There are a lot of things people are willing to try in the name of beauty, and an ice water facial (i.e., dunking your face in ice water) is one of them. Honestly, it’s not surprising that ice water facials have become a popular trend—after all, the benefits of cold plunges have been long studied for athletes, singers, and more. So why not apply those perks to the face? That’s where an ice water facial steps in.
An ice water facial joins the ranks of many beauty and wellness and trends, like taking olive oil shots, drinking prune juice, or getting salmon-sperm facials. But what exactly is an ice water facial, how do you give yourself one, and most importantly, is the practice dermatologist-approved? (Spoiler alert: It is, but proceed with caution.) If you’re thinking of trying an ice water facial for yourself and want to experience the depuffing, tightening, and skin-tone-improving effects, read on before you start. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about putting your face in ice water, with tips and insight directly from a dermatologist.
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What is an ice water facial, and what are the benefits of ice water for your face?
An ice water facial is a treatment in which you fill a bowl with ice water and submerge your face for up to 30 seconds at a time. Similarly to a full-body cold plunge, it can energize both your skin and your mind. “The cold helps firm the skin, tighten pores, and improve tone, leaving your complexion looking fresh and smooth,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology in Cincinnati. “It also stimulates lymphatic flow, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes and promoting overall skin health.”
And it doesn’t just help the skin: “On a systemic level, the brief cold exposure can increase alertness and provide a gentle stress-lowering effect by activating endorphin release,” says Dr. Bowles.
Wondering how soon can you start seeing the effects of your ice water facial? They “are usually noticeable almost immediately, though they are mostly temporary,” says Dr. Bowles. “Many people see a quick reduction in puffiness, slight tightening of the skin, and a refreshed feeling right after the first session.”
However, for skin tone and other benefits that take time to become apparent, consistency and patience are key. “Over time, with occasional and consistent use, some may notice a more energized appearance or improved skin tone, but these effects aren’t long-lasting on their own,” says Dr. Bowles.
Ice water facials are great additions to your skin care but shouldn’t be seen as a panacea for your skin health. “It’s important to view ice water facials as a short-term pick-me-up rather than a replacement for regular skin care,” says Dr. Bowles. “Combining them with hydration and gentle skin care routines will help maintain healthier-looking skin overall.”
Is it good to do an ice water facial every day?
A daily ice water facial seems enticing, but if we’re being honest, rushing out the door every morning leaves little time for even a quick face plunge. But Dr. Bowles doesn’t recommend ice water facials every day anyway, so keeping it to just a few days a week feels more manageable. “Short dips of 10 to 30 seconds a few times a week are usually enough to enjoy the experience safely,” she says.
Remember that an ice water facial, though fun, can be overdone. “Dunking your face in ice water can feel refreshing and invigorating, but it’s important to consider your skin type and exposure time,” says Dr. Bowles. “Sensitive or dry skin may react with redness, irritation, or temporary dryness, and prolonged exposure can be harmful. I advise listening to your skin. If it feels uncomfortable, it’s best to skip it. Done thoughtfully, this practice can be a fun and refreshing addition to your routine.” Her best tip? Follow your face plunge with gentle hydration and sunscreen.
How long should you do an ice water facial?
When it comes to ice water facials, shorter is better, says Dr. Bowles. “Usually, 10 to 30 seconds is enough to get the refreshing benefits without stressing the skin,” she says.
You don’t want to dip for too long, as “staying in longer can increase the risk of dryness, irritation, or even frostbite, especially for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Bowles. Besides, you’ll want to come up for air!
What are the disadvantages of dipping your face in ice water?
Yes, ice water facials can feel refreshing, but that doesn’t mean they come without any drawbacks. “For some people, the cold can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation, especially in already dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Bowles.
You want to be super careful with ice and your skin. “Direct contact with ice, particularly for prolonged periods, can even cause frostbite, ice burns, or broken capillaries,” says Dr. Bowles. “In certain cases, extreme cold may trigger increased oil production in acne-prone skin, potentially leading to breakouts.”
Is there anyone who should avoid ice water facials? Yes: “Individuals with conditions like rosacea, eczema, or other inflammatory skin issues may find that ice worsens their symptoms rather than improving them,” says Dr. Bowles. Others who should skip the ice water dunk altogether include “those with fragile capillaries or a history of broken blood vessels,” says Dr. Bowles, as they “may notice increased redness or visible damage from the cold.” Next, “even people with extremely sensitive skin might find the sudden temperature shift uncomfortable or stressful to the skin barrier,” she says.
Alternatives to ice water facials
If your skin can’t tolerate an ice water facial but you still want to reap the benefits of chill, there are gentler ways to refresh your skin than using ice water directly on your face. “Some options can be splashing the face with cool water, using a chilled facial mist, applying a cold compress wrapped in a soft cloth, or storing hydrating gels and sheet masks in the fridge for a soothing effect,” says Dr. Bowles.
There are countless cryo facial tools out there, from masks to ice rollers, that can also deliver similar effects of glowy, tightened, depuffed skin, and can even help target eye puffiness. Make sure to take caution using these as well and consider storing them in the refrigerator instead of the freezer, as if they are too cold, you can experience the same side effects as with an ice water facial.
Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Amazon
Sonage Baby Frioz Facial Ice Globes
Amazon
- Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
- Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
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Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta
Skin Gym Cryo-Ice Massage Sticks
Amazon
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
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