Skin Icing 101: Here’s a complete lowdown on skin icing and its benefits on your skin

Ever had one of those sweltering summer days where you’d do anything to escape the scorching sun? So, you fling open your freezer, eyeing your ice cubes like they’re the superheroes of refreshment. But hold up—what if I told you these frozen wonders could be more than just your heatwave heroes? What if they could work some icy magic on our skin, giving your face a makeover that’s like hitting Ctrl+Z on skin troubles?

Welcome to the world of “skin icing,” where the concept is as simple as it sounds, but the results? Well, they’re anything but. It’s like giving your skin a brisk wake-up call, a splash of cold water that not only rejuvenates your skin but also brings a bunch of other perks to the table. Now, before you start picturing a full-on ice facial, let’s break it down. Skin icing involves using cold temperatures to give your skin a boost. But here’s the cool part (pun intended): this isn’t just a passing trend. We’re talking about a practice that dates back through the ages, from ancient queens preserving their beauty secrets in ice chambers to the Instagram-worthy routines of today. 

What exactly is skin icing?
At its simplest, skin icing involves using ice cubes to address concerns like under-eye puffiness, facial swelling, and treating spots and redness. When ice is applied, blood rushes to the surface, resulting in a soothing and tightened sensation. This popular technique often referred to as an ice facial, is a cryotherapy treatment. In this approach, the skin is cooled using vaporized nitrogen, benefiting areas including the face, scalp and neck. 

Benefits of skin icing

1. Goodbye, puffiness, redness and spots: You know those mornings when your eyes look like you’ve had a staring contest with a raccoon all night? Skin icing is your secret weapon against puffiness. The cold constricts blood vessels, making bags, redness, spots and swelling take a backseat. It’s like a spa day for your under-eyes, no cucumber slices are required! 

2. Tighter pores and smoother texture: Enlarged pores and uneven skin texture getting you down? Skin icing is here to help. The cold tightens up those pores temporarily, making your skin feel smoother and your makeup game even stronger. 

3. Enhanced absorption of skincare products: Skin icing is like opening the door for your skincare buddies. The cold lets your serums, moisturizers and toners dive deeper into your skin and do their thing. 

4. Suits every skin type and keeps your skin youthful: Whether your skin is as oily as a pizza or as dry as the Sahara, skin icing has got you covered. It’s like a personalized treatment that suits every skin texture. You can tailor your icing routine to address your specific needs and achieve the desired results. Additionally, when used consistently over time, skin icing can contribute to a more youthful appearance by supporting collagen production and preserving skin elasticity.

Now, before you go on an ice raid in your kitchen, let’s chat technique. It’s not about freezing your face off – it’s about a strategic and refreshing touch. From the type of ice you use to the timing of your icy encounter, we’ll make sure you’re armed with all the icy intel you need. 

Type of Ice: 
While it might be tempting to use any ice you have on hand, not all types are created equal for face icing. Regular tap water ice can contain impurities that might not be ideal for your skin. Instead, opt for purified water or even better, use speciality ice like chamomile tea ice cubes or rosewater ice cubes. These can add an extra layer of skin-sooting benefits to your icing session. You can even purchase an ice roller as these are a cool alternative to traditional ice cubes for face icing. 

How to: 
First, ensure your face is clean and makeup-free. Take the chilled ice roller from the freezer - it should be cold but not frozen solid. Hold the roller by the handle and gently roll it across your skin. Start from the centre of your face and move outward. Roll in upward motions to promote blood circulation. We’d recommend focusing on puffy or irritated areas. Keep each area rolling for about 1-2 minutes. Once you’re done, pat your skin dry and continue with your regular skincare routine.