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In a world where self-care is all the rage and we’re looking for effective, hassle-free routines, a trend has crept into bathrooms across the globe: Ice Facial, i.e. immersing your face in ice water. From influencers to athletes, more and more people are talking about the benefits of this morning practice that promises to improve your skin, reduce stress, and energize you from the first minute of the day. But what’s the truth behind this viral trend?
What exactly does it consist of?
It’s very simple: fill a bowl with cold water, add a few ice cubes, and submerge your face for a few seconds. Some people do this for 10 to 30 seconds, several times, and others prefer to simply rub an ice cube over their face.
The cool thing is, all you need is water and ice. No serums, no rollers, no expensive gadgets. Just you and the ice.
What benefits are attributed to it?
Those who practice Ice Facial with some frequency claim to notice immediate effects:
- Reduction of facial swelling and baggy eyes.
- Smoother, brighter, and more rested-looking skin.
- Feeling instantly alert and energetic.
- Reduction of redness and visible pores.
- Relief from stress and mild anxiety.
But is there any scientific support for these claims?
What science says: The power of cold on your nervous system
When you put your face in ice water, your body activates the so-called diving reflex, an automatic response that reduces the heart rate and redirects blood flow to vital organs. This process is mediated by the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for bringing the body to a calm state.
A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology has shown that cold stimulation to areas such as the cheeks and neck increases heart rate variability (HRV) , indicating increased parasympathetic activity (Lutsch et al., 2022) .
In addition, a review published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews concluded that exposure to cold, even localized, improves emotional regulation and decreases physiological stress (McEwen et al., 2024) .
There is even direct evidence that facial immersion in cold water can immediately reduce anxiety, thanks to that same vagal stimulation. (De Couck et al., 2022) .
So, as you can see, it does seem that this practice can provide us with certain benefits in terms of stress reduction.
Precautions and limits
Although it is a practice accessible to everyone, cheap and easy to perform, it also has its nuances:
- Do not keep your face submerged for more than 30 seconds.
- Avoid direct contact of ice with your skin if you are sensitive to cold.
- It is not recommended if you suffer from rosacea, cold-induced migraines, or certain heart conditions.
And what about the other benefits?
Skin benefits and positive effects on alertness and concentration also exist, but are quite limited.
Cold triggers an acute physiological response that can lead to a peak of alertness and concentration, ideal as a temporary boost. But its effects are not sustained over the long term.
Exposure to cold triggers the so-called “cold shock response”, releasing adrenaline, noradrenaline, and occasionally cortisol, resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. The Guardian .
Recent experiences with cold showers report improvements in mental clarity, energy and focus, thanks to the release of endorphins and noradrenaline, although it is stressed that these effects are short-lived and do not replace medical interventions. Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast+2Texas Health Resources+2Verywell Health+2 .
Regarding skin benefits, there is scientific evidence supporting the temporary reduction of puffiness, dark circles, and redness after a brief application of cold. However, the changes are short-lived and do not structurally alter your skin.
Cold causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), temporarily reducing inflammation and swelling in the face and under-eye area Healthline+10Cleveland Clinic+10Exoceuticals+10 .
Dermatologists and institutions such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology recognize the use of cold compresses (15 ‑20 min) to reduce puffiness under the eyes Healthline+2National Geographic+2Verywell Health+2 .
The contraction of blood vessels can make pores appear finer and skin brighter, although this effect is only temporary. mcgill.ca .
Conclusion: Ice Facial, yes, but…
From what we’ve been able to find out, this ritual is effective for reducing stress and starting your day calm, focused, and alert, so why not giving it a go? You don’t need to do it every day or expect miracles, but it can be that little push that makes all the difference. It’s also not necessary to limit it to the morning; it can be an ace up your sleeve when stress is building up and you need to take a few minutes to stop. We’ll be publishing more information about this soon; stay tuned for new posts!