When it comes to our skin, we all leave no stone unturned to achieve a flawless complexion. Most likely, you have heard about cold facials, as the concept is now more popular than ever among A-listers, skin experts, and enthusiasts alike. The idea sounds simple: get an ice cube and rub it all over your face. But is that it? Nope. In fact, there’s much more you can do to enhance the benefits of ice cube facials, and here is all about it.
How ice facials benefit your skin
Let’s start with the beginning, and I’m not talking about the Ancient times when cold baths were used for toning and therapeutic reasons by Spartans, even though that could mean something too. I mean, why is this trend so popular, and how can you adapt it to your needs and skin concerns? The reason it’s so widespread is that it works! It goes well for acne, inflammation, wrinkles, large pores, puffiness, and dark circles.
Technically, applying ice on the skin constricts the blood vessels, decreasing blood flow. At that moment, the body starts to balance this out and begins to circulate more blood to your face. This is how dullness and inflammation are reduced, glow and texture are improved, and pores appear shrunk.
Ice facials can be your daily secret hack to call in every morning to energize your face and get ready for the day. Merely everyone can apply ice cubes on their complexion to boost skin health and give it a glow. Ideally, cover the ice cube with a cotton cloth.
And now a piece of advice from my cosmetician: don’t use tap water for the ice cubes but sparkling. Carbonated water gives your skin a deeper clean than tap, and it has the same pH (of 5.5) as your skin, compared to tap water with a pH of 7, which can bother the barrier.
What to put in your ice cubes
What’s fun about ice cubes is that you can customize them according to your preferences and concerns. Who said you only have to use water? Be creative and think about the many other ingredients that can replace water and work even more effectively. Depending on your skin type and goal, these are the best ingredients you can use for cold facials.
Green tea for acne
Green tea is one of the best picks for breakout-prone skin due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Plus, the polyphenols in green tea help reduce sebum secretion when applied to the skin. So, instead of using water in your ice cubes, use green tea (preferably Matcha) for a serious dose of free radical- and sebum-fighting benefits.
You may also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. Eucalyptus has natural astringent properties that speed up pimple healing and regulate sebum. Fresh orange juice can do the job too. Smash an orange slice and add some drops to your ice tray, combined with water. When applied to the face, oranges can absorb excess sebum.
Coconut oil for dry skin
If your skin is dry, you can try the so much praised coconut oil. Combine water with coconut oil or smashed avocados for significantly improved hydration and a refreshing feeling at the same time. Cucumbers are great for dry skin as well. Remember that cucumbers are made of 95% water, so they’re super hydrating. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic acid, which helps with water retention and gives skin an antioxidant shield.
Rose water for sensitive complexions
In case your skin is easily reactive or you’re dealing with a broken barrier, replace the sparkling water with organically sourced rose water. In addition to helping maintain a proper pH balance, rose water reduces irritations, eases swelling, soothes, and calms the skin. A special treat for sensitive skin.
Watermelon juice for dull skin
Instead of water, use watermelon juice, which is full of antioxidants and loaded with vitamin E, known to soften and protect the skin. Cocoa powder, grapes, honey, or yogurt, can also be added to your ice-cube therapy to maximize its effects if you have a dull, lackluster appearance.
Milk for hyperpigmentation
Pour some milk into the ice tray and let it freeze. Rub on the skin regularly. Milk is rich in lactic acid, meaning it helps brighten dark patches supporting luminous skin and an even tone.
Coffee for everyone
Caffeine penetrates the skin and increases blood flow, and is a potent antioxidant too. This means coffee protects cells against UV damage and slows down the aging process. So, next time, make more coffee and put some to freeze, and use it later to revitalize your complexion.
Tools for cold facial
If you want to skip ice preparation, there are a few frozen tools you’ll definitely find useful for cold facials.
Tennitor Ice Roller
You can pamper your skin with this handy, lightweight ice roller face massager. Use it to fight dullness, inflammation, and eye puffiness and to relieve neck and back pain.
Allegra Baby Magic Globes
These tiny globes are made from Pyrex glass and are filled with an antifreeze solution. Keep them in the fridge and apply them whenever you want to relax your facial muscles and calm your skin.
PerfeCore Cold Facial Mask
Besides some really nice colors, this mask is soft, and you can even sleep with it on. What’s exciting about the PerfeCore facial mask is that it has hot and cooling power. Yes, you can keep it in the fridge and also microwave it for heat therapy.
