As skincare enthusiasts, we're always on the hunt for the next game-changing product or technique that promises a radiant, flawless complexion. While exploring exotic ingredients and innovative technologies, we often overlook one simple, age-old trick that has been part of beauty rituals around the world: using cold water or ice on the face. In this blog post, we're diving into the cool world of cryotherapy for skin.
Why Cold Water or Ice?
When it comes to skincare, cold water or ice can work wonders for your skin. A blast of cold can reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and even tighten your skin. All these benefits lead to a brighter, rejuvenated complexion. And the best part? It’s affordable and accessible for everyone.
Benefits of Cold Water and Ice on Your Skin
Reduces Puffiness: The cold temperature can constrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. This is particularly helpful for treating under-eye bags after a long night or calming irritated skin.
Tightens Skin: Cold water or ice has a tightening effect on the skin. It helps to shrink pores, creating a smoother complexion. It also provides an immediate lifting effect, making your skin appear more youthful and firm.
Boosts Circulation: Cold stimulates blood flow, which increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This can result in a naturally rosy and radiant complexion.
Soothes Sunburn: If you've spent a little too much time in the sun, cold water or ice can help soothe sunburn. The cold temperature can reduce inflammation and relieve the burning sensation associated with sunburn. It's a natural and immediate way to provide comfort to your skin.
How to Incorporate Cold Water or Ice into Your Skincare Routine
Morning splash: Start your day with a splash of cold water on your face. It not only awakens your skin but also tightens pores, prepping your skin for the skincare products to follow.
Ice massage: For a more intense cold treatment, try an ice massage. Wrap a couple of ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently massage it over your face, paying special attention to areas where your skin tends to get puffy or where your pores are enlarged.
But remember, while an ice massage can be refreshing and beneficial for your skin, it's important not to apply ice directly onto your skin. This could potentially cause frostbite or damage capillaries.
Tips to Maximize the Effects of Cold Water or Ice
Make ice cubes using green tea or chamomile tea for added skin benefits: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, specifically catechins, which fight against cell damage and reduce inflammation. When used as an ice cube, it not only helps soothe your skin but also provides anti-aging benefits. On the other hand, chamomile tea is known for its soothing and calming properties. When frozen and applied to your skin, it can help to reduce redness and irritation, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. To do this, simply brew your chosen tea, let it cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Use an ice massage to counteract puffiness after a night out or a salty meal: Consuming alcohol or salty food can lead to water retention and bloating, which often manifests as puffiness in the face, particularly around the eyes. Cold water or ice has a constricting effect on blood vessels, which can help to reduce this puffiness. For an ice massage, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and gently massage the puffy areas. Remember not to apply the ice directly onto your skin.
Apply moisturizer after an ice massage to lock in hydration
While cold water and ice can offer numerous benefits for your skin, they can also potentially dry out your skin. To counteract this, it's important to apply a good moisturizer after an ice massage. This will hydrate your skin and create a barrier to lock in moisture. That's where our superSupple Prebiotic Face Moisturizer comes into play. Specially formulated to nourish your skin, this moisturizer goes beyond simple hydration. The prebiotics in our moisturizer help to balance the skin's natural microbiome, promoting healthy skin.
After ice massage, pat your skin dry, take a small amount of superSupple Prebiotic Face Moisturizerand gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for use after an ice treatment.
Using cold water or ice on your skin is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your skincare routine. Not only will you feel refreshed and invigorated, but your skin will thank you for the radiant glow. So why not give this chilling skincare secret a try?
Stay tuned for more skincare tips and tricks to keep your complexion at its best!
During menopause, skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in just 5 years. Peptides are the gentle, science-backed solution that stimulates collagen production without the irritation of retinol—perfect for sensitive, mature skin experiencing hormonal changes.
Your favorite moisturizer burns. Water stings. Even your gentlest cleanser leaves you red and angry.
If this sounds familiar, you're not suddenly "allergic to everything"—your skin barrier is damaged, and there's a critical difference between this and normal dry or sensitive skin. For women over 40, hormonal changes make barrier damage more likely yet harder to identify, leading many to treat the problem incorrectly for months.
