Ice rolling has become a popular skincare trend, but many wonder if it's truly beneficial or just a passing fad. Read on to learn more about the ice roller benefits that make ice rolling a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
What is ice rolling?
Ice rolling is a simple skincare technique that may offer various benefits for the skin. Face ice rolling can involve using a handheld tool with a smooth, chilled surface to massage your face gently. These tools are usually filled with gel or frozen water. Ice rolling has become popular due to recent social media trends.
Benefits of an ice roller
Adding a few minutes of ice rolling into your regular skincare routine has several potential advantages.
1. May reduce under-eye circles and puffiness
Using an ice roller may help reduce under-eye circles and puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention. The cooling sensation of an ice roller can instantly refresh your skin, which may give a smoother appearance.
2. May boost circulation
Ice rolling massages your face gently, which can help bring more blood to the surface of your skin. This promotes a healthy, radiant glow. Also, improved blood circulation may help your skin look tighter and more firm.
3. May help reduce inflammation
The cold temperatures of the ice roller may help reduce redness and swelling associated with inflammation on the skin by constricting blood vessels. This is very beneficial for soothing skin irritation and calming redness caused by acne breakouts.
4. May increase glow
Ice rolling may help exfoliate your skin to boost cell turnover, which can help reveal more radiant skin. The massage element is also essential in upping your glow. According to a 2018 study, even non-chilled massage rollers boosted blood flow to the skin, which helped encourage skin rejuvenation and leave behind a healthy glow.
5. Can help enhance product absorption
Using an ice roller to apply your serums or moisturizers may help enhance their absorption into your skin. While the cold temperature cannot enhance the permeability of the skin barrier, massaging the skin may aid by allowing the products' active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.
How do you perform ice rolling for your face?
Ice rolling is a simple skincare technique. While there is no wrong way to ice roll, here are some easy tips on how to use an ice roller on the face to ensure a smooth experience:
- Freeze it. Freeze your ice roller for at least 30 minutes. Or better yet, store the ice roller in your freezer so it is ready to use whenever you need it.
- Prep your skin. Before you begin ice rolling, it's best to start with a face cleanse. You can use it before you apply your skincare products or ice roll over your serums or moisturizer. Just experiment and see what works best for you.
- Start ice rolling. When rolling, use gentle, upward strokes. Roll gently in slow, back-and-forth motions over the temples and forehead before you roll over your cheeks, chin, and neck area. Repeat this as many times as you need for up to five minutes.
- Focus on your problem areas. If you have areas of redness or puffiness, you may give special attention to those areas of concern. Using the ice roller on these parts can help reduce puffiness and soothe your skin.
The best time to use this technique
While no studies show the absolute best time for ice rolling, here are some examples of when using a face roller could be beneficial:
| In the morning | Ice rolling first thing in the morning may help reduce puffiness that often occurs overnight. This leaves your skin feeling refreshed and awake. |
| At night | After a tiring day, ice rolling may help soothe irritated skin and prepare you for a restful sleep. |
| After a workout | After a workout, an ice roller's cooling effect may help reduce the redness and inflammation caused by exercise and revitalize your skin. |
What to pay attention to when choosing an ice roller
Here are a few factors to consider when you are buying an ice roller:
- The material of the face ice roller. Always go for durable and hygienic materials, such as stainless steel or medical-grade silicone. Such materials provide longevity.
- Cooling properties. Look for ice rollers that maintain consistent coolness when you are using them. Stainless steel rollers are usually the best in this area.
- How easy it is to clean. Look for rollers with removable heads or smooth surfaces. They make it easy to clean your ice roller.
How to take care of your ice roller
Taking care of your ice roller is very easy and essential. Just use warm water and mild soap to clean it after every use. Cleaning the ice roller will help prevent potential skin irritation as well as buildup of bacteria. After it dries, store it in a cool, dry place. You can also keep it in your freezer so it's ready for use the next time you need it.
What are the risks?
Using an ice roller is usually safe for most skin types. However, it may have some risks. You may experience skin irritation and redness, especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, extreme or prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have adverse effects on the skin; therefore, it is important to use an ice roller with caution.
While cold temperature exposure can have a soothing effect on skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, the skin might also be more sensitive to cold temperatures or even the material of an ice roller. Thus, individuals with these conditions should be extra careful when using one.
Common myths and misconceptions about ice rolling
There are so many myths surrounding ice rolling. Let's debunk the top ones.
1. Ice rolling can completely eliminate wrinkles
This is one of the biggest myths. It may temporarily tighten your skin, but it definitely can't get rid of your wrinkles permanently.
2. Ice rolling can replace professional skincare treatments
Ice rolling is a complementary skin technique. It may soothe your skin, but it cannot replace professional skincare treatments.
3. Ice rolling can cause skin freezing or frostbite
Ice rolling is meant to be moderately cool, not freezing cold. So, when you use it properly, frostbite is highly unlikely.
4. The longer you ice roll, the better the results
Too much of a good thing sometimes can be harmful. Using your ice roller excessively may irritate your skin. So, just stick to ice rolling for 5 to 10 minutes to avoid irritating your skin.
5. Ice rolling is suitable for all skin types and conditions
Another big myth. Ice rolling is not ideal for all skin types and conditions. People with sensitive skin might experience redness or irritation. Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist before you start any new skincare routine.
Ice rolling alternatives
Other alternative facial treatments and tools can address similar concerns. Some of them include:
- Gua sha. A facial gua sha tool is a very popular tool for massaging your skin. It can help stimulate blood circulation and reduce puffiness.
- Cold compresses. A cold compress after a tiring day can give you instant stress relief. It may promote circulation in your face, relieve puffiness, and make your skin look more radiant.
- Cooling facial masks. Cooling facial masks usually offer a similar cooling sensation. Also, they are often infused with soothing ingredients that may be beneficial for your skin.
Ice rolling is very popular. While the benefits of using an ice roller for the face are not well-researched, massaging your face can be soothing and might help improve blood flow in your face. In addition to all the benefits, it's an easy and quick way to show yourself a little self-love. Just try it — your skin might thank you for it.
FAQ
Do dermatologists recommend ice rollers?
Sometimes, dermatologists might recommend them as a supplementary tool, however, they cannot replace professional treatments. Just consult with your dermatologist before you start using them, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What are the benefits of ice rolling?
Adding ice rolling into your skincare routine has several potential benefits. Some include reducing puffiness, temporarily soothing irritated skin, and possibly improving circulation.
What are some alternatives for ice rolling?
Some alternatives for ice rolling include gua sha, cooling masks, and cold compresses. They offer similar cooling and soothing effects.
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Ice rolling is a simple skincare technique. It involves using a handheld tool with a smooth surface to gently massage your face.
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The benefits of incorporating an ice roller for your face into your routine may include reducing inflammation and redness, temporarily tightening your skin, and improving blood circulation.
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To use an ice rolling device, simply roll it in an upward motion, starting from the center of your face, and enjoy the instant cooling sensation.
4 resources
- Elsevier. Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity.
- International Journal of Dermatology. Rejuvenating facial massage--a bane or boon.
- American Academy of Ophithalmology. How to get rid of bags under the eyes.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Gua-sha, jade roller, and facial massage: are there benefits within dermatology.
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