Does Ice Water on Your Face Really Work? My Week-Long Facial Experiment

You've likely seen the ice water facial trend taking over social media. The promise? Reduced facial puffiness, inflammation, and oil for a refreshed complexion. But does submerging your face in ice water every day actually deliver these benefits? I decided to put this viral trend to the test with a week-long experiment. Here's my honest review.

What is An Ice Water Facial? It's More Than Just Icing

An ice water facial involves fully submerging your face in a bowl of ice water. This differs from facial icing, where you only apply ice directly to the skin. Proponents claim it offers several potential benefits:

• Reduces facial puffiness
• Decreases inflammation
• Controls oily skin

My Ice Water Facial Routine: Simple Setup, Mixed Feelings

For my experiment, I used a large glass bowl filled with tap water and whole ice cubes. I chose whole cubes to avoid any potential irritation from crushed ice. Each morning, around 8 a.m., I dunked my face into the icy water for a few seconds.

The Unpleasant Truth: Submerging my face wasn't exactly a spa-like experience. I found that water inevitably entered my nose, creating an uncomfortable sensation.

The Results: Did I See a Difference?

After a week of ice water facials, I didn't observe any significant changes in my skin. I didn't notice a reduction in:

• Inflammation
• Puffiness
• Oiliness

However, the ice water facial did provide one unexpected benefit:

• It woke me up! The shock of the cold water was an instant jolt, helping me shake off morning grogginess.

Morning Routine Boost: Wake Up with Ice

The refreshing effect was undeniable. The cold sensation snapped me out of my morning sleepiness and helped me feel more alert. Because I incorporated it into my morning routine, it prepared me to transition from sleep to starting work. My routine became: ice water facial, making my coffee, changing, and going to my office.

The Verdict: Is the Ice Water Facial Worth the Hype?

For me, the ice water facial didn't live up to its claims of reducing puffiness, inflammation, or oiliness. I personally felt it was a waste of water to feel more awake. I usually wash my face in the morning with water on a washcloth, which achieves the same effect.

Your Mileage May Vary: My experience is just one data point. You might find that ice water facials work wonders for your skin. However, I personally didn't see enough benefits to make it a long-term addition to my skincare routine.

Try This Instead: Safer Ways to Depuff Your Face

If you're looking for evidence-based ways to reduce facial puffiness, consider these alternatives:

• Lymphatic drainage massage: Gently massage your face to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid retention.
• Cooling eye masks: Apply a cool eye mask to soothe and depuff the under-eye area.

Ultimately, the ice water facial is a personal experiment. While it didn't deliver the promised skincare benefits for me, it did provide a refreshing jolt to start the day. If you're curious, give it a try – but don't expect miraculous results.