Ice massage on the face for pimples and acne is the most convenient and fast way to soothe them and calm down the facial heat.
I have been facing acne since my 20s and still get to greet them off and on. However, in this bumpy journey, ice has been a real friend that doesn’t cost a dime and still works best without irritating my skin with any kind of chemical.
I am not saying that chemicals like salicylic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide and retinol don’t work for acne, they really do but I am now quite skeptical about using them often.
I try to use maximum natural ingredients in my skincare routine and ice massage to reduce pimples is one of them.
In this article, we will talk about how ice works, what is the most convenient way to use it for acne, what are the benefits of ice for skin and how it helps shrink pores and reduce oil production as well.
Table of Contents
How Ice Massage Works on Pimples
Ice massage on the face literally freezes the acne-causing bacteria and decreases redness, inflammation and the severity of acne.
As the numbness sets in, the acne pain also decreases if there is nodular or cystic acne.
As the blood vessels constrict due to cold, when they dilate, the blood rushes in and you get that pinkish glow on your face. That blood rush also detoxifies the pimple causing bacteria.
Ice massage is best for those who can’t take antibiotics or apply topical medications like retinoids due to acne during pregnancy.
Ways to Perform Ice Massage for Pimples Treatment
Ice Massage with Ice Roller
This is my favourite, My sister gave me this amazing, simple, affordable, ice roller that you can fill with water and keep in the refrigerator.
You just need to open the small opening above and fill it with any kind of water, plain water, green tea, rosewater or any sort of liquid of your choice.
Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight and it is ready for use.
You now just open the can and apply it in circular motions on your face.
Just be gentle and don’t apply too much pressure on it. Cover the whole face like this.
Recommended read – buccal massage – best anti ageing massage
Ice Massage with Ice Water Facial
One of the viral beauty hacks, the ice water bowl is beneficial not just to keep your face young, but to freeze the acne as well.
If you don’t know about this one already, then just take a big bowl (big enough for your face) and add ice cubes and chilled water to it.
Now take a deep breath and insert your face in that ice-cold water for 10 seconds about 3-4 times.
You will see the change in just one sitting.
It is great for wrinkle-prevention too, Have you seen the skin ageing when buried in ice? Same principle!
Ice Massage With Ice Cubes
This method is cumbersome as it is not easy to hold the ice in your hand for long. It keeps on slipping and you keep on wasting the ice (believe me, I have wasted a lot of it).
However, it is a handy method where you just need to take an ice cube and rub it on your face.
If you are too sensitive to it, then wrap the ice in a clean thin cloth and then apply. You can also use cold compress bags for the same.
here are 12 ways to do ice facial at home for acne prone skin
Strokes of Ice Massage for Better Results
Yes, ice massage it is no less than an ice facial, you will see the glow when you do it for the first time.
Try these massage strokes for the best results –
- Small Circular motions
- Stay on the acne for 5 seconds
- Drain in the direction of the fluid drain to reduce facial puffiness, for example, take the ice roller from your nose to the ear. Follow the lines shown in the image for full face.
- Apply gently under the eyes to reduce the undereye bags and puffiness, read this if you want to remove undereye dark circles permanently
Things to Consider Before Doing an Ice Massage for Pimples
- You must make sure your skin is clean before starting this ice massage. I use this DIY acne facewash and scrub I make at home every month.
- Don’t put too much pressure on the active acne.
- Don’t massage it for excessively long durations, Just 1-2 minutes is enough.
- I suggest buying an Ice roller as it really eases the job but if you are using direct ice then wrap it in thin cloth for the first session and then you can take it from there.
- Always stand beside a basin while doing this, because water will be dripping from your face.
- Never Apply ice on your face for more than 2 minutes, it can do more harm than good if you get frostbite.
- Also, I don’t do this ice massage facial in the winter season ( I don’t dare) and I think you shouldn’t too.
Other Benefits of Ice Massage on the Face
- Best Antiageing facial that reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Boost collagen production and blood supply
- Keep the skin toned and young
- Reduces under-eye bags
- Reduces the appearance of undereye dark circles
- Reduces the puffiness of the face
- It is being said that if you apply ice on your face then the moisturisers that you apply on it afterwards get absorbed faster. As the blood vessels constrict by the application of ice, they create a vacuum-like pulling effect, leading to the absorption of the serum, moisturiser or gel in the skin quickly (source).
- Ice massage reduces oil production as well so if you have oily skin, make friends with an ice facial.
- Soothes swelling, redness and sunburn
- Boosts Glow by improving blood supply after application.
- Act as a primer for makeup as it reduces oil, helps the makeup stay longer and adds to the glow.
FAQs About Ice Massage For Pimples
Is Ice Massage effective for Pimples?
Yes, it is super-effective and I can’t tell you how it is the best home remedy that you can do daily without hurting your skin. It also keeps your pores tight, calms down the inflammation and helps in clearing the acne as well. Reduces oil production as well.
Is there any proof that Ice massage can reduce acne?
A study has proven that if the acne is due to heat, pollution, or UV exposure then ice is effective. However, I found Ice effective in all kinds of acne treatments. As climate factors such as excessive UV radiations and heat can flare up acne (source), the application of ice reduces it considerably.
Can Ice Massage Alone Decrease the Acne?
No, just the ice massage on pimples can not eradicate acne completely. Your skin needs regular cleansing, the correct product application (non-comedogenic products only), and body detoxification from within to treat acne fully.
When to perform Ice Massage for pimples and skincare?
Perform this ice massage twice a day two minutes each, after applying the sheet mask or clay mask and before applying moisturizer.
