Ice is an age-old remedy for cooling skin off or relieving swelling and pain. However, did you know that ice has various benefits for your skin? Cold therapy is a secret of many actresses and models as it can work wonders for your skin. It has been used previously in baths and facials and is also incorporated in recent skincare practices.
Many skincare products are available in the market, but if you’re looking for a cheap and sustainable solution, ice is the answer to all your skincare woes. Icing your skin has further gained traction by being a trend on TikTok.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of applying ice on face and how to use ice to get optimal results for your skin.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Ice For Face:
While you may use ice now and then on your skin for different reasons, it is natural to wonder about the benefits of applying ice on face. Luckily, there are many and you will add ice to your daily skincare regime when you get to know about them.
1. Controls acne breakouts
Is acne troubling you? Here’s something that would help. Ice constricts blood vessels which can eliminate pain and inflammation due to cystic acne. It also reduces redness that may occur as a result of the acne. You can alternate ice and a warm compress as it can help improve blood circulation and provide relief. You can also opt for cryotherapy because it can give you more promising results. Though ice is a safe solution to combat acne, it may not help with all kinds of acne.
2. Reduces aging effects
Icing your face can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, leaving your skin looking smooth and youthful. Massaging your skin with ice can minimize pores and prevent the appearance of wrinkles by narrowing your blood vessels.
3. Makes makeup last longer
If you are a fan of Korean skincare, you must be aware that ice makes makeup last longer. As ice chills your face and closes your pores, it improves the absorption of moisturizer or primers, keeping your makeup intact for more time. According to the Korean glass skin regime, dip your face in icy water for a few minutes, then dry it and apply your makeup. Icing your face can also give your skin a cleaner look, giving you the perfect makeup look.
4. Treats sunburn
In this sweltering Pakistani summer, you may get a sunburn if you expose yourself to the sun. Ice is the perfect solution to treat the sunburn. Applying ice on the area on your face where there is a sunburn can provide an instant cooling effect and counteract the effects of a sunburn. It can also relieve inflammation and redness due to sunburn. It can also numb your face and alleviate pain.
5. Improves under-eye bags
Your eyes can become puffy due to genetics, allergies, lack of sleep, or crying. Under-eye bags can leave you displeased with your looks by making your eyes puffy. If you often go through this, ice is the perfect remedy for it. Rubbing ice under your eyes constricts blood vessels and rids your skin of inflammation and puffiness. If you are icing your face for this purpose, you should use an ice pack instead of ice cubes.
6. Refreshes your skin
Ice is made of water, which is an essential component for keeping your skin clean and hydrated. Applying ice can provide your skin with water and can prevent signs of tiredness or fatigue. Take an ice cube in the morning and rub it on your skin as it can revitalize it, making it look fresh. Moreover, it can provide your skin with an instant cooling effect when you come home after a hot day. The high temperature outside can make your skin warm and oily, and ice is the perfect way to soothe it.
7. Convenient and cost effective
While the market is flooded with skin products with hefty price tags, ice is a simple and cost-effective solution to make your skin glow. It can be a soothing ingredient for acne and other issues that can cause inflammation without costing you anything.
How To Safely Use Ice On Your Face?
Ice can be a great home remedy to treat your skin, but it is essential to apply it correctly as rubbing ice directly on your face can cause skin irritation. The best way to use ice for face is by taking a few ice cubes and wrapping them in a thin cloth. Once done, lightly massage your face in circular motions with this ice pack. You can also try cryotherapy or other cold facials from a verified dermatologist as they may provide better results.
Tips For Applying Ice On Your Face
Using ice for your skin seems like a simple task, but some tips can help make the practice more fruitful for you.
1. Use a soft cloth:
Rough clothes can damage your skin when you rub them against it. Ensure that you use a soft cloth to wrap the ice cubes in. Moreover, using a clean cloth is important, as using a dirty cloth may be counterproductive.
2. Apply on a clean face:
Before using anything on your face, it is vital to clean it thoroughly for the desired results. Remove your makeup and wash your face with water. You can also use a facewash for deep cleansing.
3. Moisturize your skin:
Your skin may appear dry when you overdo ice therapy as it can prevent oil secretion on your skin. Moisturizing your skin after ice therapy can lock in your skin’s moisture and give it a fresh appearance.
4. Keep your sessions short:
Ice can reap many benefits for your skin, but overdoing it can be detrimental to your skin. Doing it for extended periods increases the risk of frostbite and may not be as helpful. Instead, do it for a shorter time to make it more effective.
5. Use ice in the morning:
Ice can give your skin a much-needed jolt in the morning. It can reduce puffiness and tighten your pores to make it appear smoother. It also prepares the skin for makeup application.
6. Exercise caution:
Handle ice with care while holding it or applying it to your face. You should not hold it in one place, as it can lead to a frostbite. Moreover, wrap it in a cloth instead of keeping it in your hand for too long.
7. Check skin sensitivity:
If you have overly sensitive skin, you should consider consulting a skin doctor to ensure it is safe for you to use. Sensitive skin is usually more susceptible to dryness and irritation. If you feel your skin getting excessively dry or irritated, lower the frequency and timing of your sessions.
8. Customize your ice cubes:
Who says that the only option for ice cubes has to be plain water? You can infuse your ice with skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera, coffee cucumber, and mint. These ingredients can improve your ice therapy results as they contain antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin.
How Often Should You Ice Your Face?
You can use ice on your face once a day regularly if you want to add it to your skincare routine. Being consistent can provide better results. However, if you have sensitive skin, you should limit ice usage on your face as it can have adverse effects. One session of applying ice on your face should range from 5 to 15 minutes, but it may depend on your skin type. Start with a short session and see how it affects your skin. After that, you can alter the duration according to your skin’s needs. If you experience any negative outcomes, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
A recent TikTok trend of Korean skincare has brought back the ancient remedy of applying ice on your skin due to its various uses and benefits. Ice can constrict blood vessels and is often used for many health issues. You can also use it for your skin as it is affordable and easy to use. Ice can be beneficial for your skin, because it reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and reduces pain. It can provide relief to acne-prone or sunburnt skin. It is also an effective solution for under-eye bags as ice can reduce face puffiness. Moreover, it can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, giving you glowing and younger-looking skin.
Instead of rubbing ice cubes on your face directly, wrap them in a thin cloth to prevent frostbite and skin irritation. Additionally, follow the simple tips above to increase the benefits of using ice on your skin. Those with sensitive skin should use ice with caution and consult a dermatologist if it irritates your skin. The best time to apply ice is in the morning but you can alter when and how you use ice cubes. You can also infuse ice with ingredients beneficial for your skin to enhance its effects. Lastly, you can apply ice every day for a few minutes, but you may need to avoid or limit it if you have sensitive skin. The effect of facial icing may depend on your skin type so use it however it suits you.
