Ice, Ice, Baby: Ice Baths and Skincare
One of the skincare trends right now is using ice baths for the face, skin, and entire body in some cases. Ice water facials have become popular not just because of their benefits, but also due to their availability and accessibility, making them accessible to almost anyone. After an ice bath, skin can feel invigorated, which is similar to how it would feel to have someone splash cold water on your face. However, these ice baths offer benefits for complexions, addressing various skincare concerns, and providing a refreshing approach to skincare.
What Are Ice Baths?
Ice baths are just that – bowls filled with ice cubes and water deep enough to submerge one’s face for up to 30 seconds. By plunging the face in ice-cold water, inflammation goes down, and blood vessels constrict. This process is popular among teens and young adults because it is inexpensive and can also help with acne flare-ups. Ice baths can make skin appear healthier and more youthful. As with any beauty treatment, continued use and follow-up care are essential to seeing the best results. Any exposure to water must be followed up with moisturizer to prevent dry skin from overproducing sebum and causing breakouts and oily patches.
Shrink Those Blood Vessels
When the face is in icy water, the blood vessels constrict immediately, making the skin appear tighter. Additionally, puffiness, redness, and swelling may disappear. When hormones are released due to exposure to ice water, skin becomes calmer and has been shown to promote healing on the skin. Vasoconstriction is the process by which blood flow is reduced to an area and has these visible effects on the skin.
After the ice bath and skin returns to normal temperatures, the blood flow increases and circulates more freely. This free-flowing movement of blood adds oxygen to the skin cells and can leave skin looking slightly flush and refreshed. A healthy glow is what many claim after taking an ice bath – plus, it will wake you up as effectively as a cup of coffee!
Draining Toxins
Ice baths, whether for the face or full-body submersion, are practiced by many athletes to drain toxins from the lymph nodes. Excess fluids drain and help reduce swelling and puffiness, and when this happens on the face, puffy eye circles shrink, and the appearance looks more youthful and refreshed.
Pore Tightening
Pores on the face can make a clean makeup look or clear skin more challenging. Many people have large pores, which can become more noticeable with age. Ice baths help tighten pores, providing the skin with a smoother texture and appearance. Lines and wrinkles can be minimized due to this tightening process, and it is safe to use in a daily skincare routine.
Daily Skincare Ice Baths
It is safe to use the ice bath process in daily skincare routines. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice for a quick way to address skin issues. Acne, swelling, and puffiness can be improved quickly. As skin returns to normal temperature, even though some of the effects may wear off, the increased blood flow that slows during the ice stage can keep skin looking more refreshed.
Strengthening Immune Systems
Putting your face in a cold, ice bath can activate the immune system and ultimately lead to fewer breakouts and infections. Skin prone to these conditions can benefit from ice baths, but again, consistency is key. One ice bath may wake you up and reduce some puffiness around the eyes, but skincare requires consistent care and routines that yield results over time and last longer.
Although it is not recommended to do a full body submersion when starting to feel sick, some people choose to do full body ice baths and believe it helps strengthen their immune systems. However, there are some risks associated with this method, and a doctor should guide those who wish to have this experience. The shock can have adverse effects for those with certain medical conditions, but again, a dermatologist can offer more guidance in this area. Although it is tempting to try every trending skincare product and treatment, knowing the risks and the benefits can help individuals make sounder decisions tailored to their skincare goals.
When wanting to address skincare concerns, depending on what it is, it may take more than an ice bath to get the results you seek. Working with a qualified and professional dermatologist licensed in their field can provide fast results using high-quality products that may require a prescription. Whatever your skin concerns, contact Buckhead Dermatology for an appointment. Whether dealing with breakouts, rosacea, eczema, acne, or an unknown condition, Dr. Sherrie Straughn can provide expert advice and guidance on how to achieve your skin’s optimal appearance.
Contact Buckhead Dermatology today!