How to Apply Ice to Your Face

“To incorporate this into your routine, gently place an ice cube or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth/plastic bag on different areas of your face for about 5 to 10 minutes,” said Ginille Brown, NP, an LA-based registered aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Ginille Beauty Aesthetics. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin to prevent frostbite or discomfort. “After icing, proceed with your regular skincare routine and makeup application for a smoother canvas,” Brown adds.

What Are the Benefits of Ice on Skin?

“Applying ice to the face can be a beneficial addition to a beauty routine, particularly when dealing with inflammation and puffiness,” Brown says. There are many benefits of ice for the skin, but always check with a dermatologist or nurse before trying any type of cold therapy. Here are some of the biggest benefits.

1. Reduce Puffiness on the Face

Applying ice to the face, whether with an ice roller, ice cubes, or ice globes, can help depuff the face, especially the jawline. “[Puffiness] is especially noticeable in the mornings, as factors like consuming salty foods, alcohol, sleeping face-down, or seasonal allergies can lead to a swollen appearance,” Brown says.

2. Reduce the Look of Dark Circles

Rubbing ice onto the under-eye area can help with depuffing while also helping reduce the look of dark circles. “Remember that while ice can provide short-term benefits, it's important to maintain a well-balanced skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle (appropriate hydration, sleep, and nutrition) for long-term results,” Brown adds.

3. Reduce the Size of Pimples

“By using ice, you can constrict blood vessels temporarily,” Brown says. This can help calm inflammation from red, swollen blemishes. Before applying skincare to breakouts, apply ice in a ‌circular motion on the pimple for five minutes. You’ll see a reduced size overnight.

4. Calm Skin Conditions

The same way ice reduces inflammation, it can reduce the redness and swelling of skin conditions like rosacea, sensitive skin, sunburn, and other rashes. Then, apply your skincare once the inflammation has calmed, such as a hydrating moisturizer or aloe vera. Of course, before starting any new skincare routine when dealing with skin conditions, check with a board-certified dermatologist.

5. Alleviate Injection Side-Effects

“Cosmetic injections, such as dermal fillers or Botox, can sometimes cause temporary swelling, redness, and discomfort at the injection sites,” Brown says. “Using ice can help alleviate these post-procedure symptoms.”

How to Level up Your Ice

Now that your skin is calm and depuffed with less redness and irritation, keep the good skin going with skincare ingredients such as moisturizing hyaluronic acid and calming botanicals. Brown likes JASI SKIN Recovery Boost Serum, which contains green tea polyphenols for antioxidants, willow bark extract to gently exfoliate, and vitamin C to brighten skin.

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