What is skin icing and what are the benefits?
Skin icing involves the use of cold tools such as cryo-sticks, ice globes, spoons or ice cubes on localised areas of skin. Although it is viral on tik Tok/instagram currently, this cryotherapy treatment (a treatment where cold temperatures are used) has been around for a while.
In the same way ice is used for injuries to help reduce the body’s natural response to inflammation (redness, swelling, pain and heat); icing can be used to improve the appearance of inflammatory conditions such as acne. The cold temperature causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing redness, pain and swelling, and improving the appearance of spots. Blood vessel constriction also means a reduction in the amount of fluid, particularly useful in under eyes puffiness. And when using a tool such as an ice globe or spoon, the gentle massaging action helps to increase lymphatic drainage, further removing excess fluid that causes puffiness.
Skin icing is also thought to reduce excess oil production, boost the skin’s glow, increase absorption of other skin products and reduce signs of ageing.
Would you recommend this? If so, what sorts of tools can be used?
- There’s no hard scientific evidence behind the benefits – a lot of it is anecdotal so results will be variable and temporary.
- You can get rebound vasodilation especially if iced too long (think flushed face on cold winters day). so it can worsen the appearance of rosacea.
- That being said, it’s a therapeutic treatment that’s best used right before an event for the most noticeable results (why models love it pre-photoshoot).
- Buy a tool such as the Biologique Recherche cryo stick or Fraicheur ice globe rather than using ice/cloth (ice is messier, melts quickly and using cloths can lead to spread bacteria in acne from one area of the face to another)
Are there any side effects or is skin icing safe?
- You have to be careful to avoid using tools that are extremely cold. Don’t hold them in one spot, rather, gently massage. Most importantly, don’t use them for too long. All of the above can can damage your skin and cause cold burns. Each area only requires a few minutes and as a general rule of thumb the you shouldn’t be icing for any longer that 10 minutes
- Listen to your skin, if it is becoming uncomfortable or if you are experiencing sensitivity, stop.
- Avoid if you have sensitive skin, rosacea
- Use tools rather than cloth/ice to minimize infection
- When in doubt, contact a dermatologist/aesthetician