Understanding this distinction could be the key to finally getting your skin back on track. Damaged barriers require a completely different approach than typical dryness, and using the wrong strategy will only make the problem worse.
Ready to decode what your skin is really telling you?
Navigating the world of skincare can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. Amidst the vast array of advice, how do you decipher what's truly beneficial for your skin? Join us as we clear the fog surrounding some of the most common skincare myths, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed skincare choices
Myth 1: The More Ingredients, the Better
Reality:
This "kitchen sink" approach to skincare is not only ineffective—it can be counterproductive, especially for sensitive, mature skin.
When products contain 30+ ingredients, you're exponentially increasing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Research shows that shorter ingredient lists with targeted, research-backed components deliver superior results with fewer side effects.
The Science: Dermatological research consistently shows that products with shorter, more focused ingredient lists are less likely to cause adverse reactions. The principle is simple: each additional ingredient represents a potential allergen or irritant, particularly for sensitive skin that becomes more reactive with age.
Smarter Choice: Look for products with focused, research-backed ingredients that address your specific concerns. Each ingredient should serve a clear purpose—hydration, barrier repair, or antioxidant protection—rather than being included for marketing appeal.
Myth 2: Natural and Organic Products are Always Safer
Reality:
While "natural" and "organic" sound appealing, these terms don't guarantee safety or effectiveness, especially for sensitive skin.
Poison ivy is natural. So are potent essential oils that can cause severe reactions. The skincare industry has weaponized these feel-good terms to create a health halo around products that may contain highly irritating botanical extracts.
The Science: Dermatological research consistently shows that some of the most common allergens in skincare are natural ingredients, including lavender oil, citrus extracts, and tree nut derivatives. Meanwhile, many synthetic ingredients are identical to compounds your skin naturally produces (biomimetic ingredients) and are often gentler and more stable.
Smarter Choice: Evaluate ingredients based on scientific evidence, not origin story. Look for biomimetic ingredients that work in harmony with your skin's natural processes, whether they're derived from plants or created in labs.
Myth 3: If a Product Burns, It’s Working
Reality:
Pain is not gain when it comes to skincare. Stinging, burning, or tingling sensations typically indicate irritation or barrier damage—the opposite of healthy skin function.
This dangerous myth has led countless women to endure uncomfortable reactions, thinking they're "activating" their products. In reality, they're compromising their skin barrier and potentially causing long-term sensitivity.
The Science: Research in dermatology journals shows that products causing immediate irritation often lead to chronic inflammation, which accelerates aging and can create permanent sensitivity issues. Healthy skin improvement should feel comfortable and soothing.
Smarter Choice: Choose products that feel comfortable upon application. Effective skincare should strengthen your skin barrier, not compromise it. If a product consistently causes discomfort, discontinue use immediately.
Myth 4: Higher Price Means Higher Quality
Reality:
Price often reflects marketing budgets, celebrity endorsements, and luxury packaging—not necessarily ingredient quality or formulation expertise.
Some of the most expensive skincare products contain the same basic ingredients as drugstore alternatives, just with prettier packaging and higher profit margins.
The Science: A comparative analysis in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found no correlation between product price and clinical effectiveness. The study revealed that formulation quality, ingredient concentration, and delivery systems matter far more than cost.
Smarter Choice: Research ingredients and concentrations rather than focusing on price points. Look for transparent brands that provide detailed information about their formulations and clinical testing. Sometimes the most effective solution is also the most straightforward.
Myth 5: Makeup Wipes are the Best Way to Remove Makeup
Reality:
Makeup wipes are the skincare equivalent of using a dry paper towel to clean your kitchen—they move dirt around without actually removing it.
These convenient wipes typically contain harsh surfactants and preservatives that can disrupt your skin's microbiome and leave residue that clogs pores. They also require aggressive rubbing that can damage delicate facial skin.
The Science: Studies show that proper cleansing requires both time and the right pH balance to effectively remove impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Makeup wipes fail on both counts, often leaving behind 30-40% of makeup and environmental pollutants.
