Skin icing is a trend that involves gently rubbing ice cubes – or an ice roller – over the face in circles as a form of ice therapy. Facial icing is gaining popularity and is usually done as part of a skincare routine in the morning. It is a year-round skincare strategy that apparently has many frosty benefits:
Reduces Swelling
Icing your face helps to minimise inflammation and puffiness. The cold helps with lymphatic drainage to drain excess fluids and minimise puffiness. Rub the ice from your inner eye corner, upwards, and towards your brow bone. Your puffiness will reduce and you will appear less tired.
Minimise Pores
The cold constricts blood vessels in the face. This temporarily lessens the appearance of pores and gives a brighter glow.
Eases Acne & Sunburn
If using ice on acne, change the cloth and ice for different areas of the skin to avoid spreading bacteria. When you spend too much time in the sun, icing your face can soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
Improves Circulation
Ice cubes improve circulation in the skin to help achieve a healthy glow. The ice shrinks pores and improves the flow of oxygen, nutrients and vitamins to your face. Your skin will look more radiant.
Best Method
For best results cleanse your face before icing. If you don’t have a roller, you can wrap the ice cubes in a cotton cloth (or soft paper towel) to stop direct contact with the skin. You must have a barrier between the ice and the skin to avoid irritation, dryness, redness, and ice burns. Limit the ice to 5 minutes or less – and don’t use ice more than once a day. After icing continue with your regular skincare routine making sure to moisturise. You can also plunge your face into a bowl of ice cubes – but not for too long!
Facial Icing Ingredients
The ice does not have to be only water. Aloe Vera ice can be very beneficial for the skin – check out our SkinBase Aloe Vera. You could also mix with green tea, caffeine or even milk!
Is Facial Icing Beneficial?
So the bottom line is that yes, facial icing is beneficial. Just remember to put a barrier between your delicate facial skin and the cubes so you don’t damage your skin barrier.
