Listen to Your Skin
If your skin has an adverse reaction to ice facials, it’s important to prioritize comfort over the pursuit of youth. Discontinue application immediately if you experience discomfort or negative reactions.