Urban Hydration Aloe Vera Leaf Gel Facial Mask -- 6.7 fl oz

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With hot and humid summer days upon us, you may already be fantasizing about swimming pools and cold drinks under a shady sun umbrella. But how to keep breakouts at bay when the heat makes your skin flushed, puffy, oily and sweaty? Try icing your face! Baldeep Syan, M.D., a London based primary physician who specializes in dermatology, says that ice can be used on the face in the same way that it can be used to treat injuries and reduce the body’s natural response to inflammation responses such as redness and swelling. “Cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the amount of fluid in the face,” Syan explains. “So it can help with skin puffiness, and in particular, it’s useful for under-eye puffiness. Because of this constriction, it can also make your pores appear smaller, temporarily.”

4 steps to facial icing success

Step 1: Wash your face

Cleansing your skin prior to icing is important because it removes dirt, pollutants and oil. When your skin cools from the ice, the capillaries constrict, and this creates a pulling effect that can make unwanted pollutants penetrate deeper if you have not removed them prior. Pacifica’s Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash is a great cleanser because it won’t strip your face too harshly of its natural oils. Plus, it’s sulfate-free and contains natural marshmallow root extract and calendula to help support a healthy skin barrier.

Step 2: Wrap the ice

Always use a fresh washcloth and consider changing it during the middle of the process if you’re currently experiencing an acne breakout to avoid spreading bacteria. “Be sure to cover the ice with a muslin cloth or tea towel,” Syan advises. “We do not recommend putting ice directly onto the skin as it can damage skin cells and cause irritation.”

Step 3: Use a time limit

Do not let an icy cloth touch your skin for more than 1 or 2 minutes per area to avoid frostbite or skin irritation. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes total. Gently, in a circular motion, move the icy washcloth around your cheeks, jawline, mouth, nose and forehead. “Make sure you’re moving it around constantly rather than holding it [still],” Syan adds.

Step 4: Moisturize

Icing can remove natural oils which are essential for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function. Applying moisturizer after facial icing is key to avoid drying out your complexion. Honest’s Hydrogel Cream is a smart choice as it contains nourishing jojoba oil and squalene along with two types of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights designed to help bind and retain moisture in various layers of the skin.

What does icing your face do?

Reduces puffiness, since ice constricts blood vessels, which helps reduce swelling and under-eye bags, especially in the morning. Soothes inflammation which is helpful for calming overheated pores, acne or mild skin irritations by reducing redness and inflammation. Tightens pores, as the cold temperatures cause pores to shrink temporarily, giving your skin a smoother, more refined appearance. Boosts circulation because the cold shock increases blood flow, granting your skin a healthy, natural glow. Increases product absorption, as applying ice before skincare products can prep the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively. Aids lymphatic drainage, especially when massaging with an icy roller, globe or gua sha tool, as the movements promote lymphatic drainage and decrease puffiness. Reduces oiliness, as the cold temporarily slows down oil production, which can help manage shiny skin or acne-prone areas.

Who should avoid facial icing?

Icing isn’t for all skin types, so consider yours before you grab some cubes from the freezer. “For anyone who has sensitive skin that is reactive to temperature change like rosacea, you should definitely leave this trend alone. Simply splashing your face with cool water would give a safer tightening and de-puffing effect,” Syan notes. Also refrain from icing if you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery or any cosmetic facial procedures. Finally, if you’re prone to broken capillaries under your skin, consult with a dermatologist or esthetician before you attempt skin icing.

Boost results of your facial icing

If you’ve tried facial icing but weren’t impressed with the results, try these tips for a more glowing outcome. For aging skin try brewing, then freezing, rosehip tea into ice cubes to give your skin a big dose of vitamin C. For tighter pores, try coffee ice cubes instead, as caffeine can help improve circulation while exhibiting constrictive properties. For reduced sunspots or blemishes, brew and freeze green tea, which is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from sun damage. For oily skin dissolve an aspirin into warm water before freezing, as the acetylsalicylic acid helps to dry up breakouts. For mild sunburn, make ice cubes with aloe vera gel, as it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe sunburn. The natural cooling effects of alow can also provide immediate relief to burnt areas. For sensitive skin consider freezing rose water into ice cubes as an alternative. It is a gentle and hydrating option that contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which can help calm irritation and redness.

Ice, ice baby

Remember to always follow up facial icing with moisturizing creams and protective serums. “Results will be variable and temporary so your skin will go back to its normal after a while,” Syan says. “Plus, there’s also no hard scientific evidence behind using it, especially not for acne and wrinkles.” In other words, don’t ditch your regular skincare regimen for skin icing. Consider icing an added benefit during hotter months when temperatures seem to make your face puffy. Ice cube therapy is cooling and affordable, so have fun and enjoy cooling off![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185734" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1750714813159{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/heritage-store-rosewater-refreshing-facial-splash-4-fl-oz"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185735" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1750714829529{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/real-aloe-inc-aloe-vera-gel"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185733" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1750714847792{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/humphreys-organic-witch-hazel-toner-soothe-with-rose"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]