Splashing cold water or rubbing ice cubes: Which is better for your face?

According to a dermatologist, benefits of rubbing ice like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, open pores, and eye bags are only "temporary and there is no scientific evidence to prove usefulness in anti-ageing".

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | November 28, 2023 11:30 AM IST

3 min read

Which is a better option for your skincare? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Skincare is not a child’s play. But a few techniques learned and followed lifelong can help you transform your skincare routine and make it more hygienic and simple to stick to. Most people love splashing cold tap water on their skin after waking up. But some others like actor Bhagyashree share that rubbing ice works better.

In an Instagram reel, the actor shared, “Wake up and rub some ice on your face. This helps reduce inflammation and soothes your skin.”

She also shared that ice improves circulation which helps reduce acne and wrinkles. “Do this as a simple morning routine before applying your moisturiser,” said Bhagyashree, adding that, the technique helps bring a morning glow to your face.

She further shared that the skincare hack works wonders when despite sleeping, your eyes tend to look droopy. “This 10-minute morning routine will make your face look happy just like the morning sun,” said Bhagyashree.

Scroll down to watch the YouTube Shorts.

Dr Vandana Punjabi, dermatologist and trichologist at Khar, and Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital informed that using ice packs helps produce effective muscle relaxation by causing ‘cold-induced reactive vasodilatation’.

“Rubbing ice or using an ice roller on the skin soothes skin inflammation and is useful to reduce nodulocystic acne, rosacea, sun allergies, insect bite reactions, and urticaria, said Dr Punjabi.

Since the temperature of ice is much lower than cold water, ice reduces inflammation better compared to splashing tap water.

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However, she further mentioned that the benefits like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, open pores, and eye bags are only “temporary and there is no scientific evidence to prove usefulness in anti-ageing”.

What to keep in mind?

According to Dr Punjabi, the direct contact of ice on skin can potentially damage the skin’s barrier with its freezing temperature and can lead to skin irritation, redness, ice burns, and dryness. “Hence it should be wrapped in a soft cotton cloth or ziplock bag,” said Dr Punjabi.

Apply moisturiser after ice (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

She also warned, “Don’t let the ice rest on any portion of your skin for too long as this can cause ‘frostbite’.”

Also, the cold temperature of ice can worsen dryness in people with dry and sensitive skin. “They must follow this with applying a moisturiser,” said Dr Punjabi.

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