WHAT IS SKIN ICING AND ITS BENEFITS?

July 1, 2022 | withSimplicity

When you think of skincare, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is rubbing an ice cube over your face. But, it does sound intriguing, does it not?

Skin Icing has been used in facial services and other wellness services (such as cryotherapy) for years! Any type of cooling effect on the skin is beneficial for multiple reasons such as reducing inflammation and reducing blemishes. Now before you go to your freezer and pull out a tray of ice cubes, let’s take a deeper dive into facial icing and how you can safely do it at home.

WHAT IS SKIN ICING?

Skin icing is using any type of icy, cool tool from an ice roller to an ice cube from your freezer to improve the appearance of the skin. When something as cold as an ice cube is gently rubbed over the skin, blood rises quickly to the surface. This brings a wave of fresh nutrients to the upper layer of the skin and gives your complexion a tighter, more youthful appearance. Think this is some new trend that’ll come and go like another 90s fad? Think again. Facial Icing has been around for centuries as a free, accessible skincare technique that pretty much anyone can do.

What are the Benefits of Skin Icing?

When you get a sports injury like a swollen ankle, what’s the first thing you do? You go grab the bag of ice.Facial Icing works the same way.

Reduces Inflammation: The immediate coldness on the skin causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces any inflammation such as under eye bags or inflamed patches of acne. This is especially beneficial for people with rosacea.
Soothes Acne Prone Skin: With acne comes inflamed, sometimes “hard” skin. Icing helps calm down these problem sites, which in turn allows for topicals, such as our Blemish Drops to better penetrate the skin. It’s hard for products to sink into inflamed, puffy skin.
Reduces Pore Size: Ice restricts the pores, making them less noticeable in appearance.
Reveals Brighter, More Radiant Skin: The tightening of blood vessels and the skin helps reveal a temporary radiant and youthful glow.
Pushes out Lymphatic Fluid under Eyes: Gently rubbing ice under the eyes helps to reduce puffiness by releasing fluid buildup and tightening the skin.

HOW TO SAFELY DO SKIN ICING AT HOME

Luckily, you don’t need to go to the spa to get your skin iced (unless you want them to use dry ice). You can either use ice cubes straight from the freezer or special icing tools (like under eye ice globes or ice rollers).

Or if you’re part of our Mask Club, use your new skin icing tool and make your own fun icy infusions!

While skin icing is safe for pretty much everyone, use caution if you have sensitive skin, broken capillaries, or rosacea. If you have concerns, consult with your doctor first.

Before icing, make sure your skin is clean and isn’t sunburnt. While it sounds super tempting to put ice on a burn, this isn’t a good idea. Opt for some aloe instead.

Step 1: Clean your icing tool before use. If you’re using ice from the freezer, make sure it comes from a clean tray and the water is clean. Don’t apply ice or your ice tool straight out of the freezer onto your face. Give it time to melt a little bit. If applied right away, it can stick to the skin and pull on it.
Step 2: Gently glide the ice/tool over the skin in circular motions, making sure not to stay in one area for more than a minute. Do not exceed 10 minutes of skin icing. If you’re icing your whole face, do so in the morning to awaken a bright, youthful complexion. If icing for acne, do so at night so acne-specific products can better penetrate your skin. If you notice your skin getting flushed, don’t worry! This is the blood coming to the surface of the skin. It will diminish shortly.
Step 3: Follow with a toner to balance pH, any acne treatment products (if desired), and a moisturizer or serum. Avoid any harsh exfoliators - physical or chemical. Your skin will need time to chill out.