Once hailed as a must-try trend in skincare, skin icing—often referred to as cryotherapy for the skin—has become a simple yet highly effective method for calming inflammation, enhancing circulation, and achieving a fresh, natural glow. But has this frosty skincare trick started to cool off in popularity?

What is skin icing?

Skin icing is the process of subjecting the skin to low temperatures by applying “ice” in various forms and ways on the skin. From simple ice cubes to specially designed home devices, the practice of applying cold to the skin has been known to help soothe irritation and reduce puffiness, making it an accessible beauty solution for many. 

The most popular way to practice skin icing is by briefly dunking the face in a bowl of ice water. This method offers a quick way to reduce puffiness and allows skincare products to absorb more effectively afterward, enhancing your overall routine.

Another convenient method is rolling ice cubes over the skin, which helps minimize pores and add a natural glow by improving circulation. Even chilled metal spoons can be used as a targeted, affordable fix for puffy eyes, and shrinking blood vessels to provide relief.

What are the benefits of skin icing and does it work?

A primary benefit of skin icing is its ability to temporarily decrease blood flow to the skin, causing blood vessels to constrict, which in turn encourages the body to send warm blood to the area. This circulation boost can support detoxification and create a radiant complexion over time, helping to reduce rosacea, swelling, and acne. Some even claim it tightens and tones, giving the skin a firmer, more refreshed look.

While pores can’t open or close, skin icing can temporarily minimize the appearance of enlarged pores too, which is similar to the effect of splashing your face with cold water after cleansing.

Yet, as the beauty industry evolves, some have questioned whether skin icing remains relevant in the face of more advanced skincare solutions. While it’s undeniably effective, the effects are however short-lived as our skin is usually not exposed to cold temperatures for a very long.

Furthermore, these can lead to some downsides such as damaged skin barrier, if skin icing is not practiced correctly. For instance, direct contact with ice or cold tools for too long can damage the skin and cause skin irritations or worse, ice burns. It is best not to place the ice on the skin, but ideally wrap the ice cubes in a piece of clean cloth first before gliding it across your face.

Improper hygiene—such as using unclean ice trays—can also lead to irritation or bacterial infection. It is advised to use ice cubes from a dedicated tray that is meant for the skin.

These risks may deter some from embracing the practice, especially with the rise of safer, more efficient alternatives.

For safer alternatives and longer-lasting effects, professional treatments like IDS Aesthetics' Cryo Therapeutics Treatment (CTT)—a modern evolution of skin icing that takes the concept to the next level. Unlike at-home methods, the CTT facial leverages cutting-edge Cryotherapy technology and iontophoresis to deliver vitamins and brightening agents deep into the skin. The result? A glowing, revitalized complexion without the risks associated with DIY skin icing.

While skin icing may no longer enjoy the same buzz it once did, its core principles still resonate with beauty enthusiasts who value simple, natural solutions. However, for those seeking enhanced results with fewer risks, professional treatments like the IDS Aesthetics’ CTT facial offer a compelling upgrade. So, has skin icing lost its charm? Perhaps not entirely, but it’s clear that the beauty world has embraced more sophisticated ways to achieve that coveted glow.

Try the IDS Aesthetics’ CTT facial and experience the next level of skin icing here!