The science behind face in ice therapy

In recent decades, beauty gurus have discussed the simple but effective technique of dipping your face in water. This took a new turn when skincare enthusiasts started considering ice therapy. It is a method that can reward you with beautiful skin. But you should know that this home remedy is not something new.

Ice cubes have proven beneficial for our skin, particularly during summer. We all know how terrible our skin feels during the summer months. Dipping our faces in ice can provide relief from the heavy sweating and the scorching hot weather.

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Besides keeping the skin cool, consider putting your face in ice to keep your make-up in place for a long time. But before you do that, let us dig into this blog to examine the science behind this therapy.

Decoding the latest trend: Dipping your face in ice

The therapy of face icing has its roots in different cultures. It has been used for centuries as a therapeutic and beauty treatment.

The idea is pretty straightforward. You are exposing your skin to ice-cold temperatures for short periods to reap its benefits. With the surge of social media, this therapy is a trendy and easy skincare hack that is going around now.

This practice is about unlocking the benefits of cold therapy for human skin. One of the significant aspects to understand here is how ice-cold water works for your skin. When ice-cold water is applied, the blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow in that area. With the skin warming up, the vessels dilate, initiating increased flow of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, what you get is a healthy and glowing complexion.

What are the benefits of using ice water for the face?

Now that we have a better understanding of the use of ice water for face, let us take a look at some of the benefits that come with it:

• Prevents and heals acne

One of the most significant benefits of ice is its anti-inflammatory properties that help heal and reduce acne. It soothes the inflamed skin and decreases the size of the pores. It also reduces the extra production of sebum, which is the main culprit behind acne.

• Puffy eyes reduction

There are many reasons which can lead to puffy eyes. However, one of the biggest reasons is lack of sleep and eye strain. We have already highlighted the anti-inflammatory nature of ice. Therefore, it reduces the swelling of the eyes quickly.

Start applying ice on the affected areas, and your beautiful eyes will quickly get back in shape. You can even add a little black coffee to your ice cube to notice even faster results.

• Eliminates signs of ageing

No one is a fan of wrinkles on their face because it indicates ageing. While you cannot reverse or stop this natural phenomenon, you can certainly control it. Regularly applying ice cubes on the skin is a great way to keep the visible indicator of ageing away from your face.

Also read: Ageing skin: Signs, treatment, prevention

• Skin exfoliation

Ice can give you instant results by acting as a natural exfoliator. For the best results, add some ice to a bowl of milk and then rub the cubes on your face. The lactic acid in milk assists in clearing all the dead skin cells. It is also great for improving your natural glow and radiance.

• Dark circle elimination

Rubbing ice cubes under the eyes can be the best remedy to eliminate dark circles naturally. You can mix some cucumber juice with boiled rose water. First, you must freeze the mixture and then apply the cubes to the area. However, remember that this remedy takes a little time to show results.

• Glowing and radiant skin

We all are constantly striving for radiant and glowing skin. To achieve this, we often lean towards pricey products. But don’t worry about burning a hole in your pockets anymore because we have a cost-effective remedy in the form of ice cubes. Applying ice to your face enhances blood circulation and makes it look bright. Additionally, it improves the skin's oxygen level and supplies essential vitamins and nutrients.

What routine should you follow when using ice on the face?

Are you trying to unlock the power of adding ice therapy to your skincare regimen? We've got you covered! Here are the steps you need to follow for ice for face therapy:

• Cleansing

You should always begin your skincare routine with a blank canvas. That is why cleansing your face should be your top priority. We recommend using the Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash 100 ml. This 100% soap-free gel face wash is ideal for every skin type.

Also read: 7 must-follow proper face cleansing steps

• Making the ice water

After filling a bowl with cold water, add some ice cubes. Wait until it reaches the desired temperature.

• Dip the face

For 10 to 15 seconds, submerge your face in the ice-cold water. You can also rub some ice cubes in a handkerchief on your skin. Massage your face gently with circular motions for the same duration. Once you are done, pat your face dry with a clean towel.

• Moisturize

Follow it with a moisturiser to hydrate and protect your skin with a barrier. We recommend the Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72 Hour Hydration 50 ml. It offers you up to 72 hours of hydration.

• Sunscreen

Before going out, consider sunscreen like the Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen SPF 50+ | 50 ml to shield your skin.

Also read: Sunscreen Basics: Does Sunscreen Expire And How Long It Lasts

Precautions to keep in mind while face icing

While you are all set to implement this to your skincare routine before we bid our goodbyes for now, let’s take a look at a few things you need to keep in mind during face icing:

• Don't apply too much pressure when massaging your face with ice.
• Steer clear from prolonged exposure to extreme cold, as it can harm your skin.
• Avoid using any broken ice, and consider using whole cubes.
• If you have pre-existing skin conditions, it is always a good idea to consult an expert before implementing this.

Parting Thoughts

Putting one’s face in ice is one of the oldest practices among people of every age. As you already know, there are many benefits to implementing this therapy. However, ensure you adhere to the precautions for the best results.