Should You Try an Ice Facial? Benefits, Tips, and Alternatives to Skin Icing

Icing your face in the morning might sound like a way to jolt yourself awake. But can it help you achieve glowing skin, too? 

Fans of ice facials certainly think so. They report a wide range of benefits, from reducing puffiness to banishing wrinkles. But is there science behind these claims? Find out if an ice facial is right for you, the pros and cons, and how to safely do one yourself. 

What is an ice facial?

An ice facial is a popular beauty trend that involves massaging ice on your face. It’s a type of  cryotherapy treatment that uses cold temperatures to address concerns like inflammation. 

While many estheticians offer ice facials, products like ice rollers make the treatment easily accessible at home. Don't have any fancy skincare tools? Many people just wrap ice cubes in a towel. 

What are the benefits of an ice facial?

Fans of the ice facial use it for a host of benefits, such as reducing oiliness, shrinking large pores, and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. But there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. So far, most studies of cold therapy involve whole-body cold exposure or a local cold exposure (like around a joint). 

Here’s what we know about cold therapy and how it could affect the skin.  

Lowers inflammation and swelling 

Cold temperatures can reduce inflammation and swelling. Exposure to the cold narrows blood vessels at the surface of the skin to restrict blood flow. It also lowers inflammatory substances in your blood. That’s why cold compresses are a common at-home treatment for puffy eyes. So an ice facial could help limit the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness. 

Reduces redness and brightens skin tone

By reducing blood flow to your skin, cold therapy may make your face appear less flushed. As your skin warms up after application, the blood vessels dilate gradually, which can make your skin appear brighter. 

Eases acne pain 

Experts do not recommend popping your pimples because it can cause pain, inflammation, and more pimples. Instead, you can try easing pain and irritation from cysts and other acne symptoms with ice.

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It's worth noting that any anecdotal or science-backed benefits of ice facials are temporary, and results will fade shortly after application. But while there's a need for more research on the specific effects of facial icing, the skincare trend is inexpensive and accessible. That's why so many people have added ice facials to their at-home beauty routines. 

What are the risks of ice facials? 

When done correctly, ice facials are well tolerated by most people. But the skincare practice has some risks. For example, ice facials may cause redness or other signs of irritation. Leaving the ice on your skin for too long can result in burning, tingling, and frostnip.

It can also aggravate existing skin conditions. So it's best to talk to a dermatologist first if you have any of the following: 

• Inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea

• Broken capillaries (small blood vessels in the skin) 

• Recent facial procedures, such as a chemical peel, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion

• Sensitive skin

How do ice facials compare to other at-home skin treatments?

If you want to achieve healthier-looking skin, various at-home methods may provide some of the same benefits you want to achieve with skin icing. 

• Hyaluronic acid is an evidence-based skincare ingredient for increasing hydration.

• Some oral dietary supplements like collagen have been shown to boost skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.

• Gua sha may help relieve tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation.

• Cold compresses may work just as well as ice and provide a better alternative for people with skin conditions like rosacea. 

Tips for how to do an ice facial at home 

If you’re ready to give yourself an ice facial, here are some general guidelines to follow. 

1. Wash your face and hands to ensure a clean environment.

2. Always use ice from a sanitized ice tray and clean the tray before refilling again.

3. Wrap several ice cubes in a clean cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin. 

4. Apply moisturizer or a hydrating serum beforehand, especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin. 

5. Glide the ice cubes or ice roller across your face, making sure to cover your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, jaw, and under your eyes. 

6. Keep the ice cube constantly moving. If you leave it in one spot for too long, it can damage the skin.

7. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. 

8. Moisturize or apply hydrating serums before moving on in your skincare routine.

Should you buy an ice roller? 

Ice rollers are a more convenient way to reap the benefits of an ice facial with less mess. But they're not required for an at-home ice facial. While the skin icing process is generally the same as using ice cubes, remember these tips when using an ice roller. 

• Store your ice roller in the fridge, keeping it clean and sanitized. 

• Use the roller in an upward motion to avoid pulling your skin down.

• Don't apply any pressure when using a facial ice roller. Instead, let it gently glide across your skin. 

• Never use the tool across your eyelids, and be extra careful when rolling underneath your eyes. 

How often should you have an ice facial?

There's no official recommendation for how often you should have an ice facial. If you do it at home, start with a shorter period of skin icing to test your skin's reaction to cold therapy. Then gradually work up to 2 to 4 minutes once a day if you don't have any adverse reactions. This careful, limited application can help you avoid risks. 

Skin icing results are temporary, so it might be a useful way to freshen up in the morning or before an event. Plus, cold temperatures have been shown to make you feel more alert. So skin icing can be a good part of your morning routine.

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Written by:

Autumn Dewey

Autumn has experience in nonprofit communications, multimedia storytelling, and public relations.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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