4 Risks and Benefits of Putting Ice on the Face

“Face icing” has blown up on social media ever since celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kim Chiu credited it for their near-flawless skin. This DIY hack involves dunking your face in cold water or rubbing an ice cube all over your skin. It’s like a free cryotherapy facial you can do at home, which makes it more appealing. But what are the benefits of ice on the face? Scroll on to learn more about this freezing skincare hack and how to do it correctly.

Skin icing is usually done in the morning to jumpstart the day. But there are other perks to this cold facial trick besides fighting grogginess.

Top makeup artists prep models’ faces with an ice roller before a show to firm up their skin and refine facial features. While it doesn't give you an instant facelift, it can bring down puffiness in a matter of minutes. The low temperature causes blood vessels to constrict, which helps reduce fluid retention. However, those who have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should be cautious about trying this at-home therapy.

Whether you had an emotional meltdown or stayed up way too late, banish those dark circles with a cold compress. Apply ice wrapped in a clean towel (never put ice directly on your skin!) to the eye area for 10 minutes to help ease swelling and soothe inflammation. This also helps brighten your under eyes and relax the strained muscles around your peepers.

If you’re wondering how to tighten pores STAT, use an ice cube or cold water as a primer before doing your makeup. You read that right. One of the benefits of ice on the face is it temporarily minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, making your skin look smoother and less oily. When your face returns to its normal temperature, you’ll be left with a refreshed-looking glow.

Not many people know that the benefits of ice on the face also include shrinking pimples, particularly cystic acne. A dose of ice can help relieve pain and decrease redness caused by breakouts by boosting circulation. The trick is to alternate between cold and warm compresses for about 15 to 20 minutes. This combo can soothe cystic acne, reducing pain, redness, and swelling.

Be careful not to leave the ice on too long. The coldness can be too harsh and may cause irritation or even damage the skin barrier. There’s also a possible risk of getting an ice burn if you’re not careful with the application.

Are you sold on the benefits of ice on the face? Before making a dash to your freezer, it’s important to prep your skin.

First things first, slather POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Serum on a clean face. This lightweight serum combats dullness, fades dark spots, and strengthens your skin’s barrier function. If you prefer icing your face before bed, use POND'S Bright Miracle Night Serum instead, which helps even out your complexion and renew your skin cells overnight.

Some people argue that applying skincare products before face icing helps create a protective barrier that prevents excessive dryness. On the other hand, others believe that the reverse order is more effective. The cold temperature temporarily tightens the pores, which may help your skincare products penetrate better into the skin. Whichever side you’re on, the key is to pay attention to how your skin responds.

To ice your skin, take three ice cubes and wrap them in a clean washcloth or Ziploc bag. Glide it along the planes of your face, gently massaging the skin in circular motions. Repeat for a few minutes, but make sure not to stay in one area for too long. Alternatively, you can add six to 10 ice cubes into a bowl of cold water and splash that on your skin.

The benefits of ice on the face are simply too good to turn down. The fun part is that frozen water isn’t your only option. You can freeze coffee, green tea, or aloe vera squares for extra (albeit short-lived)skin-rejuvenating effects. However, remember that face icing should not substitute your regular skincare routine. If you have existing skin conditions, consult your dermatologist before giving this beauty hack a go.