Every A-lister, from Kate Hudson to Katrina Kaif, swears by ice bath facials as their morning habit of choice. However, does submerge one’s face in icy water work? Dr. Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founder of the Influenza Hair and Skin Clinic, explains the facts.

What Are an Ice Facial and an Ice Bath?

It is sometimes referred to as a cryo facial since cold temperatures are used to revitalize the skin. This form of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been used to contour the body (via a procedure called cool sculpting). The original cryo facial includes blasting the face with liquid nitrogen, which freezes the skin and aids in exfoliation and skin renewal. As there is a considerable danger of ice burn, pigmentary changes, nerve damage, and even blistering, a trained professional should only perform a classic liquid nitrogen facial.

Due to its ease, accessibility, and multiple benefits, the ice facial has become increasingly popular among celebrities.

Advantages Of Ice Facial

• Putting your face in an ice bath first in the morning is a great way to wake up quickly. However, this is not the only benefit of having an ice bath. Most of the benefits of an ice facial can be attributed to the cold temperature of the ice. There is more to ice in skincare than meets the eye. We have all observed our elders using ice to burn irritated skin.

• Ice or any cool temperature lowers blood flow to the area, decreasing redness and flushing. This is how it relieves sunburn and inflammation of the skin.

• It also encourages lymphatic drainage of the skin, thereby reducing puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes.

• Cold temperatures induce piloerection, which temporarily constricts open pores. This can also be utilized as a natural skin primer before makeup application. Try icing your face before applying makeup to see if you can get an airbrush finish.

However, there are a few situations where icing will not help.

• Acne is caused by the hyperactivity of oil glands, with or without hormonal fluctuations. Icing does not help acne in any way.
• Induction of collagen and skin tightening: Induction of collagen and elastin results in skin tightening advantages. This is achieved using thermage, ultherapy, dermal fillers, and threads. No definitive studies confirm the anti-aging benefits of ice.
• Improvement in wrinkles Excessive muscle activity is the cause of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is the only wrinkle therapy supported by clinical evidence.

Precautions During an Ice Facial

• Use a clean setup, including clean hands, a washed face before applying ice, and ice cubes from a clean ice tray filled with clean water.
• Never use ice for more than 10 minutes at a time or more than three times a week. Ironically, ice is also capable of causing “ice burn.” Therefore, be cautious.
• If your skin is sensitive, avoid applying ice straight to it. In such situations, cover the ice with muslin.

Examples of Ice Facial

Do not limit yourself to water when utilizing an ice facial in your skincare regimen. You can convert your “plain Jane” ice cubes into something unusual and compelling. Use green tea water ice cubes, aloe vera ice cubes, and rose water ice cubes if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Milk and malai-based ice cubes provide dry skin with the benefits of both icing and milk peel.