Keep it cool
Liquid nitrogen cold facials, alias cold therapies, is gifting people with a glowing and scar-free skin. DISHA PRASHANT deciphers these new-age treatments with the help of experts
Some anonymous soul has rightly said that, “A dazzling and youthful skin requires thorough commitment and not just some sheer marvel.” Latest trends in facial treatments are buzzing like a bee thanks to people getting conscious about the way they look and to help flaunt a confident personality. We are talking about cold facial therapies, which are gradually becoming a boon for a sterling and vigorous skin.
Cold facial therapies are a form of cryotherapy that are used for treating congenial and pestilential skin damage issues as well as to cover up skin lesion caused due to varied bacterium.
Explaining scientifically, noted beauty and skin expert Shehnaz Hussain says, “The liquid nitrogen facial therapy is like cryotherapy, in which vaporised liquid nitrogen is used to create a very low temperature and freeze the skin of the face and neck. It is not an invasive treatment and is said to stimulate the production of supportive tissues of the skin, like collagen. This helps to rejuvenate the skin and reduce visible ageing signs, like, lines, wrinkles and age spots. It also improves blood circulations and helps to treat certain skin conditions, like enlarged pores and even eczema and psoriasis. It is also said to remove toxins and minimise acne blemishes.” With the onset of technology providing widespread information, followed by regular posts on such form of facial treatments by noted celebrities, these therapies are now making their presence feel in the common circle.
Ice, ice baby
From cold pressed oils to cold showers, the medical concept of using cold elements for a healthy and nourishing skin has been there since ages. A little rewind in time and we come across copious Ayurvedic anecdotes hinting at the importance of cold therapies Cold facial therapies are painless procedures and help in eliminating harmful pathogens from the skin. The patient is treated with elements containing liquid nitrogen which is set at a specified temperature.
“Cold therapies alias Cryo facial is a special facial, which works towards cleaning bacteria and other harmful elements from the skin. This therapy is a clinical procedure and has no age bar,” says Dr. Kiran Lohia, noted skin specialist and dermatologist.
Speaking of the procedure and skin types she says, “Each skin type is different which is why implementing this therapy differs from person to person. We take into account the skin type, conduct a detailed analysis, depending upon which we conduct the procedure of giving the treatment.”
Talk about achieving a nonpareil skin tone and cold facials are a boon in disguise. “For some even a single session gives best results while some need additional sessions to seek desired results. Also, there is no age bar as such to conduct these therapies,” says Dr. Lohia.
A fountain of youth
We all secretly desire to look younger at each stage in our life. Apart from cleaning bacteria and covering lesions, these therapies are much-talked about for their way of working on the ageing cells in the body thereby making you look younger. Dr. Sarika Sanjeev Mulay sheds some light on understanding the usage of cold therapies for a younger looking skin.
“Cold therapies are put to practice for numerous reasons apart from skin enhancement, like, for skin scars, pain, swelling and so on. People associated with sports prominently undergo these therapies to help in removal of swelling and scars caused due to heavy training activity. Before undergoing this therapy it is important to understand the scientific procedure of this therapy and how it affects the skin internally and externally,” she says.
Going by the scientific definition, Liquid nitrogen is a clear liquid in vaporised form which is set at a specific temperature and exposed to skin in various levels for skin enhancement, covering lesions and other skin damages. Detailing the procedure and functioning of this therapy on the skin, Dr. Sarika says, “The nervous system of the body works in a pattern and the calculative blood flow helps in providing fresh blood to each and every part of the body. Vasoconstriction is a state of the body where the blood vessels start shrinking there by slowing down the blood flowing process to a particular area. This results in freckles or marks or lesions on the skin. Cold facial therapies create reverse reaction by opening up the blood vessels which is scientifically known as Vasodilatation.”
She further states that, “This procedure helps in opening up the vessels which carry the required amount of blood to the affected area thereby giving your skin a new lease of life. However, one has to follow the precautionary measures thoroughly to avoid any damage. A follow up after every three months is mandatory to understand and analyse the effect of the therapy on the skin.”
Experts have opined that excessive skin exposure to liquid nitrogen beyond a set temperature can cause cell death and in worst cases even frost bite. Only medically approved clinics are authorised to conduct these treatments and hence, clients need to conduct a thorough research before going under the vapour advises Mulay.
The science behind it
What’s in a name, they say? But for some, their name reminds us of beauty. Shehnaz Hussain shars snippets of new-age skin therapies and their effect on the skin. “There are anti-ageing procedures, both surgical and non-surgical that help to control the visible signs of ageing and even minimise lesions. For the past few years, treatments, like, botox, plumpers and fillers are in demand. Apart from botox, there are other treatments that help to plump up a certain area and thus, minimise ageing signs.”
Elaborating other forms of facial therapies she says, “One of the latest non-surgical procedures is the thread facial lift. It is said that the procedure takes only an hour, but the results last for as long as two years. It is based on the fact that the supportive tissues and fat in our facial tissues and neck area tend to become weaker with age. Many areas of the face tend to manifest lines and furrows, while others become loose and flabby. The procedure actually encourages the production of collagen in the skin, thus making the skin more firm and giving it a new lease of life. Hyaluronic acid fillers or bovine extracted collagen are injected for lip augmentation, or for enhancing certain facial features. We have introduced Thermoherb, which is a mini-face lift, while a vegetable peel helps to curtail scars and blemishes.”
These therapies are still in nascent stages in India, however, people are now curious to find ways and means to look younger than their age. Speaking of response on these treatments she says, “Cryotherapy or cold therapy is carried out in many hospitals. In fact, there are doctors who specialise in cryotherapy and cryosurgery. Dermatologists are using cryotherapy for wart removal. Awareness is obviously high, as these treatments are being carried out in India.”
Tread with caution
With good comes the bad and, hence, it is always advisable to listen carefully and follow the doctor’s instructions. Illustrating the focal point of cold facial therapies, Dermatologist Dr. Ravindra Dargainya says, “This therapy helps in clearing the superficial layer of the skin thereby making way for a new skin texture. The process does not end here, but rather begins with taking utmost care of your skin.”
Describing the skin care regime he says, “Clients need to understand that this is a delicate procedure and hence, special care must be taken to ensure a lasting effect. Only doctor recommended products must be used followed by avoiding direct exposure to sun. One has to also keep in mind to refrain from self medication and must immediately consult the doctor in case of any damage.”
Who doesn’t love the idea of looking younger than your age? The idea of a subtle and glowing skin not just makes you look beautiful, but also boosts your confidence. With new age skin care therapies flooding the beauty market, we now have the potion feel our rejuvenated best.