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side effects of rubbing ice on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #27195
11 days ago
99

side effects of rubbing ice on face - #27195

Aisha

I am really confused about the side effects of rubbing ice on face, and I hope someone here can help me out. A friend of mine swears by it, says it helps with her puffiness, and I thought, "why not?" So I tried it for the last few days, just rubbing ice for a few mins each morning before putting on make-up. But here’s the thing, I started noticing these red patches on my cheeks, like weird little splotches that won’t go away! I looked online about side effects of rubbing ice on face and am seeing stuff that makes me worried, like that it could mess with circulation or irritate skin. I mean, I don't have sensitive skin, or at least I didn't think I did. Should I like stop altogether or maybe just cut back? Or is there a safe way to do this? I also read that people are worried bout frostbite?? Is that a real risk with just a few minutes of rubbing ice on face? I really wanted this to help, not confuse me more! Am I overreacting? Just wish I had clearer answers! Anyone??

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Doctors' responses

Rubbing ice on your face can have some benefits like reducing puffiness and temporarily improving circulation. However, it can also cause certain side effects if not done carefully. The red patches you’re experiencing could be from irritation, especially if the ice is in direct contact with your skin for more than a brief moment. Ice can constrict blood vessels quickly, which might cause the splotchy appearance. It’s essential to protect your skin from direct exposure by wrapping the ice in a thin cloth or using an ice pack designed for facial use to prevent cold burns. Frostbite is unlikely with short, sporadic use, but prolonged contact with ice without a barrier can indeed damage your skin. It’s wise to limit each session to a few minutes and let your skin warm up naturally between intervals. If redness persists or worsens, stop using ice immediately and allow your skin to recover. Consider using other gentle methods for reducing puffiness, like cool water splashes or designated under-eye gels. Anyone with conditions like rosacea or broken capillaries should be particularly cautious, as extreme cold can exacerbate these issues. If concerns continue, or if you notice any pain or persistent changes, consult a dermatologist to ensure you’re not causing harm. It’s important to listen to your skin’s reaction and proceed accordingly for safe use.

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