How Daily Cold Therapy At Home Is More Beneficial Than Expensive Facials At The Spa
By Allison Lax
If there’s one thing any beauty lover worth her sea salt spray can get behind, it’s a good facial. Those heated tables, the robes, the ambiance…I mean, need we say more? Still, while in-office facials can certainly be a treat, the hefty price tag attached to these fancy skin treatments is decidedly not. Add this to the pain of maintaining results by making monthly (or even bi-monthly) appointments with your esthetician , and you’re looking at a whole lot of your hard-earned cash going down that luxury med spa drain.
The Evolution of Cold Therapy
Lucky for us, at-home spa treatments—specifically cold therapies—have come a long way in providing the same soothing skin relief as expensive salon facials, at only a fraction of the cost. According to Buckhead Dermatology, using cold temperatures on the face is a great way to increase circulation, balance the skin’s natural pH, reduce puffiness, and “shrink” pores. Another fun fact: these therapies are particularly beneficial for acne and rosacea-prone girlies, as the blood vessel-constricting nature of cool temps are known to soothe symptoms, leaving skin calm and clear. From an eye cooling mask that mitigates dark circles to an ice roller that provides a temporary sculpting effect, read on to learn about our top picks for products that will make your skincare routine that much more *chill*.
Top Cold Therapy Tool Picks
Opal Cool, Cool Eye Mask
If the eyes are truly the window to the soul, we want to make sure the skin underneath is just as beautiful! Opal Cool’s Cool Eye Mask is a reusable queen, made out of plant-based cooling Phase Change Material (PCM) to soothe and depuff the under-eye. The best thing about PCM—besides its environmental sustainability!—is its ability to maintain consistent, cool temps (read: no risk of frost bite), with pods that transition from a solid to liquid as they draw heat away from your skin. Pop the mask back in the fridge or freezer when done so you can get the same skin-soothing results whenever your eyes could use some much needed pampering.
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MonétBeauty, Ice Globes
While MonétBeauty Ice Globes may look like some sort of contraption from a science fiction movie, the results they produce are definitely the real deal. These multipurpose glass tools contain antifreeze liquid, allowing the devices to stay cooler longer. Smooth them along your cheekbones and jawline to look positively snatched, or roll them up to your temples to relieve headaches, tension, and muscle pain. Safe to store in the freezer, these handy little tools are the perfect treat at the end of a stressful day.
Skin Gym, Cryo Chill Ice Beaded Face Mask
Another beauty tool that’s giving major science fiction vibes, Skin Gym’s Cryo Chill Ice Beaded Mask is the perfect solution for facial puffiness. Whether you stayed up late studying or drank one too many margs (or three) at the club, customize the mask’s adjustable straps to fit your face, sit back, and relax. You’ll be back to your normal, beautifully fresh visage in no time!
Peter Thomas Roth, Cucumber Gel Mask
We’ve all seen those romcom spa montages where the stressed protagonist undergoes a much-needed spa day for the stressors in her story, and that cucumbers-on-the-eyes shot is hardly ever left out. So what could be better than having that cooling effect on your entire face? Formulated with botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile, and a host of other soothing ingredients, Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Gel Mask is a hydration lifesaver after excessive sun exposure or aggressive facial treatments. Pro tip: Pop it in the fridge 20 minutes before use to get an extra cooling effect!
The Skinny Confidential, Hot Mess Ice Roller
Feeling like your skin’s having a major meltdown? The Skinny Confidential’s Hot Mess Ice Roller is here to save the day. Simply remove this aluminum roller from the freezer and take it over the highpoints of your face to sculpt and soothe. If you use it as part of your nighttime skincare routine, it will even help lock your serums and moisturizers’ ingredients into your pores.
Frozen Essence, Glow Manifesto Ice Cubes
Hear us out: while you may *think* the ice cubes in your freezer can do the job when it comes to soothing your stressed out skin, you haven’t seen anything ‘til you’ve used Frozen Essence’s Glow Manifesto Ice Cubes. This aesthetically pleasing pink formula is packed with radiance boosting ingredients, including rose water. To use, massage into the skin in a clockwise motion to get all the benefits of these wonderful ingredients and enjoy some rest and relaxation.
COOLA, Refreshing Water Face Mist With SPF 18 and Hyaluronic Acid
While Coola’s Refreshing Face Mist With SPF 18 and Hyaluronic Acid isn’t *technically* a skin cold therapy, we love popping this handy spray in the fridge for a much-needed dose of coolness during the summer months! Infused with aloe and coconut water that defends against digital and environmental aggressors, it leaves skin feeling refreshed and protected—with a hint of SPF to boot!
Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Face Mask with Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid
Inspired by cryotherapy, this mask is a perfect skin-cooling treatment to use after cleansing and before toning and moisturizing. Its two part process involves smearing a serum over the face, followed by the application of the actual face mask. Whether or not you pop this mask in the fridge before use, its chilling and moisturizing ingredients will leave your face much *cooler* than you found it.