The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and the latest trend taking over social media is the ice-water facial. While the concept of applying ice to the skin may seem bizarre, it has been a common practice for centuries. In fact, ancient Greeks and Egyptians used cool water submersion to ease muscle fatigue and skin irritation. With the rise of ice baths, it was only a matter of time before the trend made its way to the beauty industry in the form of ice-water facials.
What is an ice-water facial?
An ice-water facial is a simple process that involves submerging your face in a bowl of ice water for 20-30 seconds. While the method may seem straightforward, it has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. Full-body cold plunges have been around for centuries, according to Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Nowadays, facial plunges in ice water are a natural progression.
The benefits of an ice-water facial
The skin-care benefits of an ice-water facial make the practice worth the initial shiver. Dr. Yadav explains that cold plunges reduce inflammation while energizing the skin. Relieving inflammation can help temporarily reduce redness or tenderness in blemishes and rosacea-prone skin.
When the skin interacts with super-cold temperatures, it causes the blood vessels beneath its surface to constrict. This reduces blood flow to that area, which decreases redness, swelling, and puffiness. When the face returns to its normal temperature, capillaries open back up, leaving the skin looking refreshed and bright.
According to board-certified dermatologist Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, cold water helps give the face vitality and more color. It also enhances the brightness of the skin by getting the circulation going and waking up the skin. Cold water is capable of shrinking the pores, which can help make the face less shiny. The size of the pores is considerably reduced, which keeps the number of oils that cover the face to a minimum.
Other benefits of an ice-water facial include calming anxiety and waking you up in the morning, according to Dr. Yadav.
What happened when I tried ice-water facials for a week?
Before starting the ice-water facial experiment, my skin was in a post-travel slump, and my face was puffier than usual. So, I decided to try the ice-water facial for a week and see what happened. Each morning, I filled a bowl with ice water and dunked my face into it for 30 seconds straight. The first couple of days, it took me multiple tries to keep my head underwater for that long, but by day three, I had gotten the hang of it.
While I never looked forward to my morning dip, I did look forward to the way my skin looked afterward. My cheeks looked noticeably less puffy, and the swelling around my eyes and chin diminished. My skin tone looked visibly smoother and more even. So much so that I decided to skip complexion products a few times over the course of the experiment.
Overall, I loved the way my skin looked after a week’s worth of ice baths. However, the process is more work than it’s worth, and the rate it requires me to refill my ice trays simply isn’t sustainable for my lifestyle. Additionally, dumping out the excess post-facial water weighed on my conscience every time.
Alternatives to an ice-water facial
If the morning polar plunge doesn’t appeal to you, there are other ways to use cold therapy to achieve lifted, luminous skin. Dr. Yadav suggests using tools like ice rollers and chilled face globes to accomplish the same effects. You can also refrigerate sheet masks to achieve similar results, albeit on a smaller scale.
In conclusion, an ice-water facial can be an effective way to reduce inflammation and puffiness, leaving the skin looking refreshed and bright. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it is worth trying if you’re looking for a quick and simple way to improve your skin’s appearance. However, if you find the process too cumbersome, there are alternative ways to achieve similar results. Ultimately, it’s important to find a skincare routine that works for you and your lifestyle.
FAQ
How long should you ice bath your face?
It’s about as easy as it sounds to give yourself an ice-water facial: Fill a bowl with water and ice, then immerse your entire face for 20 to 30 seconds. That’s it.
Is soaking your face in ice water good?
Applying ice to the skin has numerous advantages, including improving the appearance of the skin tone, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores, and reducing the appearance of superficial wrinkles. “.
Can I dip my face in ice water everyday?
Avoid immersing your face in cold water for too long as it can irritate your skin. After using it for the first time, be sure to stop using it immediately if you experience any itching or redness. Following this beauty tip, if your skin condition gets worse, see a dermatologist right away to get it treated.
Can I use ice on my face everyday?
If you have dry skin, we advise applying ice to your face every other day or twice a week rather than every day. Daily application of ice to the face can irritate the skin and cause flakiness.
Reference:
https://www.insider.com/trying-the-ice-water-facial-for-a-week-heres-what-happened
https://www.wellandgood.com/ice-water-facial/
