If you’ve been keeping up with the latest trends in the skincare world, then you’ve likely heard people talking about ice facials. This procedure involves massaging ice around the face. If you’re interested in doing it yourself, then it’s important to understand the ice facial benefits as well as the risks that go with it. In this article, you’ll discover not only the benefits but also some tips to help you perfect the technique.
Overview of Ice Facials
Let’s start by considering what exactly an ice facial is. When talking about facials, you might instantly think of a day at a spa or a beauty salon. You enjoy a good body rest on a facial bed while a therapist or attendant massages your face with some special serums. However, an ice facial is a bit different.
The idea behind an ice facial is to introduce your skin to cold temperatures. It requires the use of ice cubes or specialized tools such as ice rollers to get the job done.
Main Ice Facial Benefits
There are several benefits that you can expect from an ice facial. So, when asking “What does icing your face do?”, you’ll find the following as some of the advantages.
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It can make you glow instantly: Many people find immediate results after an ice facial. It lessens the fatigue on your skin and improves blood flow giving you glowing and youthful-looking skin in an instant.
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It can soothe acne: If you’re struggling with breakouts, you might ask, “Does ice help acne?” The short answer is yes. Ice helps soothe the symptoms of acne, promotes faster healing, and reduces the appearance of acne scars.
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Calms inflammation: Ice facial might just be what you need if you’re dealing with skin inflammations. The icy temperature can help ease inflammation especially when your pimples are swollen.
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Exfoliates the skin: An ice facial can also be a great way to exfoliate your skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells on your face and can offer long-term benefits. Since this facial treatment uses ice only, your skin is spared of the harsh exfoliating agents that can sometimes be damaging.
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Soothes blemishes: As mentioned above, ice facials can reduce skin inflammation and soothe acne. Controlling skin blemishes is also one of the many benefits of icing the face. The process reduces redness and swelling and increases blood circulation, therefore minimizing the appearance of skin blemishes.
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Reduces pore size: Large pores can be visible and can become clogged easily. Having ice facials as part of your beauty routine can shrink your pores over time. Do this skincare technique regularly and you’ll start to see this benefit in a few weeks.
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Increases absorption: Ice facials can also enhance product absorption into your skin. This can help maximize the benefits of facial products, and help you address specific skin problems faster.
Perfect Your Ice Facial with These Tips
Remember that understanding the ice facial benefits is very important before you do it as a skincare practice. To know the right steps is another thing. Make sure that you do the ice facial procedure correctly to avoid damaging your skin in the process.
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Wash your face and hands: Start on a clean canvas. Begin by washing your hands, then your face. Use a gentle cleanser to get rid of dead skin cells on your face. Pat your skin with a clean towel after washing.
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Sanitize and clean your ice tray before using: Sanitizing your ice tray is a must before placing your ice cubes. Further, clean the tray properly each time you do your ice facial.
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Wrap several ice cubes in a clean towel: Get a handful of ice cubes and neatly wrap them with a clean towel. Do not put ice directly onto your skin to prevent ice burn.
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Apply moisturizer and/or serum before: If you are using icing tools such as ice rollers and your skin is sensitive, it’s a good idea to apply a thin layer of moisturizer or serum before you start. This will protect your skin from the icy temperature of the roller. Using this method enhances the absorption of the moisturizers into your skin. A gentle and revitalizing product like the Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer can help you achieve youthful skin along with your facials. A moisturizer should always be part of the entire process and even in your general skincare routine, as it helps to ensure your skin doesn’t become excessively dry.
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Ice your skin: Massage the wrapped ice cubes onto your face. At this point, you must focus on areas that you want to target with the therapy.
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Keep the ice cubes moving: Massage your ice pack onto your face in a circular motion. Do not keep the ice pack on the same spot for too long as this can cause damage to your skin. Constantly move the wrapped ice cubes around on your face for full coverage without damaging your skin.
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Dry your skin gently: When you’ve completed the facial, gently pat and dry your skin with a soft and clean towel. Avoid rubbing the towel on your skin to avoid further damage.
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Apply a moisturizing serum after: Applying your skincare products after your ice facial is good especially if you have normal to oily skin. The skincare product Stemnucell Dermal Regeneration Serum is an excellent choice to use after your facial for rejuvenated and youthful skin. Its active ingredients help your skin feel smoother and can fade signs of aging. Use this regularly to boost long-term skin health.
Doing ice facials regularly can help you maintain healthy-looking skin. However, if you are struggling with skin issues like acne, you should consider checking your serums whether they are helping or not. Consider switching out your regeneration serum for the Zeroblem Blemish Treatment Serum. Its high concentration provides spot treatment allowing your acne to heal faster. It also reduces future breakouts and improves the overall condition of your skin.
Should Some People Avoid Ice Facials?
While we have mentioned some ice facial benefits, it’s important to note that this method might be risky for some people. It is critical to know your skin type and condition before you practice this technique to avoid further damage.
You need to be careful when doing ice facials if you have thin or sensitive skin. Cold temperatures may cause your skin to become irritated and appear red. You can layer your skin with your moisturizer and serums before doing ice facials especially if you’re using ice rollers.
Skip this procedure if you have broken capillaries. These are tiny blood vessels that appear like spider webs on the face. Applying cold therapy might worsen the condition and prevent healing.
You should also avoid an ice facial if you recently had a procedure done on your face such as laser treatments or cosmetic surgery. It’s best to wait until you’ve fully recovered before doing your ice facials.
If you have any concerns with your skin, it’s best to see a dermatologist before you use an ice facial. They can provide experts’ advice on whether it’s a safe option for you.
Ice Facial FAQs
Is ice good for your face every day?
You can do ice facials daily for a maximum of 10 minutes only. Massage your wrapped ice cubes in a constant circular motion and avoid staying in one area for a long time. Prolonged exposure to ice can cause damage to your skin.
Should I do an ice facial before or after face wash?
It’s important to wash your face before you do an ice facial to make sure you get the maximum benefits.
How long do the effects of an ice facial last?
It depends on a couple of things. If you do this daily at home, then you might notice results that last for months if you are consistent enough. Professional treatments usually offer results for up to one month.
Does icing your face increase collagen production?
When you use ice on your face, it can help to improve blood circulation. This, in turn, gives your skin access to more oxygen and nutrients, and it may sometimes result in better collagen production.
Key Takeaway
With the new trends in the skincare world, people get a myriad of options that they can choose from. One of the latest ones is the ice facial. With the ice facial benefits mentioned above, this do-it-at-home therapy can be very helpful in maintaining long-lasting skin health. However, you also need to understand the risks so it is essential to know your skin conditions. Doing it properly should help you achieve healthy, younger-looking skin.
References
1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9821281/
2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435
3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25654195/
Dr. Ahmed Zayad
Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.
