The Ice Water Facial Guide to Glowing Skin

Updated: April 5, 2024 By Liz Butterfield

Time For Some Self Care?

2024 is the year for in-home spa experiences and thoughtful self-care rituals. While making time for these practices often falls low on the priority list, they're essential! Studies show that regular self-care noticeably enhances physical health and boosts mental well-being. (Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary for a healthy, balanced life!) Now, perhaps today you don't have time for a sumptuous soak in the tub or a luxuriously long gua sha stone facial massage (best done while consuming several of Vogue's Beauty Secret tutorials). But you might have time for this one! You can do it from home (in under 5 minutes!), and the energy boost and glowing, depuffed complexion lasts all all day. Enter: the Ice Water Facial

What Is An Ice Water Facial?

Cold treatments have long been praised for their benefits in results-driven skincare routines (think cold spoons, chilled cucumbers, and the TikTok-famed skincare fridge, because ... cold products last longer.) For this reason, ice water facials are gaining serious traction among skincare pros. This invigorating practice involves submerging your face in icy cold water and holding it there for as long as you can handle. Why subject yourself to such torture? The results speak for themselves!

Benefits Of The Ice Water Facial

Pore Tightening: Cold water constricts blood vessels, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and giving the skin a smoother, more even texture. (Psst, this also works wonders for a silkier natural foundation application.)

De-Bloats a Puffy Face: A little too much saké with your sushi last night? No problemo. Cold water reduces inflammation, diminishing the appearance of puffiness and bringing down the bloat. It is particularly effective in reducing under-eye bags! (Double down your efforts by applying a targeted eye cream afterward.)

Enhanced Circulation: Submerging your face in cold water stimulates circulation, bringing a rush of oxygenated blood to the skin's surface. This boost in circulation promotes brightening and tightening of the skin.

Oil Control: Cold water immersion can help regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. This practice contributes to a clearer complexion by tightening the pores and reducing excess oil. And because swollen skin makes it difficult for topical acne remedies to reach the bacteria inside the pores, the ice water facial helps targeted treatments permeate the skin.

The Ice Water Facial How-To

1. Prep

You'll need a large (super duper clean, please) bowl of water, a dozen or so ice cubes, and a clean towel nearby. That's it. Easy-Peasy!

2. Plunge

Start with a clean face by using your regular, non-toxic cleanser. Then, in you go! Take a deep breath, dip your face into the bowl of ice water, and hold for a few moments, depending on your tolerance level. The temp drop will be pretty shocking at first, but trust us, it gets easier. After you've plunged for a few minutes, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Follow up with your natural skincare routine post-plunge to lock in the benefits. You can perform ice water facials up to twice a day, depending on your skin's tolerance and needs.

Safety Precautions

Avoid prolonged exposure to ice-cold water, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you have a medical condition like rosacea or eczema, consult with a dermatologist before incorporating the ice water plunge into your routine.

Our Takeaway

We're thrilled to see this easy (and free!) skincare treatment gain momentum. This refreshing ritual elevates your skincare game and is a relatively quick practice. Remember, consistency is key in skincare, so make the ice water plunge a regular part of your natural skincare routine to achieve that healthy glow 🌟. Looking for other tips to brighten, tighten, and depuff the face? Reach out to your knowledgeable Green Kiss Educator today.