Are we entering a new era of skin care that embraces the chilling effects of cold therapy? If current TikTok trends are any indication, it’s certainly getting colder in the world of beauty and wellness. Although cold therapy isn’t a novel concept, it appears that we’re starting to appreciate its value in enhancing our daily wellness routines. Continue reading to dive into this innovative skin care trend and determine if incorporating cold therapy into your regimen could benefit you.

What Is Cold Therapy? | Cold Therapy Benefits For Beauty | How To Ice Your Skin | Is Cold Therapy Safe For Everyone?

Understanding the Fundamentals of Cold Therapy

Cold therapy refers to the therapeutic application of cold water or ice for various health benefits. If you’ve ever used a bag of frozen peas on a sprained ankle or alleviated a headache or sunburn with a cool, damp washcloth, you’ve already experienced a form of cold therapy. This practice is widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing pain and swelling, yet it offers a plethora of additional health and beauty benefits associated with this unique approach to climate control.

Exposing your body to frigid temperatures can generate physiological responses that are advantageous for a range of issues, from alleviating aches to reducing puffy eyes. At its core, applying cold compresses lowers skin temperature, diminishes nerve activity to relieve pain, and curtails swelling by restricting blood flow, ultimately leading to reduced inflammation and muscle soreness. Athletes often utilize ice baths or cryotherapy chambers to expedite recovery. Dr. Dominic King, a sports medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, explains: “When you submerge your body in cold water, the result is a constriction of your blood vessels, which reduces inflammation temporarily by limiting blood flow to those areas.”

The advantages of cold therapy extend to enhanced metabolism, boosted immune response, improved sleep quality, elevated energy levels, sharpened focus, and even an increase in endorphin release. With centuries of historical evidence and scientific support for the benefits of ice baths, it’s worth considering that submerging yourself in cold water might not be as extreme as it seems.

Unlocking the Beauty Benefits of Cold Therapy

The tradition of cold therapy dates back to 3500 BC, where ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans utilized cold baths not only for their health benefits but also as essential elements of their social and communal interactions. Public bathhouses in Egypt, Greece, and Rome served as vital hubs for community bonding, alongside their roles in promoting health and hygiene. With a wealth of historical evidence supporting the advantages of cold therapy, it was only a matter of time before social media caught on to the beauty benefits derived from plunging into icy temperatures. From soothing irritated skin to tightening pores, this cool “new” beauty trend is poised to become a significant component of wellness culture. Let’s explore some of these compelling benefits in greater detail:

Eliminate Puffiness with Cold Therapy Techniques

Just as applying cold compresses to injuries alleviates inflammation and swelling, placing ice under your eyes can effectively diminish puffiness. Puffiness occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin dilate or when the lymphatic system struggles to drain fluids naturally. The cold from ice cubes (or alternatives like ice rollers, frozen cucumber slices, or chilled spoons) can constrict blood flow to the area, resulting in reduced puffiness. As Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, notes, cold therapy can “reduce swelling by constricting superficial blood vessels while promoting lymphatic drainage.”

Minimize Inflammation with Ice Application

Cold therapy can be particularly effective in soothing skin that is red, irritated, sensitive, or itchy due to conditions like rosacea, sunburn, bug bites, or allergies. Much like its effect on puffiness, cold compresses calm the discomfort associated with these skin irritations by constricting blood vessels. This is also why many dermatologists recommend storing ointments and creams in the refrigerator to double their soothing effects. For example, applying aloe vera directly from the fridge has long been praised for its ability to alleviate pain and heal dry, irritated skin caused by sunburn.

Combat Acne Breakouts with Cold Therapy

Given that acne is fundamentally a form of inflammation, it’s not surprising that ice can be beneficial in managing breakouts. According to Healthline, advocates of skin icing for acne assert that it can reduce inflammation and minimize pore size, consequently decreasing excess oil production. Ice’s anti-inflammatory properties are particularly effective against inflammatory acne types, such as cysts, pustules, papules, and nodules.

While many believe that ice can close pores, this is a common misconception; pores cannot actually open or close. Instead, they remain perpetually open, which is essential for maintaining skin health and moisture. However, pores can appear smaller or larger. As Christopher W. Robb, MD explains, “Pores dilate like a camera lens, transitioning from narrow to wide or vice versa.” Therefore, while ice won’t close your pores, it can help constrict them, making them appear smaller and potentially reducing the likelihood of future oil clogging.

Achieve a Radiant Glow Naturally

Do you recall the Cold Girl Makeup trend? This beauty movement sought to replicate the rosy, wind-kissed cheeks that come from invigorating cold exposure, all while staying cozy indoors. This natural flush occurs when your body directs blood to the face in response to cold temperatures, helping to maintain warmth. You can easily mimic this healthy, rosy glow with ice, no makeup needed. The effect can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, providing your skin with a refreshing boost that radiates vitality.

Temporarily Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While research on this topic is ongoing, it’s evident that the temporary enhancements gained from cold therapy can visually minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improved blood circulation to the skin creates a temporary plumping effect that helps blur these imperfections, giving your complexion a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Enhance Overall Skin Health Through Cold Water

In contrast to hot water, which can strip away the sebum layer that protects your skin, using cool water for cleansing may actually enhance the health of your epidermis when done consistently. This protective sebum layer is crucial for maintaining hydration and overall skin integrity, making cold water an appealing option for daily facial cleansing.

Effective Techniques for Icing Your Skin

The optimal method for utilizing cold therapy varies based on the specific benefits you wish to obtain. Ice baths and cold showers are excellent choices for achieving physiological benefits, including improved mood, metabolism, energy levels, and sleep quality.

For beauty benefits, several techniques can be employed. A classic ice cube can provide remarkable results, as can frozen vegetables, like cucumber slices, placed under the eyes. There are also ice rollers filled with water or gel available for purchase, as well as silicone gadgets resembling popsicle molds, gel-filled masks, and traditional ice packs. It’s important to exercise caution when applying ice or frozen metal directly to your skin, as it may adhere and cause damage. Always wrap ice in a paper towel or thin cloth before use. Alternatively, consider applying a moisturizing barrier cream to your face prior to icing. Options like Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream or Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream are excellent choices. Always be sure to follow the instructions when using specialized gadgets, as some recommend allowing them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before contact with the skin.

Another increasingly popular method involves creating ice from other liquids to enhance benefits. Freezing milk into cubes can provide gentle exfoliation due to the lactic acid content. Frozen coffee acts as both a natural exfoliator and a source of antioxidants, while green and black teas are rich in skin-nourishing compounds like caffeine, often utilized in skin care to alleviate puffiness under the eyes.

An ice bath can be executed in various ways, including filling a bathtub with cold water and adding bags of ice, taking a brisk cold shower, or even constructing a metal trough or barrel in your backyard during winter. Some enthusiasts invest in specialized equipment, but as long as your body is exposed to sufficiently cold temperatures for an appropriate duration, you can reap the benefits.

Post-cold plunge is an excellent opportunity to replenish your skin with a rich cream or lotion. For instance, the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion deeply hydrates the skin and supports the moisture barrier. If you choose to cold plunge before bed, consider using Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream, which hydrates while plumping and smoothing the skin overnight.

Assessing the Safety of Cold Therapy for Your Skin

A quick burst of cold water in the shower or icing your skin for the recommended 5–10 minutes is a straightforward (and cost-effective!) approach to experiencing the benefits of cold therapy. However, there are certain scenarios where caution is warranted. Individuals with sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea should consult with a dermatologist before trying this trend. If you have open sores or wounds on your face, avoid ice to prevent irritation or introducing bacteria.

We advise against cold plunges for anyone with heart or blood pressure issues, diabetes, or other health conditions, as the shock of cold temperatures can trigger severe side effects, including heart failure. Always consult your healthcare provider before engaging in any cold therapy activities, particularly if you have any of the following:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lung conditions
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetes
• Raynaud’s or vascular issues related to diabetes

Potential negative side effects from ice baths may include hypothermia, hyperventilation, cardiac arrhythmias, and even drowning. Cold plunging should not be done in isolation.

Curious about trying cold therapy? Many spas and wellness centers offer this exciting treatment. Visit your nearest Eminence Organic Skin Care Spa Partner to learn more about how cold therapy can enhance your skin and overall well-being.