From big names in the beauty industry to celebrities, skin icing has everyone vouching for its astounding results. This is one skincare trend you must include in your routine ASAP.
We have put together everything you need to know about icing your face and the benefits included.
● What is skin icing?
● Benefits of skin icing
● Types of skin icing cubes
● How to ice your skin
● Side effects of skin icing
● Conclusion
What is skin icing?
Skin icing means exactly as the name suggests, you ice your skin with frozen water.
When you apply ice cubes to your face it constricts the blood vessels and opens up pores, has anti-ageing properties and increases collagen production.
Skin icing can be categorised as a sibling treatment to cryotherapy, which is a form of cold therapy that uses low temperatures in medical therapy to freeze and remove abnormal tissue (warts and skin tags) and cancers.
How does it work?
The ice cubes are so cold that they slightly damage the top layers of your skin (nothing to worry about) so whatever product you put on post-icing will penetrate deeper, e.g. if you use moisturiser after icing it will be more effective.
Skin icing is particularly very effective in reducing puffiness, especially in areas like the under-eye region.
It’s similar to icing an injury (1), the cold temperatures when applied to the skin constrict the blood vessels which helps reduce the swelling and inflammation. This helps get rid of your puffy eyes and gives you a more refreshed look.
Additionally, the cold temperature can help tighten the skin, making it appear firmer and less saggy.
One of the most sought-after benefits of skin icing is its ability to temporarily minimise the appearance of pores.
When the ice is applied to the skin it constricts the pores and makes them appear smaller and less noticeable resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion.
However, it's important to note that this effect is temporary and to see results in the long term, regular icing is needed to maintain the results.
Cold water has been shown to reduce inflammation and is a common practice post-exercise recovery (2) the same is applied to irritated and inflamed skin.
The cold temperature helps bring down the redness and soothes the skin. It can be particularly beneficial for conditions like acne, sunburn, or allergic reactions.
By reducing inflammation, skin icing helps the skin achieve a more balanced and even-toned complexion.
The ice stimulates blood flow in the skin due to its low temperature. This helps improve circulation in the face by bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells giving it a more healthy and radiant complexion.
Skin icing can also help flush out toxins and waste products that contribute to a more vibrant skin tone.
The best time for skin icing is a pre-skincare routine. The cold tightens the pores creating a smoother surface allowing for better absorption of the subsequent skin care products, such as serums or moisturisers.
The low and cold temperature also helps seal the products, maximising their effectiveness.
Types of skin icing cubes
1. Ice cubes
Simplest and most accessible form of skin icing.
All you have to do is take some off from your ice cube tray, wrap them in a clean cloth and gently massage your face in circular motions.
2. Green tea ice cube
Take the green tea of your choice, and brew it, this one is not for you to enjoy hot straight from the cup, so let it cool down.
Once cool, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. When frozen your green tea ice cubes are ready! They’re full of antioxidant properties that will help soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
3. Aloe vera ice cubes
Break one stem off the aloe vera plant and cut it open to extract the fresh aloe from it then mix it with water and pour into the ice tray and freeze.
Massage these over your face on a hot summer day to soothe and hydrate your skin. If your skin is irritated or inflamed this works as an amazing soother.
4. Chamomile tea ice cubes
Brew some chamomile tea and let it cool then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze it.
To make it a little more fun you can use the trays shaped as gummy bears. Once it's frozen these chamomile ice cubes will help you soothe your sensitive or acne-prone skin.
5. Lemon juice ice cubes
Take juice from a fresh lemon (depending on how much you want to make) mix it with water and freeze it as an ice cube.
While it sounds like a delicious addition to your cocktail this one belongs on your face, it will brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
6. Milk ice cubes
Take fresh raw milk, pour it into the ice cube tray and freeze it. You can also pour it directly into skin ice rollers and use it to massage your face once frozen.
Not only does it help you fight acne and oiliness, but the lactic acid in the milk helps exfoliate and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
7. Cucumber and mint ice cubes
Blend some fresh cucumber slices along with mint leaves and water.
Freeze them and rub them onto your skin when you need to feel cool and refreshed, it also helps reduce puffiness.
8. Tomato juice ice cubes
Blend fresh tomatoes, extract the juice and freeze it.
Once frozen, use the ice cube to massage your skin when you need to reduce oiliness and tighten your pores. Tomato juice is known for its astringent properties.
9. Witch hazel ice cubes
Mix witch hazel with water and freeze it then use it to massage your face.
Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and toning properties, making it great for soothing and tightening the skin.
10. Rosewater ice cubes
Take your rose water, fill the ice cube tray or skin ice roller and freeze it.
Using it to hydrate your skin also leaves behind a lovely scent and can help balance the skin's pH levels.
3 year of Assistant professor in P.G college Ghaziabad, worked as Dietitian at MAX Patparganj
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