Exploring the ice water face dip trend adored by celebrities and influencers

Ice cubes, primarily used to cool our beverages and satiate our senses, have now made their way into the skincare routine. We have to credit social media, yet again, to popularise this trend. Beauty enthusiasts have embraced this new trend and seem to be loving it. Celebrities and social media influencers have included this in their own skincare routine and have made us want to do the same.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently shared a video of dipping her face into a sink full of ice. In the video, she was heard saying, "I love icing my face."
She is not the only one. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt too, was seen doing the same as a part of her routine. While dipping her face into a bowl of ice, Bhatt said, "I literally dip my whole face in ice. Immediately after, all the blood rushes through my face. I feel all pink, fresh and energetic, ready to take on the day."

While celebrities and our favourite fashion and beauty influencers embracing this trend might make it look like a healthy practice, it is crucial to understand the effect it can have on your skin.

We spoke to two skin experts who share key details about this trending skincare practice.

What is the ice-water face dip practice?
Ice-water face dips are a form of cold therapy for skincare. "They involve briefly submerging your face in icy water for skincare benefits," says Dr Debeshi Bhattacharjee, clinical cosmetologist, and founder of Lueur Aesthetics.

Shedding light on the popularity of this skincare practice, Bhattacharjee adds, "Originating from cryotherapy, ice water face dips gained popularity among young Indians due to its refreshing and anti-inflammatory properties, with many celebrities and influencers promoting it on social media."

Similarly, Dr Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic dermatologist, Ra Skin and Aesthetics, says, "This skincare practice involves repeatedly dipping your face in a bowl full of ice water for over ten seconds each time with the aim of enhancing your face's naturally pink glow."

How does it work on the skin?
When you dip your face into a bowl full of ice or ice cubes, your skin goes into an immediate shock. This leads to the spasming or constriction of blood vessels further causing the skin to turn pale. After you take your face off the bowl and allow the skin to return to normal temperature, the blood flow rushes back to your face making your skin look pink.

According to both experts, this practice offers multiple benefits.

1. Reduces puffiness of the face
As dipping the face into ice water causes the blood vessels to constrict, this helps in reducing the puffiness of the face for a temporary period. This can be especially effective when done in the morning or after a long day.

2. Tightens or shrinks pores
Ice water also leads to a tightened appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother and even texture.

3. Increases blood circulation of the face
The cold sensation of the ice stimulates blood circulation, which gives the skin a healthy, rosy complexion.

4. Gives the skin a natural glow
Ice water face dips can revitalise your skin and give it an instant glow, making you look fresher and more radiant.

5. Helps reduce skin irritation
Ice cubes are used in many forms to mainly soothe irritated or red skin. Ice application on the face helps individuals with sensitive or inflamed skin.

6. Promotes proper product absorption
As ice water is known to refresh the skin and rid all the dirt and toxins from the face, it allows for better absorption of skincare products like moisturisers, and serums of sunscreen more effectively.

7. Acts as a natural makeup primer
Many people opt to dip their face in ice water for a few minutes before applying makeup. Doing so helps the face become a smooth canvas for makeup application as the pores are often in constricted form.

8. Helps relieve stress
For many, dipping their face in ice water can also be a form of relaxation. Experts say it does help relieve stress, promoting an overall sense of relaxation.

9. It might help repair chronic damage
Ice water face dips can also benefit the skin by reversing chronic damages like exposure to harsh sunlight and might also help in reducing signs of ageing.

How to go about it the right way?
Although there is a specific step-by-step guide required to follow, here is a basic way to go about it.

1. Ensure your face is free from all kinds of makeup or other skincare products.
2. Fill a clean big bowl with cold water and sufficient ice.
3. Dip your face for over 10-15 seconds.
4. Repeat this for two or three times.
5. Once you are done, pat dry the face using a clean, dry and gentle towel.
6. Following this, apply a moisturiser evenly on your face.

To enhance the effectiveness of this skincare practice, Bhattacharjee says, "You can add natural ingredients like cucumber slices, drops of rose water or a teaspoon of aloe vera gel to the ice water. These ingredients can enhance hydration and soothing effects, however, there isn't enough evidence on the same."

Does this skincare trend have a negative effect?
Generally, ice water face dips are safe, but overdoing it can lead to a few issues like extreme dryness of the skin, irritation, redness and itchiness. Both Bhattacharjee and Shetty suggest against excessive exposure to ice. Ensure the water you use to dip your face isn't too cold and is of a comfortable temperature for your skin.

If you want to give this trend a try, experts recommend doing it only twice a week. You must avoid doing this daily to protect your skin from irritation.
Those with naturally dry and sensitive skin must avoid ice water face dips altogether. Further, individuals with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before trying.

How can ice be used in alternative skin care techniques?
If you find ice water face dips too strong for your face, Bhattacharjee suggests using ice facials, ice rollers or ice masks. These methods also reduce puffiness, tighten skin, and improve blood circulation rendering a rejuvenated complexion. Adding to this Shetty shares a tip you must follow. She says, "If you are using a gel pack, don't apply it directly to the face as it could lead to a burn. Instead, wrap the pack in tissues or a thin towel and apply it on your skin."
This, experts say, can be a part of your daily morning skincare routine for a clean face.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.


Also Read: Ultimate bridal skincare guide: Say ‘I do' to radiant skin on your big day