rubbing ice cube on face - #27277
I am a bit worried about my skin lately. I've heard a lot about rubbing ice cube on face to help with puffiness and maybe even some redness and I was curious if anyone here has tried it? I actually started doing it like a week ago after reading online about all the benefits, but I’m not really sure if I’m doing it right. Like, am I rubbing too hard? I just do it for a few minutes every morning, but my skin feels kinda numb after! Is that normal? I’ve noticed some slight changes like less redness around my cheeks, but also sometimes I feel like my skin gets oily after. Does rubbing ice cube on face really help with acne at all? I have this stubborn spot that just won’t go away, and I'm hoping this would help. But then my friend said it might not be great for all skin types, and now I'm second-guessing myself. Anyone have any pointers on how long to rub it or if I should combine it with something else? I would really appreciate any advice on this whole rubbing ice cube on face thing before I just quit!
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Doctors' responses
Using an ice cube on your face can indeed help reduce puffiness and redness temporarily due to its vasoconstrictive effects — it constricts the blood vessels, which can lessen swelling and calm inflammation, though these effects are usually short-lived. However, applying ice directly to your skin for extended periods can cause numbness or even damage due to cold exposure. It’s best to wrap the ice cube in a soft cloth before using it on your skin to prevent frostbite and irritation. As for the duration, a couple of minutes should suffice, and it’s wise to move around regularly—not focusing on a single spot for too long to avoid overexposure. Doing this once, maybe twice a day, should be safe, but stop if your skin becomes irritated. While rubbing an ice cube can be soothing and help improve circulation, its effects on acne are limited. It might reduce inflammation a bit, but it won’t address underlying causes of acne such as bacterial infections, excess oil production, or clogged pores. Also, the temporary oiliness you’ve noticed could be your skin’s response to the cold; it might produce more oil to cope with this new environmental change. If you have acne, it’s more effective to include a skincare routine with appropriate cleansing, using non-comedogenic products, and maybe incorporating salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne directly. If a particular spot is very persistent, it might be wise to consult a dermatologist, as they can offer treatments like topical retinoids or antibiotics if necessary. Different skin types react differently to ice application, so if you notice any discomfort or worsening condition, stop immediately and reassess your routine. Your friend’s concern about suitability for all skin types is valid—it’s always essential to listen to your skin and adjust your regimen accordingly.
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