It’s hard to believe that such a simple ingredient like ice can be so beneficial to the skin. We often gravitate towards using a lot of store-bought products and tools for our skin while ignoring the more natural options that can provide the same effects. It’s basically free since water can be sourced anywhere and can be frozen easily. In fact, ice is incorporated into many professional facials and treatments such as cryo-facials. Many models themselves have sworn by this. So, keeping this daily practice as part of your skincare routine can greatly help prevent and improve the conditions of the skin. Here is why you should start icing your face!
Ice has multiple benefits, one of them being its de-puffing ability. Ice constricts blood vessels which helps in reducing puffiness, inflammation, or swelling on the skin, which immediately makes you feel and look more awake and relieves pain caused by pimples and acne. Using ice under the eyes allows for drainage of excess fluid and will make you look less tired. From using this myself, I have seen a difference where my under-eyes seem less dark right after using ice. Additionally, it will reduce any irritation or redness on the skin caused by makeup, the environment, hormonal changes, or any direct irritation to the skin.
Apart from its de-puffing ability, ice tightens the pores on the skin and cleans them out; it removes excess oil and dirt stuck in the pores. This will reduce the appearance of pores, blackheads, etc. This allows for better makeup application and also allows for better absorption of proceeding product application. Ice can also help in anti-aging and can be used as a preventative tool. It reduces the signs of aging such as wrinkles. The coldness of ice causes the blood vessels to contract and then dilate leading to a greater supply of oxygen to the skin. This will, therefore, lead to more glowing and radiant-looking skin. From experience, my skin always feels more clear and smooth right after applying ice.
To apply ice onto the skin
Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and massage it on the face. For additional benefits make ice cubes out of rosewater, coffee, green tea, or milk. For sensitive skin or skin with rosacea, be careful and keep ice on the skin for a short time period (no more than one minute). Remember to do a test try before using regularly and make sure to always do your own research for individual concerns. For convenience, you could also purchase an ice-roller or icing tool that will provide the same effect.
Keep in mind, ice will not solve all these skin conditions completely. A combination of restful sleep, a healthy diet, daily discipline of taking care of your skin (cleansing and moisturizing), and exercise will play a role in having healthy glowing skin.
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