Skin icing: what you need to know about this hot trend
THE rise of the video-sharing app Tiktok has added fuel to the growing skincare-routine focused community with the hashtag skincare being viewed more than 34 billion times on the app.
People are constantly wanting to try new products on their skin, whether they want a natural glow, to minimise the appearance of pores or get rid of dark marks and acne, the search is always on.
If you are one of those people then you might have heard about skin icing or ice facials.
The origin of the trend is unclear but ice has long been a secret to clear and healthy-looking skin.
Spas have been incorporating ice into their facial treatments for years. It has also been suggested that we keep some skincare products in the fridge as that is said to help with reducing puffiness in the morning and evening.
Model Irina Shayk recently shared her skincare routine with Vogue magazine and in a video she gushed over an ice sphere by Nicole Caroline she uses all over her face.
Others use cold crystal rollers to massage their skin in the morning.
Such tools might not be available to you, but don’t worry, there are other methods of skin icing.
The most common and easiest is to grab a few ice cubes from the freezer, wrap them in a cloth and, as the ice melts, massage the wet cloth over your
face and neck in small circular upward motions.
An even simpler method, is to fill a bowl with cold water (add some ice if you’re using tap water) and submerge your face in the bowl for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat this action a few times, taking breaks to breathe in between.
It is recommended that both icing treatments are done for no longer than 15 minutes.
But before you head to the freezer for those ice cubes, there are a few things to consider about skin icing.
It will reduce inflammation
Just like you would put ice on your knee if it was injured and inflamed, the same goes for inflammation on your face. Inflammation is usually visible in the morning right after waking up. A skin-icing treatment will help sort that out.
It will promote blood circulation
Just like a face massage or using a cold crystal roller on your skin, skin icing promotes circulation. This helps to decrease puffiness, giving the skin a healthier appearance.
It will tighten your skin
The pulling effect created by ice on the skin will help prepare it for products after the facial. The ice will also create a firming effect which will ease the appearance of wrinkles.
Avoid the sun
Before doing the treatment avoid exposure to the sun as this might cause skin irritation during the treatment.
Don’t overdo it
As with any skin treatment, you have to be careful not to overdo it. Excessive exposure to ice might end up causing more inflammation – instead of treating the inflammation you already have. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the ice and don’t forget to moisturise afterwards.