
Cryotherapy is all the rage right now, and for good reason. The use of the cold for healing and beautification purposes goes back thousands of years, but in more recent times finds popularity in countries like Russia and Korea. Though cryotherapy can involve the whole body, today’s (not so) hot tip is purely concerned with the rejuvenating properties that come with a very localised cooling to the face (and perhaps the neck).
If you have the capacity to make ice cubes, or even easier – there’s ice or snow on the ground outside, you can partake of this profoundly simple and effective facial treatment.
But before I give you the very simple instructions for the ice facial itself, here are 5 key benefits that come with regular practice.
1. Smoother skin
An ice facial helps tighten and shrink enlarged pores by helping to unclog pores that can appear larger due to debris and excess sebum. Icing tones the face, making it look smoother.
2. Improves Circulation
Ice naturally improves circulation in the skin. Cold constricts the blood vessels so that less blood goes to the surface of the skin (which reduces any inflammation or swelling). The body responds by sending an increased flow of warm nurturing blood to the area.
3. Relief for Puffy Eyes
Icing reduces puffiness under the eyes by reducing swelling and pulling in excess skin.
4. Wrinkle Buster
Skin icing can help soften or erase signs of wrinkles and help keep new creases at bay.
5. Blemish Control
Ice can help reduce swelling and the redness of pimples. It also soothes irritated skin.
How to do it!
Simply take an ice cube made from pure water or else a smooth chunk of wild ice/compressed snow that has just started to melt and begin rolling it across your face. Start with your chin and cheeks and move up to you nose, eyes and forehead. For problem areas you want to improve, a wrinkle, zit or blemish say, you can spend longer more precise work going backwards and forwards in that area. Do not, however, keep the ice in any one area for too long. After a few seconds you will see your skin redden as increased blood is sent into the far recesses of your tiny skin vessels, an effect that in and of itself, has a cleansing, nourishing action. Continue for 1 to 2 minutes, more if you are so inclined, as your tolerance to the cold improves.
For a truly sumptuous version of the ice facelift that has even more pronounced toning, clarifying and skin-regenerating rewards, make the ice cubes using our pure Unpasteurised Organic Omanian Rose Water. Of course, you do not need to use an entire ice-cube all in one go, just pop back in the freezer and continue using the following day.
There we are, an instant facelift. If you have overly sensitive or very thin skin that does not tolerate this degree of cold too well, you can easily take the “bite” off the ice by wrapping it in a soft piece of natural unbleached cotton, a natural organic cotton sock is an excellent and convenient example as you can just pop the the ice into it.
For best results aim to carry out your new routine at least 5 days a week. First thing in the morning, upon rising, works for me. Or straight after the shower.
Thank me later :)