Rubbing the face with ice cubes has a beneficial effect on the skin, since the contrast procedure enhances blood circulation and stimulates cell development. This, in turn, leads to the renewal of the skin. Ice cubes act like a massager, and if they are prepared from useful components, the effect only intensifies.
In this article, we will give some useful recipes, as well as tell you when it is better not to abuse the ice wash.
Why is it necessary?
Ice cubes will help to remove swelling, bags under the eyes, regular procedures for such washing will strengthen the vessels in the eye area and save you from the black circles around them.
Sudden cooling narrows the pores, so washing with ice is recommended for those with oily skin.
However, contrast massage will be useful for almost everyone, since holding it regularly in the morning tones facial muscles (except for those with active rosacea, such people first need to strengthen the capillaries).
Ice washing is recommended only in the morning; those to whom the procedure is suitable does not cause a negative reaction, they can do this up to two times a day. Here the approach is individual, but it is always necessary to observe the main condition: at the very beginning, you need to thoroughly cleanse the skin, since ice is able to clog pores.
And frostbite should not be allowed, washing one area should not take more than 15 seconds.
The ice will not only refresh your face, but also improve your sleep. Here are some other benefits of a contrast procedure.
- Ice cubes will help in the fight against acne. It is enough to wrap them in a clean cloth and press for 4-5 minutes on the affected area.
- Women will like the effect of reducing wrinkles. To do this, the procedure is carried out daily, affecting the skin of the face for no longer than a minute, and then immediately apply a moisturizer. Premature aging does not threaten you, if you take this action as a habit.
Ice constricts blood vessels, therefore, with inflammation on the skin, you can not run to the pharmacy, but use ready-made cubes from the freezer. They will not only reduce swelling, but also redness. After that the inflammatory process will slow down and stop.
Benefits and harm to the face
There is no definite answer to the question whether the procedure for washing with ice brings benefit or harms the skin. Among cosmetologists and dermatologists there are different opinions on this subject: Some believe that you need to temper the face and conduct a contrasting wash in the morning, because it is useful, others oppose it, believing that it does only harm.
Separation of opinions exists among women who have tried such hardening. For some, ice-washing was a delight for a long period, and every morning they begin with such a procedure, others were less fortunate, after the first time they had to recover for a long time.
Consider the pros:
- ice baths for the face will help to wake up faster;
- such a contrasting wash narrows the pores, and this is a big plus for owners of oily skin;
- ice cubes activate blood circulation and stimulate metabolic processes in the skin;
- puffiness will drop from the face, the probability of the appearance of a capillary mesh on the face will decrease;
- after the morning procedure with ice, vigor will appear in the body, and a natural glow on the face.
Negative effects after such a cool massage:
- First of all, temperature changes are stress for the skin;
- during the procedure, a vasospasm occurs, tissue fluids leave, and the pores close, which leads to a disruption in the nutrition of the epidermis;
- after this procedure, peeling may begin or red spots may appear, ice dries the skin;
- it is better for owners of dry and normal skin to refrain from frequent washing with ice, since they can get the opposite effect - blocking sweat and sebaceous glands after a temperature drop will lead to a loss of skin elasticity, senility and wilting;
- you need to abandon this procedure for those who have vessels close to the surface, so as not to provoke rosacea due to thin skin.
After a couple of such washing you will understand whether it suits you or not. And if you feel that overall vitality has increased, but the consequences are left on your skin, it’s better to find other ways to cheer up in the morning and get a boost of energy than to create yourself an additional problem on your face.
How and when to wash your face?
The key role in washing is the composition of the ice cube. It can be ordinary water, but always boiled or mineral without gas, not from the tap.
To wash, one cube is enough; If you first decided to try this method, it will take time for the skin to get used to.
The basic rules of washing with ice.
- To drive a cube in various parts of the face until melting begins, while avoiding overcooling of the skin. To keep the cube in one area for no more than 15 seconds, the total procedure for the duration is from 3 to 5 minutes. So gradually get used to the lowered temperature and contrast effect.
- Greasy cream applied before washing, will protect the upper layer of the epidermis.
- To pull up the second chin, on this part it is also advised to walk on ice. Wipe the entire face, in the frontal and nasal parts do not hold the cube, so as not to catch a cold.
- Upon completion of washing soak excess moisture from the face with a soft towel or napkin and apply a nourishing cream. Some people prefer to dry naturally, but after that it’s also better to nourish the skin.
It is necessary to observe the condition of the skin - if there are no negative manifestations, washing can be carried out twice a day, while it is worth remembering overcooling and not delay the procedure. Washing yourself with ice in the morning, do not put pressure on the skin, movements should be soft and smooth.
You can wrap ice in gauze and massage along all massage lines of the face, moving from the center of the chin to the earlobe, from the base of the mouth to the auricles, from the wings of the nose to the temporal part. Ice can be made in various shapes and with different ingredients.
Ideally, a special form for ice is suitable, but you can use another form: small bags, glasses (fill a third) and so on.
Recipes
The most common option is washing with cucumber cubes. Cucumber, like aloe, has long been considered beneficial for the face. Ice is made from the juice of these ingredients. Some dilute it with water to increase servings. Such cold bath formulations will relieve flaking and help small wounds to heal.
But no less popular are frozen decoctions of herbs.
- With a camomile - chamomile infusion is filtered and poured into forms, it turns out an excellent antiseptic, regular use of ice with such a composition will help the skin not fade for a long time. This is a universal composition for washing.
- With mint - the cooking recipe is the same as with chamomile, only peppermint ice will be of great benefit in the area of skin cleansing, pores will clog less in summer, there will always be a blush on such cheeks.
- With horsetail - used to relieve fatigue. Half a liter of boiling water is poured into the grass (2 tbsp. L.) And brought to a boil. The broth is cooled, poured into molds. Cubes with this composition will definitely return the skin a healthy look and freshness.
Other plants are suitable: calendula, parsley, tea (preferably green). Washed by ice from freshly made berry and fruit juices, only necessarily take into account allergic characteristics.
The benefits and contraindications of washing with ice can be found in the following video.