Healing IceCold, in moderation, can have a positive effect on the body. Our ancestors took ice baths for rejuvenation, a precursor to modern cryotherapy. Historically, Empress Elizabeth is said to have bathed her face in ice every day to preserve a fresh, youthful look. The Marquise de Pompadour reportedly kept a container of snow by her bedside so she would wake up with refreshed skin and bright eyes.
Today, ice therapy is still widely practiced. You’ve probably seen commercials touting cryosaunas and cryomassage. But what exactly are they?
A cryosauna uses medical-grade liquid nitrogen at temperatures between -140 and -150°C (-220 to -238°F). It looks a bit like a tanning bed. During a session, the device cools only the skin’s outer layer without lowering core body temperature. Some cryosaunas are large enough for two or three people at once.
Here’s how it works: at first the cold makes blood vessels constrict sharply, and then they dilate. That gives the circulatory system a strong boost, speeds up metabolic processes, and can help restore immune function. Cryosaunas can reduce inflammation, have disinfecting and fever-lowering effects, and may help reduce cellulite and acne, reduce swelling, and support weight-loss efforts. They can also have positive effects on healthy tissue and help normalize organ function. Cryotherapy is commonly used for conditions like sciatica and other similar problems. It can also relieve symptoms of bronchial asthma and help lower stress.
Cryosaunas are not suitable for people with a fever, infectious or oncological diseases, blood disorders, or during a hypertensive crisis.
For clothing in the cryosauna, women usually wear a two-piece swimsuit and men wear swim trunks. Before the session, you’ll be given socks and slippers to protect your toes from frostbite.
Cryomassage is performed using liquid nitrogen—a heavy, colorless liquid with a boiling point between -193 and -200°C (-315 to -328°F) at one atmosphere of pressure. The rapid temperature changes make blood vessels constrict and then expand, which improves circulation and nourishes the tissues.
Now, here are a few tips for rejuvenating your skin at home with ice.
You can buy cosmetic ice at any beauty store today. It quickly refreshes the face and tones facial muscles. When you rub an ice cube over your face, the skin’s temperature drops and the blood vessels constrict. After a short time they dilate and blood flow increases. These changes improve skin tone, smooth fine lines, and give the complexion a healthy glow and natural flush.
Take a soft towel, soak it in hot water, wring it out, and apply it quickly to your face. Hold the compress until the towel cools, then remove it and gently massage your face with an ice cube, following the lines of your wrinkles. Don’t hold the ice in one spot for too long to avoid overcooling the skin. Use 2–3 ice cubes per massage session.
After the massage, repeat the hot compress, rinse your face with cool water, pat dry, and apply a nourishing cream. Prepare the ice from herbal, fruit, or vegetable infusions to boost the effect. Use clean, high-quality water for cosmetic ice. Do this in the morning to tone and invigorate your skin.
