You need to avoid this daily to protect your skin from irritation. Photo courtesy of iStock
Ice cubes, primarily used to cool our drinks and satisfy our senses, have now found their way into skin care routines. Once again, credit goes to social media for popularizing this trend. Beauty enthusiasts have embraced this new trend and seem to love it. Celebrities and social media influencers have incorporated this into their own skincare routines, making us want to do the same.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently shared a video of herself dunking her face in a sink full of ice. In the video, she was heard saying: “I love putting cream on my face.”
She’s not the only one. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt also did the same as part of her routine. While dipping her face in a bowl of ice cream, Bhatt said, “I literally dip my whole face in ice cream. Immediately afterwards all the blood rushes through my face. I feel all pink, fresh and full of energy, ready to take on the day.” ”
While celebrities and our favorite fashion and beauty influencers embracing this trend may seem like a healthy practice, it’s important to understand the impact it can have on your skin.
We spoke to two skin experts who revealed important details about it trendy skin care practice.
What is the ice water face dip exercise?
Ice water facials are a form of cold therapy for skin care. “The face is briefly immersed in ice-cold water to care for the skin,” says Dr. Debeshi Bhattacharjee, clinical esthetician and founder of Lueur Aesthetics.
Shedding light on the popularity of this skin care practice, Bhattacharjee adds, “Evolved from cryotherapy, Ice water face dives Due to its refreshing and anti-inflammatory properties, it is very popular among young Indians and is promoted by many celebrities and influencers on social media.”
Similarly, Dr. Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic dermatologist at Ra Skin and Aesthetics: “This skin care practice involves repeatedly dipping your face into a bowl full of ice water for more than 10 seconds at a time to enhance your face’s natural pink glow.”
How does it work on the skin?
If you immerse your face in a bowl full of ice or ice cubes, your skin will immediately go into shock. This causes the blood vessels to spasm or narrow, which also causes the skin to become paler. After you remove your face from the bowl and allow the skin to return to normal temperature, the blood flow rushes back to your face, making your skin look pink.
According to both experts, this practice offers several advantages.
1. Reduces facial puffiness
Since immersing your face in ice water causes blood vessels to constrict, this helps temporarily reduce facial swelling. This can be especially effective when done in the morning or after a long day.
2. Tightens or shrinks pores
Ice water also tightens pores and gives skin a smoother, more even texture.
3. Increases blood circulation to the face
The cold feeling of the ice stimulates blood circulation, giving the skin a healthy, rosy complexion.
4. Gives the skin a natural glow
Ice water facials can revitalize your skin and give it an instant glow, leaving you looking fresher and more radiant.
5. Helps reduce skin irritation
Ice cubes are used in many forms, primarily to relieve irritated or red skin. Applying ice to the face helps people with sensitive or inflamed skin.
6. Promotes proper product absorption
Since ice water is known to refresh the skin and remove dirt and toxins from the face, it allows for better absorption of skin care products like moisturizers and sunscreen serums.
7. Acts as a natural makeup primer
Many people submerge their face in ice water for a few minutes before applying makeup. This makes the face a smooth canvas for applying makeup as the pores are often narrowed.
8. Helps relieve stress
For many, submerging your face in ice water can also be a form of relaxation. Experts say it helps reduce stress and promotes an overall feeling of relaxation.
9. It could help repair chronic damage
Ice water facials can also benefit the skin by reversing chronic damage such as strong sun exposure and may also help reduce signs of aging.
How do you do this correctly?
Although there is a specific step-by-step guide that needs to be followed, here is a basic procedure.
1. Make sure your face is free of any makeup or other skin care products.
2. Fill a clean large bowl with cold water and enough ice.
3. Immerse your face for more than 10-15 seconds.
4. Repeat this two to three times.
5. When finished, pat face dry with a clean, dry, gentle towel.
6. Next, apply a moisturizer evenly to your face.
To increase the effectiveness of this skin care practice, Bhattacharjee says, “You can add natural ingredients like cucumber slices, drops of rose water or a teaspoon of aloe vera gel to the ice water. However, these ingredients may enhance hydration and soothing effects.” There is not enough evidence to support this.
Does this skin care trend have any negative effects?
In general, ice water facial baths are safe, but excess can lead to some problems such as extreme dryness of the skin, irritation, redness, and itching. Both Bhattacharjee and Shetty advise against excessive exposure to ice. Make sure the water you submerge your face in is not too cold and is at a comfortable temperature for your skin.
If you want to try this trend, experts recommend doing it only twice a week. You need to avoid this daily to protect your skin from irritation.
Those with naturally dry and sensitive skin need to avoid facial baths with ice water altogether. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before trying it.
How can ice be used in alternative skin care techniques?
If you find ice water facials too harsh on your face, Bhattacharjee recommends using ice facials. Ice cream rolls or ice masks. These methods also reduce puffiness, tighten the skin, and improve blood circulation, resulting in a rejuvenated complexion. Additionally, Shetty shares a tip that you must follow. She says: “If you use a gel pack, do not apply it directly to the face as this could cause burns. Instead, wrap the pack in tissues or a thin towel and apply to your skin.”
Experts say this can be part of your daily morning skin care routine for a clean face.
Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For individual advice, please contact a qualified specialist or your doctor.
Also Read: Ultimate Bridal Skin Care Guide: Say Yes to Glowing Skin on Your Big Day
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