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| - Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that dipping your face in ice water can make you look 10 years younger. Our fact check reveals it’s Mostly False.
The Claim
We came across an Instagram video, which claims that dipping your face in ice water every morning can make you look 10 years younger. It further suggests dipping your face in ice water every morning acts as an Anti-ageing for the skin. It tightens the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, diminishing puffiness and giving a more youthful appearance.
Fact Check
Can I use ice on my face every day?
Using ice on your face daily is generally safe for most people but you should still be careful. The skin on your face is delicate, and extreme cold can cause capillaries under your skin to break if the ice is applied directly without a protective layer like a cloth. It is advisable to limit the exposure time and use a gentle approach to avoid any potential skin damage. Also, change the protective cloth regularly to avoid the spread of infections.
Does ice water have benefits for skin?
Ice water can indeed have temporary benefits for the skin. It can reduce swelling, tighten skin by contracting blood vessels, and decrease puffiness, especially around the eyes. However, these effects are short-lived and mostly cosmetic. Ice water can refresh the skin and give a more vibrant, youthful appearance temporarily but does not change the skin’s ageing process.
Can ice water really make your skin look 10 years younger?
Well, no, dipping your face in ice water cannot make you look 10 years younger. But wait, there’s more! Ice water can give your skin a more youthful appearance temporarily by reducing puffiness and tightening the skin. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it can reverse ageing by 10 years. Ageing is a complex process influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Skin care that focuses on hydration, protection from UV rays, and appropriate use of skincare products is more effective in managing signs of ageing.
What do the experts say?
We interviewed Dr Rashi Soni, a Dermatologist, at Rashi Hospital, Hingoli, Maharashtra, for her expert insights on ice water for the face. She says, “Dipping your face in ice water might give you a quick fix by reducing puffiness and temporarily tightening your skin, but it’s not a miracle cure for ageing. The ice cold water can help shrink pores and reduce swelling for a short time, but these effects are short-lived. For lasting anti-ageing benefits, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive skincare routine. This should include regular use of sunscreen, staying well-hydrated, and using products that promote skin renewal, like retinoids and antioxidants.”
We also reached out to Dr Sachin Gupta, a Dermatologist, at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, for his take on ice facials. He says, “Ice cold water can briefly reduce puffiness and tighten skin, but it doesn’t provide long-term anti-ageing benefits. These effects are temporary. For lasting results, it’s essential to use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and include retinoids and antioxidants into your skincare routine. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also important.”
Can you shrink your pores?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot shrink the size of your pores, as claimed in the video. The size of your pores depend on your genetics, age, sun exposure and skin type (pores are more noticeable in case of oily skin). You can, however, minimise the appearance of pores through skincare and makeup, if you want. Choosing the right products for your skin type, under expert guidance, will be helpful. Do not forget the basics like proper cleansing, regular exfoliation, moiturisation and applying sunscreen every single day. Use non-comedogenic products. You can also choose retinoids for your skincare, as they can make pores less noticeable. But, before you start with retinoids, consult a dermatologist.
What are the side effects of ice water on face?
Prolonged exposure to ice water can lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. It can cause redness and worsen conditions like rosacea. The shock of cold can also lead to broken capillaries, leaving small, red marks on the skin. In severe cases, conditions like cold urticaria, which causes hives and swelling may also occur due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures.
How long do the effects of ice water last?
The effects of ice water on the skin are generally short-lived, usually lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Immediately after exposure, the skin may appear tighter and less puffy, especially around the eyes. However, as the skin warms up and blood flow returns to normal, these effects fade away. Unlike more advanced skincare treatments that provide longer-lasting results through cellular renewal and deeper hydration, the cooling effects of ice water are fleeting and do not contribute to sustained improvements in skin health or appearance.
How can I make my skin look younger?
To genuinely achieve younger-looking skin, adopt an approach that includes lifestyle modifications and consistent skincare habits. Ice water can offer temporary effects, but long-lasting results require constant effort. These can include:
- Protect your skin from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated because drinking enough water is important for maintaining the skin’s elasticity.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants which combat skin damage.
- Include a retinoid into your nightly routine to promote skin cell renewal.
- Regularly moisturise to keep the skin supple and strengthen the skin barrier.
Conclusion
Although dipping your face in ice water might make you look momentarily refreshed, it is not a magical cure for younger looking skin. Long-term skin health and youthfulness are better achieved through protective, nourishing, and consistent skincare practices. Be wary of claims that promise drastic results without scientific backing, and focus on proven methods to care for your skin effectively.
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