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Kate Moss is a big fan -

Always a trendsetter, Kate Moss has been espousing the beauty benefits of iced water for years. In 2017, she revealed that her go-to beauty trick was to plunge her face into a sink filled with ice, water, and cucumber slices.

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Victoria Beckham backs it up -

Victoria Beckham is another longtime fan, enthusing to interviewers about the skin-boosting benefits of dunking the face into iced water or applying ice cubes directly to the face.

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Icy inspiration -

The opening scene of the 1981 Joan Crawford-starring biopic 'Mommie Dearest' depicts the star first scalding her face, then freezing it with iced water. In reality, the star is said to have used ice water, but in a less severe fashion, splashing iced rose water repeatedly over her face.

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Do I need fancy gadgets? -

Essentially, you can follow the lead of fashion royalty like Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, with nothing other than water, ice, and the ability to withstand immersing your face in freezing water. If that's too much, simply applying ice cubes to the face can purportedly deliver similar benefits.

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Can it damage my skin? -

While it's unlikely to do you any long-term damage, some skin care experts warn that overdoing it on the facial ice baths can irritate skin and exacerbate conditions such as rosacea.

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How do I apply ice directly? -

The technique of applying the ice directly to the face involves either literally smoothing an ice cube over areas of concern, or wrapping several cubes in a soft cloth and massaging the face in circular movements.

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Before you start -

It's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or doctor if you have any skin conditions that may be exacerbated by the treatment. Use a dedicated ice cube tray for your ice facials, and clean it after each use. You should begin with a freshly-washed face.

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Cold therapy -

The benefits of applying ice to the body are widely acknowledged in sporting circles. Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, is known to reduce inflammation and swelling. Proponents of ice facials say it can have a similarly calming effect on the face.

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Sinus solution -

Along with a raft of beauty benefits, applying ice to the face may help reduce sinus pressure and alleviate symptoms of a sinus infection. A cold compress, or ice cubes in a cloth, can be applied directly to the sinus area.

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Wake-up call -

Although it can take time to get used to the sensation, applying ice to the face can be a real wake-up call for the skin. Adding soothing ingredients such as cucumber or aloe vera can provide an extra soothing boost.

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Acne treatment -

Fans of skin icing say it can treat acne by addressing inflammation and minimizing excessive oil production by constricting the pores.

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Under-eye treatment -

Puffy under eyes are a visible sign of fatigue that many people seek to remedy as soon as they appear. Applying an ice compress directly to the undereye area for a few minutes can have an immediate cosmetic effect.

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Eases sunburn -

The cooling effect of an ice facial is also thought to be instantly effective in reducing the redness and discomfort of sunburn.

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Free and easy facial -

The ice facial may be riding a wave of popularity right now because it is literally free and easy to do. Unlike many treatments endorsed by celebrities and beauty experts, it costs literally nothing to give it a go.

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Instant boost -

The immediate effect is a bonus, too. Icing the skin makes the blood vessels contract, which reduces puffiness and shrinks pores. The rush of blood and oxygen to the face once the cold is removed will give an instant glow.

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Ice over serums -

Some beauty industry insiders make a case for applying ice to the face after massaging serums and other products into the skin. This could help 'seal' the products into the skin.

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Anti-aging effects -

The effects of an ice bath for the face may be temporary, but enthusiasts swear by the anti-aging properties. The extreme cold may help stimulate collagen production, and increase elasticity.

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Body treatment -

If you can bear the cold, ice can be applied to other parts of the body that are visibly red or inflamed.

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Added ingredients -

To get an extra benefit from your ice facial, it's possible to make the ice cubes from ingredients other than plain water.

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Aloe ice -

Aloe vera is known for its healing and soothing powers. Making your ice cubes with aloe-infused water could help make your ice facial extra-beneficial, especially in the case of sunburn.

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Green tea ice -

Green tea is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, and many ice facial advocates believe that using green tea ice cubes can bring these additional benefits to the skin-boosting procedure.

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Coffee ice cubes -

In need of a caffeine boost for body and mind? Caffeine is often used as a circulation-stimulating ingredient in under-eye treatments, and coffee ice cubes applied directly to the undereye area can give an immediate up-and-at-'em look.

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K-Beauty trends -

Korean beauty (or K-Beauty) hacks are a hot trend right now, and one trick involves using the ice facial to 'set' your makeup. It involves applying makeup followed by a layer of baby powder, before submerging the face in icy water.

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Rice water ice cubes -

K-Beauty regimes also make a strong case for using rice water on the hair and skin. It's an easy-to-make treatment that's rich in antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. Making your ice cubes with rice water can give an extra boost to the skin.

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Iced rollers -

Anybody who owns a jade roller is probably well aware of the soothing sensation of pre-chilling the roller. Alongside the established rolling benefits of stimulating the lymphatic system and reducing puffiness, a cold roller constricts blood vessels, tightening skin and creating a 'fresher' appearance.

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Ice globes -

A step up from keeping a jade roller in the freezer, ice globes are the latest buzz tool in the beauty business, used as in-salon treatments for cooling face massages, and also available to use at home.

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Cindy Crawford rolls with it -

Cindy Crawford advocates a more modern (and expensive) approach, using an ice globe to roll her way to perfect skin.

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Tracee Ellis Ross is an ice globe enthusiast -

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross has also enthused about ice globes on her Instagram, reporting that it's a fast route to a "tight chin."

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Morning after face-saver -

If the last time you saw ice was in your cocktail the night before, an ice facial may be just the ticket to saving face the next day. Many proponents of the face-dunking method swear it wakes the skin, reduces morning-after puffiness, and gives the appearance of well-rested skin.

Sources: (Refinery29) (Vogue) (Healthline)(Shape)

See also: Foods that will naturally boost your skin, hair, and nails

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