top of page

Is icing your face actually good for your skin?

Jan 20

3 min read

5

10

0

From de-puffing to glowing, here’s everything you need to know about icing your face the right way.


A person with light hair uses a pink ice cube on their cheek, showing fresh skin. They have a septum piercing and appear relaxed.

It’s a Monday morning and your face is puffier than the marshmallows in your hot cocoa. Cue the viral solution sweeping TikTok, Instagram and skincare forums alike—icing your face. But does this hack really live up to the hype, or is it just another trend?


Face icing isn’t some invention born from influencer reels. This practice has roots in ancient skincare rituals. From cold water plunges in Nordic spas to ice facials favored by Old Hollywood stars, the idea of chilling out your skin is anything but new.

Science backs it up too—kind of. Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels, which is why you instinctively grab an ice pack after a bump or bruise. But does this short-term fix hold any long-term benefits for your skin?


The Benefits

When done correctly, icing your face can have some genuinely refreshing perks:


  • A quick swipe of an ice cube can help reduce morning puffiness, especially around the eyes. Thank vasoconstriction (a fancy word for blood vessel tightening) for this mini-miracle.

  • Icing can boost circulation as your skin warms up after exposure to the cold, giving you that post-facial glow. It’s like a workout for your face, minus the sweating.

  • While it won’t actually shrink your pores (sorry to burst that bubble), icing can make them appear smaller temporarily by tightening the skin.

  • Inflamed zits? The cold can help calm redness and swelling, making those angry pimples slightly less volcanic.


The Risks

Before you go ham with an ice tray, let’s talk precautions:


  • Direct contact with ice can damage your skin, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Always wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth—your skin deserves better than freezer burns.

  • While icing helps with temporary issues like puffiness or inflammation, it won’t replace your favorite serums or creams. Think of it as the skincare equivalent of a quick coffee pick-me-up, not a full meal.

  • Over-icing can lead to dryness or irritation. A quick 1-2 minutes is all you need.


How to actually ice your face
  1. Wrap It Up

    Use a clean muslin cloth, baggie or any thin fabric to avoid direct ice-to-skin contact.


  2. Be Gentle

    Glide the ice in upward circular motions. No one likes a cold slap in the face.


  3. Moisturize After

    Cold exposure can dry out your skin, so follow up with a good moisturizer to lock in hydration.


You can also freeze green tea, cucumber water, or chamomile tea instead of plain water for added skin benefits.


Or, if you’re feeling fancy, invest in an ice roller. These ergonomic tools are cooler (literally) than DIY ice cubes, plus they’re reusable and less messy.

A hand with nude nailpolish holds a pink ice mold for icing face with a round ice cube containing cucumber slices inside. Neutral gray background, close-up view.
Ice roller

Woman with a yellow headband leans over a wooden bowl filled with cold water and ice on a table with beauty products. Bright room, relaxed atmosphere. She is icing her face.

Another way is simply dunking your face in ice water. Dunking your face into a bowl of ice water might sound like something straight out of a polar bear plunge, but it’s a ritual many swear by—including some of Hollywood’s most iconic faces. Kate Moss famously starts her mornings with a face plunge into a sink filled with ice and cucumber slices, claiming it tightens her skin, reduces puffiness, and gives her an instant glow. This dip isn’t just for celebs, though—beauty gurus and skincare enthusiasts alike have taken to recreating this ritual. The idea is simple: the cold constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, and leaves you looking fresh-faced and awake.


 

Icing your face isn’t the skincare equivalent of finding the fountain of youth, but it’s not just fluff either. For a quick pick-me-up or post-sleepless-night rescue, it’s worth adding to your routine.