benefits of icing on face - #27964
I am really curious about the benefits of icing on face. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks now and started asking my friends if they notice any changes. They say my skin looks a little brighter, but I’m not totally sure if that's just wishful thinking on my part or what!! I’ve seen all these videos online rave about the benefits of icing on face, like reducing puffiness and maybe even tightening pores, right? But honestly, I don't know how much of that is true. My skin sometimes feels a bit sensitive and after icing, I worry if I’m doing it wrong. I just wrap some ice in a clean cloth and glide it over my cheeks and forehead for like 5-10 mins. some days I do it twice, cause I read that it's good for inflammation too... but how often is too often? Also heard from a friend that the benefits of icing on face could help with acne, which is a problem I've had on and off for years. Sometimes I feel like I'm just chasing trends or fads, y’know? Are there any downsides to it, or specific techniques that work better than others? Any advice would be super helpful!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Icing the face, also known as cryotherapy, can indeed offer some benefits such as reducing puffiness and making skin appear brighter in the short term. The cold constricts blood vessels, which can decrease puffiness or swelling, and might give an immediate tightening effect. However, the reduction of pore size is temporary, and the benefits are generally limited to surface-level improvements. It’s understandable that you’d wonder about the frequency and technique, considering some of your skin’s sensitivity. Using ice directly on the skin can be too harsh, so wrapping it in a cloth, as you’ve been doing, is a good approach. Doing this for 5-10 minutes is generally safe, but you might want to avoid icing more than once a day to prevent aggravating your skin. If your skin is sensitive after treatment, it’s essential to monitor for any irritation or increased redness, which could suggest that it’s time to reduce frequency or duration. As for acne, while icing may temporarily reduce inflammation, it doesn’t address the underlying causes of acne, such as oil production and bacterial involvement. You’d still need a holistic acne treatment approach, possibly including topical treatments like retinoids or salicylic acid. Pay attention also to any signs of worsening acne or skin irritation, which might mean that icing is not right for you. If the sensitivity concerns you, a safer and possibly more beneficial approach might involve consulting a dermatologist for more targeted acne treatments instead. Always remember that trends don’t always equate to medically-proven effectiveness, so stay cautious and prioritize your skin’s overall health and safety.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.