I Tried a Facial Ice Bath For a Week - Here's What Happened

What beauty treatment is completely free, 30-seconds long, and might lead to a curse word (or two)? That’s right: In Today’s Ajenda, we’re talking about ice water facials.

By now, you’ve probably seen the viral trend of people plunging their faces into a bowl of ice water. I decided to test this out on myself for a week to see whether this torture—I mean, treatment—actually delivers benefits or is just another self-care fad.

The Pros Of The Ice Water Facial

Let me start by saying: It is not as easy as it looks!

The first time I did the ice bath facial it quite literally took my breath away (and I may or may not have uttered a profanity). But it got easier as time went on, and I genuinely noticed some benefits. They included:

• Reduced Puffiness and Inflammation: When you expose yourself to cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict in a process known as vasoconstriction. This tightening reduces blood flow to the skin’s surface, temporarily lowering swelling and puffiness.

• Calmed Redness and Irritation: The cooling effect can soothe mild redness for a short time, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin conditions, such as rosacea or acne.

• Grade-A Skin: Cold water can boost collagen and regulate sebum production, leading to temporarily improved skin elasticity and reduced pore size. (However, while cold water can shrink your pores, it won’t ever fully close them.)

• Less Excess Oil: Cold water causes pores to temporarily contract, which limits how much oil from your sebaceous glands reaches your skin’s surface. The result? It can make your skin look way less shiny.

• Brighter Complexion: As your face “defrosts,” your blood vessels open back up, sending fresh circulation through your skin. This boost in blood flow helps tone your face short term and gives it a smoother, brighter appearance.

Another benefit I wasn’t expecting? It wakes you up! I definitely felt a bolt of energy after doing this.

The Potential Downsides Of The Ice Water Facial

Are there any downsides to dunking your face in freezing-cold water (besides just dreading the morning polar plunge)?

Here’s what the science says:

• Dryness and Irritation: Ice and your skin aren’t exactly friends. Prolonged or excessive exposure to cold temperatures can harm your skin barrier, stripping your natural oils and moisture from the skin. That’s a one-way ticket to dry and flaky skin.  

• Risk of Broken Capillaries: If you have sensitive or easily flushed skin (calling all rosacea-prone skin types!), the extreme temperature fluctuation could lead to broken capillaries or increased redness.

• Temporary Results: Did you notice how all the benefits listed above included some version of the word “temporary?” Unfortunately, ice-water facials don't lead to long-term improvements in skin elasticity or anti-aging.

The Cold, Hard Instructions

To recap: Brief and controlled use of ice-water facials can offer short-lived skin improvements, but avoid overdoing it to minimize risks.

Ready to try this facial at home? Here’s what I’d suggest:

• Limit Exposure: Keep immersion brief (about 10–30 seconds per dip), and don't exceed a handful of repetitions.

• Moderation: A few times per week is generally safe, but avoid daily extended sessions! There’s no need to expose your face to the cold that often.

• Moisturize Afterward, Always: Follow up immediately with moisturizer to replenish hydration and prevent dryness.

And if you don’t feel like filling a giant bowl with ice water? Just toss a wet face cloth in the freezer for 10 minutes. Once it’s nice and chilly, drape it over your face for a few minutes. Ice, ice, baby (minus the mess!).