These days, a new skincare trend is going viral — ice dunking. Many Bollywood celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Ananya Panday are seen using ice on their face to reduce puffiness and refresh their skin. But the big question is: Does it actually work for everyone?
Can Your Skin Be Saved by the Ice Dunk Trend? We Consulted Professionals
While using ice in skincare is not a new idea — it’s been around in home remedies for years — this trend of dipping your face in a bowl of ice water has become a hot topic. It’s being promoted as a quick fix for glowing and tighter skin, especially in the summer.
But is it safe? According to a recent report by Business Connect Magazine, skin experts say that ice dunking isn’t for everyone. It may help reduce puffiness, shrink pores, and give a temporary glow, but for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or certain skin conditions, it can do more harm than good.
So before you follow this cool beauty hack, it’s best to know your skin type and maybe consult a dermatologist. What works for a celeb may not work for everyone — especially in India’s humid and harsh summer weather.
What Is Ice Dunking for Skin?
Ice dunking—also known as an ice facial or ice water therapy—is a trending skincare technique where you dip your face into a bowl filled with ice-cold water for a few seconds. It’s a form of cold therapy that claims to instantly refresh, tighten, and revive your skin.
Popular among celebrities and beauty influencers, this simple trick is gaining popularity across India, especially during the summer, thanks to its cooling effect and quick visible results.
Ice Dunking Skincare: What To Do vs What To Avoid
| What You SHOULD Do | What You SHOULD AVOID |
|---|---|
| Start with 10–15 seconds, increase slowly | Dunking face for too long (over 30 seconds) |
| Use clean, filtered water and fresh ice | Using ice directly from the freezer (risk of frostbite) |
| Take breaks between each dunk | Doing it daily or multiple times a day |
| Moisturize skin immediately after | Skipping moisturizer after dunking |
| Suitable for oily or puffy skin | Trying it with sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin |
| Use as an occasional refreshment | Using it as a complete skincare routine replacement |
| Consult a dermatologist if unsure | Following blindly just because a celeb does it |
Benefits of Ice Dunking for Skin
Skincare experts say ice dunking may offer several short-term benefits, such as:
- Reduces Puffiness: Cold water can shrink blood vessels and help reduce swelling, especially around the eyes.
- Tightens Pores: Ice helps tighten the skin temporarily and minimizes the appearance of large pores.
- Improves Blood Circulation: The cold shock boosts blood flow, giving the skin a healthy, natural glow.
- Soothes Inflammation: Ice water can calm skin irritation, redness, or post-acne inflammation.
Instant Freshness: It gives your face a quick wake-up call, making you look fresh and revived.
But Do These Benefits Really Last?
While many people swear by it, experts caution that the results are temporary. It may give your skin a fresh, glowy look for a few hours, but it’s not a replacement for regular skincare. Also, people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or broken capillaries should be careful — the cold shock can worsen their condition.
So, before you try this viral trend just because your favorite celeb is doing it, know your skin type and consult a dermatologist if needed.
Dr Meghana Reddy Endela, Consultant Dermatologist at Zennara Clinics, told NDTV that ice dunking improves circulation, reduces inflammation, enhances skin health, and may even regulate core body temperature.
“Cold water has anti-inflammatory benefits and soothes irritated, itchy skin. It refreshes the skin, especially in hot weather. Cold water is also known to have a temporary benefit on enlarged pores and improving skin tone due to the vasoconstriction effect,” explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Dermatologist, Founder & Medical Director at Yavana Aesthetics Clinic.
Dr Rashmi Sharma, Dermatologist and Director at Kara Dermatology Solutions & Aesthetic Centre, agrees that while ice dunking can benefit the skin, it does have not have a long-term effect. “It can temporarily shrink the pores and make your skin shine, which will make the redness reduce”.
Are There Any Side Effects of Ice Dunking?
As the ice dunking trend gains popularity on social media, many people are trying it out without knowing the possible side effects. While it may look refreshing, experts warn that it’s not suitable for everyone and can lead to skin issues if done incorrectly.
According to Dr. Endela, beginners should be cautious.
“Start by dipping your face in ice water for just 15 seconds and slowly build up to 30 seconds. Also, take breaks between each dunk to avoid skin stress. For people with sensitive skin, ice dunking can strip away natural oils and cause irritation or dryness,” she explains.
Who Should Avoid Ice Dunking?
While ice dunking may seem like a refreshing skincare trend, it’s not safe for everyone. Experts warn that certain skin and health conditions can be aggravated by extreme cold. Here’s who should avoid it:
- People with Rosacea
If you suffer from rosacea—a chronic inflammatory skin condition—ice dunking is a no-go. Sudden exposure to cold can trigger flare-ups and worsen redness and sensitivity. - Those with Circulatory Issues
Individuals with conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Raynaud’s Disease should avoid cold exposure. These are autoimmune and circulatory disorders that can be aggravated by sudden drops in temperature, leading to numbness, pain, or even tissue damage in the fingers, toes, or face. - Sensitive Skin Types
If your skin is naturally sensitive, ice dunking can cause irritation, redness, or even micro-tears. The cold shock may strip your skin of natural oils and compromise your skin barrier. - Prone to Broken Capillaries
Those who experience visible red veins or broken capillaries should skip this trend, as the cold may worsen the appearance of those veins or cause new ones to form. - Severe Acne Sufferers
While ice may temporarily reduce inflammation, dunking your face can irritate active acne lesions, making the condition worse and delaying healing.
Bottom Line
Always know your skin type and medical history before following a viral skincare hack. Ice dunking may look glamorous in celeb routines, but if done incorrectly or by the wrong skin type, it can do more harm than good.
FAQ
1. What exactly is the ice dunk trend in skincare?
The ice dunk trend involves submerging your face in a bowl of ice-cold water for 15–30 seconds. It’s a form of cold therapy believed to reduce puffiness, tighten skin, and boost circulation for a refreshed, glowing look.
2. Is ice dunking good for all skin types?
While some may benefit from reduced inflammation and a temporary glow, it’s not suitable for sensitive skin, people with rosacea, acne-prone skin, or those with circulatory issues like Raynaud’s or lupus.
3. How often can you safely ice dunk your face?
Experts recommend starting slowly—once or twice a week—for beginners. Overdoing it can strip natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation, especially in dry or sensitive skin types.
4. Can ice dunking replace a regular skincare routine?
Not at all. Ice dunking may offer temporary skin benefits, but it cannot replace cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, or active treatments like serums. It should only be used as an occasional add-on.
5. Are there safer alternatives to ice dunking for similar results?
You can use chilled jade rollers, cool compresses, or simply splash your face with cold water. These are gentler options that offer similar soothing and refreshing effects without extreme cold exposure.
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