December 21st marks the winter solstice and the longest night of the year, officially ringing in the start of winter. Winter is a time for the land to rest and replenish itself for the spring, functioning for the earth similarly as it does for the skin with cold skincare. You may have heard of the restorative effects of cryotherapy, or skincare using cold or frozen tools such as ice globes. Granted that while these therapies can cost a pretty penny, there is a method to the madness. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of cold skincare and how you can use it to elevate your skincare regimen.
Although the cold has a reputation for drying out skin, it also offers a variety of benefits when used intentionally. Here are some of the many benefits of cold skincare:
Have you ever injured yourself and reached for an ice pack to provide some relief? The cold can provide a cooling sensation that helps numb pain and minimize inflammation. Additionally, it works well for reducing swelling, which is why you may notice your joint swell up less in wintertime. When it comes to our skin, cold skincare can be beneficial in areas that commonly become puffy such as the eye, cheek, jaw, and neck areas. If combined with massage, it can also work to boost lymphatic drainage, thereby removing toxins and further decreasing inflammation.
It’s easy to nod off when we’re snuggled up close to the fireplace, feeling warm and cosy. However, you may have noticed that it’s difficult to fall asleep when cold. The scientific reason behind this is that the cold can activate the immune system. Our amazing bodies work hard to keep us alive when it’s cold outside, thereby boosting our immunity, which also helps fight infections. Using cold skincare to activate the immune system may help improve wound healing and combat breakouts, as well as free radicals like stress and pollution.
We all know the feeling of splashing cold water on our faces early in the morning to help wake ourselves up. Cold skincare works much like that for our skin’s health, as it constricts blood vessels which tighten when cold. When the skin tightens like this, it means that blood vessels are less likely to swell or cause redness. Tighter skin also means that pores will be smaller, allowing less dirt to enter and reducing the possibility of breakouts. Overall, this contributes to a more youthful, glowing, and healthy appearance in the skin.
Cold skincare may be especially beneficial for anyone with skin conditions. Preliminarily studies have shown that it can be helpful when treating atopic dermatitis. The combination of anti-inflammatory properties and the ability of cold to increase the body’s antioxidative properties help relieve pain and stop itchiness. Considering that cold treatments are often used to treat muscle soreness and allow the body time to recover, cold skincare seems to promote healing. Nonetheless, there is still plenty of research to be done on this subject in particular.
Are you ready to dive into the world of cold skincare? Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy cryotherapy, because you can use cold skincare at home. The easiest way to incorporate it into your day-to-day life is by taking a cold shower now and again to tighten skin all over and give a quick boost to your immune system. If you’re looking to work on a specific area, such as under eyes, you can use ice globes or place your guasha tools in the fridge to chill them before using them in a massage. Also, using a chilled spoon on your eyes or face in a classic skincare hack to bring puffy or swollen skin back to life.
No need to pay for an expensive cryotherapy treatment to enjoy the benefits of cold skincare, simply use these tips and indulge in your icy glow! If you are looking to make last-minute gifts, take advantage of the great discounts on our eBooks. Should you want to give the gift of an experience, consider the next Soapmaking Workshop on January 16th. Those searching for guided learning may want to find out more about WapoBeauty’s Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. Join the ranks of students who found this class valuable and rewarding!
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni.
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