One cannot imagine the skincare benefits that an ice cube offers. As the name suggests, ice therapy gives a short burst of cryotherapy to the face as the ice cube is rubbed on it. Dr. Taruna Yadav, senior Ayurveda doctor at Forest Essentials. says, “The immediate effects include minimized pores and instantly clearer and de-puffed skin. Long-term benefits include delayed skin aging and increased collagen production, which may be attributed to increased blood circulation due to the stimulation provided by the cold of the ice.”

Ice therapy has its roots in Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic texts, the therapy stimulates blood flow and gives the skin a natural glow. Across various cultures and ages, it has been a favorite technique to treat skin problems. Dr Yadav reveals the use of this age-old technique by various historical figures. She says, “Ayurveda believes applying ice on the face helps constrict dilated blood vessels that cause puffiness and dark rings, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Nur Jahan is said to have used frozen rosewater and the cooling and hydrating properties of ice cubes to soothe her skin. The Russian empress Catherine the Great is said to have rubbed cubes of ice on her face, neck, and chest every morning to lend a radiant glow to her skin.”

Besides using a simple ice cube, one can also use a few tricks that can enhance the effectiveness of this technique. By making ice cubes mixed with rose water, cucumber water, potato water, etc. one can reap the maximum benefits of this therapy. “Freezing certain ingredients and products can help combine the benefits of the products and icing. Follow Nur Jahan’s suit and freeze rosewater. Iced rosewater will also work well to reduce pore size, combining the pore-minimizing properties of ice and rosewater. This technique is particularly beneficial for drier skin types in need of a boost of hydration,” says the doctor.

With the onset of monsoon season, many people are complaining of skin problems. Throwing light on the same, Dr. Taruna says, “The skin is itchy and burning and in desperate need of soothing. Freezing aloe vera juice is a boon for rashes and burns, instantly cooling and soothing the skin. Frozen aloe vera juice is also great for the skin after sun exposure. Using it on the face, in general, is great for skin that suffers from acne and produces excess oil as it helps regulate the skin’s sebum production.”

According to Dr. Taruna, it is important to take certain precautions while doing ice therapy. She advises, “Always try to separate the cube of ice and your skin by wrapping the ice cube in a muslin cloth to protect your skin from any potential damage. Use the ice all over your face for about ten minutes to reap maximum benefits; and ensure the tray used to freeze water is sanitized to prevent any bacteria from coming in contact with your skin. Also do not apply ice on active acne as it might cause it to flare up and spread bacteria across the face.”