Have you ever thought of using ice on your skin? If it makes you think you will turn into the Iceman, you need to pay attention to what we have to say. It's similar to keeping your skincare products in the refrigerator; you can opt for skin icing therapy for your evening and morning regime to get beautiful-looking skin. This type of treatment isn't anything new, as it has been performed in skincare clinics and in spas to treat spider veins, using Cryo 6, which is the latest technique of sclerotherapy. In addition, professionals have used it in cryotherapy, this treatment is done using a cold compress or temperature, and for CoolSculpting which is the process of diminishing the fat cells. Also, it has been used in the skincare regime of Korean females.
To know in detail about this ide therapy for skin, we have invited the advice of Hadley King, who is a popular dermatologist, and Candace Marino, who is a celebrity facialist.
Read on to know more about how ice application on the skin can give you better benefits.
Skin icing definition
This is a type of cryotherapy, where ice is pressed on the skin for some minutes, and it gets rid of blemishes, redness, exfoliation, and puffiness.
More on skin icing
The basic type of skin icing is putting an ice cube under your eyes to get rid of puffiness. This is an old treatment method, where we have used cool cucumber on the skin, or a cool spoon to reduce puffiness. Other than these old tactics, you must know that science has already backed up this treatment. When you apply ice directly to your face, the blood cells are stored in that area. You can think of how after a small winter walk, your cheeks become red. This is the same theory, that it tightens and soothes the skin in a better way. This is also known as ice facial, and it's a part of cryotherapy, and in this treatment airy nitrogen is used on the skin surface like on the neck, scalp, and face.
The use of ice on skin has been a skincare ritual from the old times. Catherine the Russian empress used to apply ice every morning on her neck, face, and décolletage to get a bright appearance. Although there are costly face therapies, sometimes, the normal and simplest things come to profuse help.
What are the advantages of skin icing therapy?
- Get rid of inflammation: You need to think about it in a casual way, like when you are injured or some part of your body has swelled and the physician has recommended ice to apply on those areas. However, for skin icing, it will be on the aesthetic section, states Marino. Several people suffer from skin issues like rosacea, and acne, which can create severe inflammation, and skin icing can help reduce the discomfort.
- The smaller size of pores: if you are worried about excessive and larger pores on your skin, you can apply ice to it. The application will make your skin smoother than before.
- Skin exfoliation: According to King, with the use of cryotherapy, the skin cells rejuvenate, and exfoliate the dead cells from the surface. This way you will get smooth and even skin.
- Get rid of blemishes: if you have redness or acne and swelling it can be soothed with ice application on the skin. Medications, cannot reach the bacteria residing in the pores, ice can the antibacterial medicines and antibiotics to enter the acne bumps.
The preparation for skin icing treatment
You need to prepare your skin before you put ice over it, states King. You need to clean your face thoroughly and apply a moisturizing cream or lotion, which will act as a protection from the direct cold feeling. Also, you must not expose your skin to the sun before or after the treatment, because it can irritate the skin easily. Marino further adds that you need to use a clean roller.
Things to expect during the skin icing procedure
King states that liquid nitrogen is vaporized and then applied to the skin, which is not too cold. The cold nitrogen is applied through a pipe or a hose, and after the application, it's removed in a distance place so, it doesn't burn your skin surface. In addition, the professional does not feel the cold temperature, says King. She also adds that, as the therapy extends, the user and the professional will start to feel the cold, but the treatment is only for ten minutes.
Side effects of this therapy
According to King, Cryotherapy should be applied by a professional and with deft hands, only then it can avoid the risks of nerve damage, frostbite, and burns. This treatment is also beneficial for those with paler skin types because tan or darker complexion can face the issue of discoloration. However, it's safe for all skin types, but still, as King warns, if you have sensitive skin, you must avoid this therapy.
The price of this treatment
The price can be from fifty dollars to one fifty, as it will depend on the place you are getting this therapy. You can also opt for a home kit, Cryopdrop from Sio Beauty, which can cost one hundred and fifteen dollars. Although it's pricey, it's made of high-quality steel, the package comes with a magnetic charge and it fixes your skin immediately. Besides, if you are looking for an affordable rate, you can opt for the Ice Therapy Device Ice Coolie from Skin Gym, the cost of this device is thirty dollars. Using this, you will get a brighter glow on your skin.
What to do after the treatment?
According to King, you need to stay away from physical or chemical exfoliation and avoid using products that can irritate your skin. You can use warm water and a gentle cleanser. You can use Daily Facial Cleanser from Cetaphil, you can get it at only eleven dollars, and it's perfect for all types of skin. And at last, if you are going out then, apply an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Bottom Line
The tools for cold treatment are beneficial for reducing face puffiness, redness and inflammation. It also stimulates blood circulation and gives better smoothness to the skin. The cold touch can block the blood vessels in one place, and it can reduce face puffiness, but you have to be careful while using the tools, else it can burn your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should be the routine for skin icing?
You can try icing on your face twice or more in one day.
- Can skin icing remove under-eye dark circles?
The icing on the skin is a proven method to treat under-eye dark circles. However, if you have a genetic issue, or it's occurring for your age, you can consult a skin specialist and opt for filler and topical solutions.
- When should I Ice my skin?
If you want to add ice application to your skincare regime, you have to clean your face first, and after that apply ice. Next, you have to apply a cream or a lotion that will moisturize your skin. If you have to go out in the sun, you have to use sunscreen, and you must avoid retinol, toner, or any product that can exfoliate your skin.
