BEAUTY THERAPY: A SUB-ZERO HERO

It’s cold inside. At least it is in my bathroom. For when it comes to a bit of at-home facial action I’m all about a spot of cryotherapy (cold-temperature treatments). Cryochambers are all the rage – one even forms part of actor Mark Wahlberg’s rigorous daily fitness schedule. They’re known for boosting circulation, aiding post-workout recovery, are believed to help burn fat – and can even be used as a solution to jet lag. But when it comes to facials, leading therapists such as the New York-based Georgia Louise like cryotherapy for reducing puffiness and possibly even helping to (temporarily) lift the face. Now the pros are helping us do it ourselves. The steel Cryo-Ball (£220, teresatarmey.com) comes from Teresa Tarmey, one of London’s leading facialists. You need to put it in the freezer for 24 hours before use to freeze the special liquid inside. It comes with a removable plastic handle in a kit complete with the hyaluronic gel to use with it. Teresa advises rubbing the ball over the lower half of your face for five to seven minutes. In truth, I find this hard to do – I think I’ve managed three minutes so far as this ball really does hold the cold. My face looks much fresher for it and it is a reinvigorating if bracing practice. But it’s also heavy-intake-of-breath expensive. Less expensive but also good is 001 Skincare’s just launched Cryopress (£75, 001skincare.com). This is a roller which, again, you keep in the freezer and take out before use. A quick once-over from forehead to jawline is easy to do and if you feel you really need a handle to grip then I’d recommend this one over Teresa’s. Both are good for helping to push product into the skin as you go, much like the jade rollers currently obsessing beauty followers. On a less sophisticated, but very fun, note is Jalue Ice Therapy (£39, jalue.com). Brew one of the herb-filled sachets, pour into the reusable silicone cone and place in the freezer. Once it’s set you can simply push it up the cone and rub it over your face. Then refreeze it afterwards. It’s less massage tool, more ice-cold refresh but still a great complexion booster.