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.