A glowing and radiant skin is everyone’s dream. But external factors such as pollution, sun exposure, unhealthy eating habits, inadequate sleep, and stress, make achieving this dream a distant possibility. These unavoidable circumstances give rise to acne, pimples, puffiness, dark circles under eyes, wrinkles and fine lines, dull skin and enlarged pores. So, instead of purchasing different skincare products to deal with each of these problems separately, why not resort to a one-stop-shop solution found in every household? The one simple answer to all your problems is straight-out-of-the-freezer ice cubes, as ice on skin benefits you immensely.
Ice massage is a renowned rapid cooling technique, which can be performed a few times every day. You can rub ice in a circular motion on your forehead, cheeks, lips, jawline, nose, and neck. Here’s how applying ice on face benefits you –
Cooling and Soothing Effects:
Rubbing ice cubes on your face, especially during the summer season to beat the heat, provides a cooling sensation to your face. After a hectic day, ice on skin benefits your face, leading to a soothing and relaxing effect. It also helps relieve stress.
Pore Tightening and Reduced Puffiness:
Hours spent staring away at a laptop or mobile screen can often strain your eyes. Lack of good sleep can also lead to dark circles and under eyes, making your face look dull. Gently massaging your eyes with ice cubes can shrink dilated blood vessels and make your swollen eye bags disappear quickly. Adding a bit of black coffee to the ice cubes can also deliver faster results.
Ice benefits for skin also include shrinking pores to curb excessive oil production and reduce redness.
Acne Control and Blemish Reduction:
The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of ice includes its ability to soothe inflamed skin and heal acne. Sebum is an oily substance that prevents your skin from drying out. However, excess sebum with dead skin cells plugs the skin pores, leading to pimples or acne. Icing your face reduces the sebum production in the skin that is the main cause behind acne.
When your skin feels itchy, raw, sustains rashes or skin breakouts, rub an ice cube on the affected areas to constrict blood vessels.
Improved Circulation and Radiant Complexion:
Purified water removes all toxins from the body, helping one achieve healthy skin, and ice cubes have the same effect. Applying ice on face benefits and improves blood circulation, which results in improved oxygen and supply of essential nutrients and vitamins in the skin. Ice is also the best exfoliator. Milk contains cell-regenerative Vitamin A and exfoliating lactic acid that helps clear dead skin cells. Therefore, try dipping ice cubes in milk for a radiant complexion and natural glow.
Integrating Ice into Your Skincare Routine:
While you can directly apply ice cubes to your face, it can cause burning sensation or irritation to those who have sensitive skin. Therefore, it is advisable to wrap them in a handkerchief or any soft cotton cloth and gently massage them for about two minutes twice a day.
There are various other ways to integrate ice into your skincare routine –
- Rub ice cubes on your face before applying any skincare products for enhancing your skin’s absorption capabilities.
- Apart from the regular ice cubes, you can use other kinds of ice cubes as well. For instance, instead of consuming green tea, you can brew it and refrigerate it to turn them into ice cubes. Green tea contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can be advantageous for your skin. You can also freeze fresh aloe vera gel, tomato pulp, or cucumber juice into an ice cube tray, as it can leave your skin supple and refreshed.
- Try an ice water facial at home. Take a bowl filled with plain water and ice cubes. Now, dunk your face in it for 10-15 seconds 4-5 times. Although your face will initially feel numb, practicing this twice or thrice a week can shrink pores, leaving your face firm and glowing. You can also add cucumber slices, rose petals, or green tea bags for added benefits. However, do ensure you don’t catch a cold from this exercise. You can also try this method by adding whole milk to a bowl to sculpt your cheekbones.
- While the cold temperature of the ice narrows your blood vessels making the pores less visible to the naked eye, they will expand back to their usual shape in no time. Therefore, it is also a good practice to develop a healthy skincare routine and apply sunscreen before stepping out for a healthy glow.
While ice on skin benefits you, it is suggested that individuals with any broken capillaries avoid applying ice to their face unless they get their doctor’s permit. Often, applying ice on skin after being out in the sun can cause headaches. It is essential to note that your body may respond to ice cubes differently than other people. If your skin gets more inflamed or irritated, consult a dermatologist immediately.
Skin and Hair Academy’s online portal, Find a Dermatologist, can connect you with expert dermatologists who specialise in addressing skin and hair issues. The platform supports a vast network of experienced healthcare professionals, who can ensure personalized care and guidance. Prioritise your health and make optimal use of this resource to access the expertise needed for your skin and hair condition.
FAQs
Is there any scientific basis behind the benefits of using ice on the skin?
The cold temperature from the ice constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. While there is no scientific basis to back up the efficacy of ice on skin benefits, many individuals swear by this method as it helps reduce acne or swollen eyes.
Does using ice help in enhancing blood circulation to the skin?
Yes, applying ice on your face benefits you by enhancing blood circulation and the transportation of oxygen and other vital nutrients to your skin.
How often should one use ice on the skin to see noticeable benefits?
You can rub ice on your skin in a circular motion once or twice every day, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute, 4-5 times. Ice water facials twice or thrice a week can also show noticeable results in a few weeks, making your face glow.
How does diet and hydration play a role in maximizing the benefits of ice on the skin?
Our body functions well when we are adequately hydrated. While the benefits of ice for the face are plenty, drinking water and consuming a balanced diet can go a long way in achieving a dreamy glow and radiance. We lose water in the form of sweating (perspiration) or excrete it from our body. Hence, it is recommended to consume at least 3 litres of water every day. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in water also helps in cleansing our skin.
Sources –
https://pharmeasy.in/blog/8-beauty-benefits-of-using-ice-cubes-on-the-skin/
https://www.healthline.com/health/ice-for-face
https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/natural-cures/benefits-of-rubbing-ice-on-face/
