Face icing is one of those beauty trends which seems very simple at first. I have also seen this trend in social media videos. In some videos, it is said that it is a shortcut to instant glow, but I felt that first it is important to understand what face icing does and how it should be done.
I found the simplicity of this trend interesting because it does not require expensive skincare products, but it is not right to accept all the claims seen on social media. For me, the point of face icing is a short cooling step and not some illusory skincare treatment.
What is face icing?
Face icing means doing cold treatment on the face. It is usually done through wrapped ice or a cold facial tool.
Due to cold temperature, the face can look fresh and less puffy. Especially when the face is lightly soaked in cold water in the morning. I find this to be a refreshing step in the morning routine.
It is more important to be gentle while using cold things on the face.
Why do people put ice on their face?
People use face icing in the morning skincare and puffy face routines. Some people do this even before makeup because the cold feeling can give a temporary refresh look to the face.
On social media, face icing is also connected with pores, acne and dark circles. Be careful about these claims. It is not a magic skin treatment and its effect may be temporary.
Its biggest attraction for me is that the routine is simple; there is no need to add multiple products.
My simple face icing routine
My first mistake was to rub it directly on my face. Later I understood ice causes redness or irritation in some skin types.
First of all, I clean the face quickly and then continuously move the wipes on the face. Do not apply it on any one spot; do light movements on the forehead, jawline and chin, and be very gentle in the under-eye area.
Therefore, the goal is not freezing the face but a short cooling step; if the skin becomes uncomfortable, becomes too red, or itching occurs, then stop it immediately.
What’s the best time to ice your face?
For me, morning face icing is the most practical, especially when people have puffy faces.
Some people do it before skincare, while some do it before makeup.
There is no fixed perfect time.
You can choose according to your routine. I personally consider this a small skincare step, not a replacement for a complete routine.
Should you ice your face before & after skincare?
If I am doing face icing, then I prefer to do it before skincare on a clean face.
This way there is no make-up or multiple products on the face. After face icing, normal skincare routine can be continued. If the skin is completely dry, then moisturizer can be used.
Clean face, short cooling step, then normal skincare. This way I can easily fit icing in my skincare routine.
Can we apply ice directly on face?
This is the mistake which I personally avoid.
I do not rub ice directly on the skin. A clean cloth or suitable tool is a better approach.
Keeping the cold thing on the skin at one place for too long should also be avoided.
Too much cold exposure can make the skin uncomfortably irritated.
The purpose of face icing is to make the skin comfortable and fresh, hence it is not necessary to do forceful cold treatment.
Can face icing reduce puffiness?
This is the biggest reason for face icing.
Cold treatment can make temporary puffiness less noticeable. It can make the face look a little fresher in the morning but it is important to keep the expectation realistic.
Face icing is not a permanent solution, and simple morning puffiness and unusual swelling should not be considered the same thing.
This difference is important to me because on social media sometimes simple beauty trends are presented as a much bigger solution.
Does face icing close pores?
This is also a common question on social media.
After face icing, the skin may become temporarily tight or smoother, due to which the pores may appear less noticeable.
But the pores do not remain closed permanently, hence I would not consider face icing as a permanent pore solution.
If I find the skin smoother looking after face icing, then I consider it as a temporary effect, not a permanent change.
Who should be careful with face icing?
Not every skincare product is equally comfortable for every person. If your skin is very sensitive, or it becomes red or irritated, icing can be more irritating.
Anyone who has recently undergone a facial procedure, laser or any cosmetic treatment should follow the instructions.
When you have unusual discomfort from a skincare step, a simple and sensible approach is to stop it rather than continuing.
4 Face Icing Mistakes I Would Avoid
Rubbing it directly on the skin
Holding it in one area
Using dirty ice cloth or tool
Considering face icing as a replacement for a complete skincare routine
For me, face icing seems simple and manageable. In this trend, a gentle approach is more important than complicated techniques.
FAQs
Can face icing be done daily?
I would not overdo it. If you do it, keep the routine simple and general, and stop when you are uncomfortable.
How long should face icing be done?
No need for long sessions; move it continuously and stop as soon as you feel discomfort.
Does face icing give glow?
The face may be temporarily fresh and bright looking, but do not expect a permanent glow.
Can face icing be done before makeup?
Yes, if the skin comfortably tolerates it, then it can be done as a short cooling step on a clean face.
Is it safe to apply directly on the face?
I avoid direct ice contact. It is better to use a clean cloth or a suitable cold facial tool.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Bolo Hoor is not a medical institution. If you have a skin, hair, or eye concern, consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional.