My Unlikely Love Affair with Cold Therapy for Glowing Skin Naturally!
What on earth do a boiled egg and facial ice bath have in common? If you know me, then you know there's a story, but first, I have to start by saying as much as I love natural skincare solutions, I also love all things ice baths, ice dips, ice plunges, and ice facials. Ultimately, anything to do with cold therapy for skin gets me all excited. It didn't always; it all began when a coworker told me about the benefits of an ice facial. She had just had one during a trip to India, and then, when we moved to the Western Cape, it was finalised. This Durban girl was so scared of the cold; I knew I had to make a plan. Learning to embrace my inner Wim Hof and discovering the multitude of benefits of anti-inflammatory skincare properties inspired me on the AYA Natural Skin journey.
Cold Therapy: A Journey Through Time
We all know Wim Hoff, or at least we have heard about ice plunging, but it definitely didnt start here, even though Wim Hoff's story is very compelling. Think Paul Newman, and while being a very famous and gorgeous actor, he was also renowned for his ice facial, and how to do an ice facial at home was truly his thing. If the legend of Paul Newman is anything to go by, then the benefits of ice water for the face are an absolute given.
Like many practices rooted in the natural world, cold water immersion therapy has a long and varied history across diverse ancient cultures. I, for one, love delving into history, so here. goes. The first mention of using cold application for skin irritations dates back to 3500 BCE, as recorded in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, considered one of the oldest medical documents. Hippocrates was also a big fan of using cold water for medicinal purposes, and the Greeks were known for taking daily cold baths to enhance circulation and invigorate themselves, given their reputation for excessive indulgence; that doesn’t surprise me at all.
Beyond ancient practices, the invigorating chill of ice facials also boasts a legendary, albeit anecdotal, celebrity endorsement. Paul Newman, renowned for his enduringly youthful looks, famously plunged his face into a bowl of ice water, a practice so ingrained in his persona that it was even depicted in films like "Harper" and "The Sting" (TIME, 1982; Collider, 2025). This just adds to the extensive anecdotal evidence that underscores the historical and perceived benefits of cold therapy for maintaining the skin's vitality.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it was often used to balance the body’s yin and yang; however, it is not prescribed as a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather as a cold remedy to counteract excessive heat (excess Yang). The one that I love the idea of is Misogi, a practice in Japan that is part of Shinto and martial arts, involving standing under icy cold waterfalls to purify the spirit and body, which is only big in Japan (you have to be my age to appreciate this reference!)
The more direct roots of the modern resurgence of ice plunging appear to stem mostly from Nordic cultures —think Vikings here—with winter bathing, plunging into icy waters, followed by a steamy sauna. This beautiful and long-standing tradition, combined with the growing popularity of Wim Hof's extensive work, has brought cold water immersion into the mainstream modern wellness scene as the 'latest and greatest' technique for well-being. While none of these practices are essentially focusing on the ancient beauty secrets of cold water, what is apparent is the benefits of cold plunging for skin health.
The Science Behind the Chill: Why Your Skin Revels in Cold
But what is so great about all of this, why is creating icy cold environments a thing our skin, bodies and beings seem to revel in? There is an astounding range of benefits for our complexions, which we will explore by examining the science behind it, its benefits, and ways to incorporate it into your life.
First, let's understand what's truly happening when you expose your skin to all this ice. Our bodies consist of, among other very important things, a complex network of blood vessels that vary in size and depth throughout our bodies. When we start playing with ice, two things are happening: vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Vasoconstriction happens first when our blood vessels instinctively narrow to hold onto our body's core heat. But here's where your body's magnificent natural processes truly come into play: as your skin gradually warms back up, these same vessels rapidly open wide (vasodilation). This creates a huge and beneficial surge of fresh blood into the areas, bringing oxygen and vital nutrients right up to the skin cells.
So, why would we voluntarily subject ourselves to this chill? Besides the obvious circulatory boost that cold therapy creates, it is also a fierce opponent of inflammation, effectively reducing swelling and redness by slowing down blood flow to the inflamed area. What's more, there's something immediately soothing about applying ice to the skin; it delivers an instant refreshing sense of calm as the cold sensation directly impacts nerve endings. I am forever on the lookout for skincare for dryness and sensitivity that actually delivers.
Key Benefits of Cold Therapy for Your Face
The reality is that cold therapy does amazingly wonderful things for our face; there are immediate visual and sensory benefits, which my daily ice face plunge can attest to. I wake up in the morning and I breathe in to prepare myself to look in the mirror, it's not often a loving moment. After using ice therapy for my puffy eyes and face, I've seen a heartening difference. I don't think I've ever had a serious amount of swelling on my face, but the bags under my eyes do appear to have a life of their own, and this is where I see the most noticeable difference. Another thing I absolutely love is the way my skin feels afterwards. I usually cleanse afterwards, and then follow on with the rest of my skincare routine. This is because it helps with the fluid retention, which is supposed to make my skin look firmer; I just know it feels firmer.
One of the other benefits is that it creates a temporary pore minimisation as the cold makes pores appear tighter and smoother, which is perfect for make-up application. Due to the enhanced circulation in the skin, a lovely, healthy post-cold flush is created, allowing your skin to simply glow. Added to this is the refreshing jolt that just wakes up your senses and skin, leaving you not only invigorated but also alert and ready for the day ahead.
When your skin is feeling inflamed or experiencing a mild form of sensitivity, ice therapy steps in like a calming superhero. It doesn't just soothe the redness and irritation; it actively pacifies the inflamed skin, making ice therapy good for acne, too. While professional cryotherapy treatment is a well-documented and researched area for its use in treating inflammation, ice therapy at home is also one of the most effective natural ways to reduce skin inflammation. For me, I would always choose to look for natural alternatives to cryotherapy facial.
On the flip side, if you have oily skin, cold therapy can help regulate sebum production over time. If you follow our blog, you know that at AYA Natural Skin, we're all about embracing your natural glow. And speaking of glow, there's one last benefit I can personally attest to, even though the theory is considered intriguing and mostly based on anecdotal evidence: improved product absorption. The idea is that when your pores constrict in the cold and then reopen, they're primed to absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively. Without a question of a doubt, I feel this every single time – my skin literally inhales it.
Just to back up the anecdotal evidence of improved product absorption after cold therapy, try this: the next time you accidentally get a minor burn in the kitchen, or find you've been out in the sun a little too long past your sunscreen's efficacy, embrace the ice. (coming up is the easiest 'how-to'!) This initial chill can prime your skin, making it ready to completely absorb the first layer of natural healing product filled with plant-based skincare benefits that follows.
Once chilled, generously apply AYA Balm, our multi-purpose natural balm, to the area. It's not only a magnificent healing balm but also a truly natural skin balm, crafted to soothe and restore. As part of the AYA Natural Skincare range, all our products are manufactured locally, making us a proudly South African Natural Skincare.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Cold Therapy
So, where do you start? How do you introduce cold therapy into your routine simply and cost-effectively, and most importantly, within the arena of balancing a busy lifestyle and self-care? Consider this: while a cryotherapy facial is generally a quick treatment, the cost starts at around R1,400, and both harness the power of ice, offering essentially similar skin benefits. I don't think the professionals would agree with that! I spoke about the ice water facial, also known as “The Dunk.” Simply fill a large bowl with ice and cold water, and submerge your entire face (or as much as you're comfortable with) for short intervals, typically starting at 10-20 seconds. There is no chance of rushing this or holding it too long; it's simply too uncomfortable, so listen to your body and focus on your breathing.
Ice rollers are another option I have experimented with. My choice for the best ice roller for face care is Olio, it's an absolute treat. Keep one in your freezer and simply roll it over clean skin in upward and outward motions. This is great for lymphatic drainage, helping to flush out toxins and reduce fluid retention. Ice rollers also create a sense of a wonderfully gentle massage that's so easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. You can also add ingredients to supercharge your roller and customise your cold therapy experience to treat your specific skincare requirements. You can add green tea, lemon water, rose water or pure aloe vera gel, all with their own benefits and attributes. Ensure that you only use pure ingredients with no colours, fragrances, or heavily synthesised chemicals, and refrain from using any essential oils unless they are carefully diluted and known to be skin-safe.
Once, I tried rubbing ice cubes onto my skin; honestly, I tried it a few times, and it was never pleasant. Finally conceded defeat and went about learning how to use ice cubes on my face. Wrap the ice cubes in a clean, soft cloth. Well, that just changed everything. You wrap them to prevent ice burn and also to allow for targeted spot treatment, making it ideal for calming an angry blemish, soothing localised redness, or tackling specific areas of puffiness without chilling your entire face.
And finally, don't underestimate the power of chilled skincare products. Storing your serums, eye creams, or even your favourite jade or gua sha rollers in the fridge can significantly enhance their cooling effect. This not only feels incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day or after a long night, but it also amplifies the soothing and de-puffing benefits of the products themselves. We are all just looking for the best skincare routine for active women, essentially exploring what best works for us.
Embrace the Chill and Bring Out Your Natural Glow!
No matter which method you choose, consistency is key to unlocking the full range of benefits for your complexion! And just like the invigorating chill, AYA Natural Skin is designed to support your natural glow with pure, effective ingredients. True radiance comes from a holistic approach. We believe true radiance comes from a holistic approach, nourishing your skin to enhance its vitality and your overall well-being, and that is what we embody in the choice of ethical skincare ingredients in our range. Explore our carefully crafted products today and find your perfect match for a radiant, natural you.
So, there you have it! From ancient wisdom across diverse cultures to my own personal journey from a cold, adverse Durban girl to a daily dunk devotee, it's clear that cold therapy is far more than just a fleeting trend. It's a timeless practice with truly tangible benefits for your complexion. Whether you're aiming to banish stubborn puffiness, achieve that enviable post-chill glow, soothe irritated skin, or even supercharge your product absorption, embracing the chill offers a refreshing and surprisingly simple solution. So, why not give it a go? Dip your toes (or rather, your face!) into the invigorating world of cold therapy and experience the radiant, refreshed benefits for yourself. Your skin will thank you, and who knows, maybe your jammy eggs will too!