Smarter Choice: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that effectively dissolves makeup and impurities. Oil-based cleansers or micellar waters followed by a gentle cream cleanser provide thorough cleansing without the harsh physical manipulation that wipes require.
Myth 6: You Absolutely Need a Toner
Reality:
If you're using a properly formulated cleanser, additional pH balancing is unnecessary—and some toners can actually disrupt your skin's natural balance.
This myth originated from an era when harsh, alkaline cleansers were the norm. Modern, well-formulated cleansers maintain your skin's natural pH without requiring a separate balancing step.
The Science: Healthy skin naturally maintains a pH of approximately 4.5-5.5. Research shows that disrupting this natural acidity with alkaline products can compromise the skin barrier and alter beneficial bacterial populations.
Smarter Choice: Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that doesn't require correction. If you enjoy the ritual of toning, opt for hydrating essences with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide rather than harsh, alcohol-based toners.
Myth 7: You Don't Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Reality:
UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, causing cumulative damage that accelerates aging and increases skin cancer risk—regardless of weather or location.
Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, and UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging) easily pass through glass windows. For mature skin that's already more vulnerable to photodamage, this daily exposure adds up significantly.
The Science: The American Academy of Dermatology reports that incidental sun exposure (driving, sitting by windows, brief outdoor activities) accounts for significant lifetime UV damage. Studies show that daily sunscreen use can slow aging by up to 24%.
Smarter Choice: Make broad-spectrum SPF 30+ a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Choose complementary products like Vitamin C to double the defense of SPF to reduce oxidative stress.
Myth 8: You Can Shrink Your Pores
Reality:
Pore size is genetically determined and cannot be permanently reduced. However, you can minimize their appearance and prevent them from becoming more noticeable.
This myth has spawned countless products promising "pore-shrinking" results that simply can't deliver on their claims. While you can't change your genetics, you can optimize how your pores look and function.
The Science: Pores are openings for hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Their size is determined by genetics, age, and sun damage. However, research shows that keeping them clean and maintaining skin elasticity can significantly improve their appearance.
Smarter Choice: Focus on ingredients that keep pores clear (like gentle fruit exfoliants) and maintain skin firmness (like peptides and antioxidants). Proper cleansing and sun protection prevent pores from appearing larger over time.
Myth 9: The Right Skincare Product Can Provide Immediate Results
Reality:
Sustainable skin improvement takes time—typically 4-12 weeks for most beneficial changes to become visible.
Our instant-gratification culture has created unrealistic expectations for skincare results. This myth leads people to abandon effective products too quickly or seek increasingly aggressive treatments that can damage skin long-term.
The Science: Skin cell turnover cycles take approximately 28 days in young adults and up to 84 days in mature skin. Collagen rebuilding, pigmentation fading, and barrier repair all require multiple cell cycles to show visible improvement.
Smarter Choice: Commit to consistent use of well-formulated products for at least 6-8 weeks before evaluating results. Track progress with photos taken in consistent lighting rather than relying on daily mirror assessments, which can be misleading.
Myth 10: Longer Skincare Routines with Multiple Steps are More Effective
Reality:
Elaborate 10+ step routines often create more problems than they solve, particularly for sensitive or mature skin that can become easily overwhelmed.
The skincare industry profits from complexity, convincing consumers that they need multiple products to address every conceivable concern. In reality, layering too many products can lead to irritation, pill formation, and ingredient interactions that reduce effectiveness.
The Science: Research in cosmetic chemistry shows that skin can only absorb a limited amount of product at one time. Layering multiple serums or treatments often leads to poor penetration and potential irritation from incompatible ingredients.
Smarter Choice:
Create a simple routine using 3-5 high-quality, multi-purpose products that target your main concerns. Prioritise consistency with effective formulations over complexity with questionable benefits.
The Truth About Effective Skincare
Effective skincare doesn't require complexity, expensive price tags, or uncomfortable experiences. It requires understanding your skin's needs and choosing products formulated with intention, backed by science, and designed to work in harmony with your skin's natural processes.
We encourage you to question marketing claims, research ingredients, and choose products that align with scientific evidence rather than trends. Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.
What skincare myths have you encountered? Share your experiences with us, and let's continue debunking misinformation together.
