Cold therapy fans Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Daniel Craig, Alicia Keys and Jessica Alba all tout the health and skincare benefits of cryotherapy – though experts remain frosty
- Keiko Negishi, aesthetician and skin therapist at FILD Studio, uses cold therapy to reduce inflammation while Wim ‘The Iceman’ Hof combines ice baths with breathwork and mindfulness techniques
- Popular cryotherapy products include Charlotte Tilbury’s Cryo Mask, 111Skin’s Cryo De-puffing line and Anne Semonin’s Express Radiance ice cubes – but how do they work and what are the risks?
The therapeutic use of cold has centuries-old roots, yet recent innovations and celebrity endorsements have thrust these frosty practices into the limelight. From the exhilarating rush of a cold plunge to the soothing touch of a chilled facial roller, the spectrum of treatments is as broad as it is intriguing.
This resurgence in popularity owes much to high-profile advocates like Jennifer Aniston, Daniel Craig, Alicia Keys, Jessica Alba and Demi Moore – celebrities who have loudly opened up about their positive experiences and the benefits they’ve apparently noticed.
But can immersing oneself in cold water or applying an ice-cold facial truly transform one’s skin and health, or are there limits to their efficacy? With the wide assortment of cold-based beauty treatments available, from luxurious skincare lines to DIY icing techniques, navigating this trend can be overwhelming.
When we expose our bodies to cold, physiological reactions unfold. “Initially, cold exposure triggers vasoconstriction, a reflex where blood vessels constrict to preserve heat and maintain core body temperature,” says Keiko Negishi, aesthetician and skin therapist at FILD Studio. “This effect is especially noticeable on the skin and the extremities, which might start to feel numb or less sensitive as blood flow is redirected to protect vital organs.”
This abrupt change often results in a tightening sensation for the skin, which can reduce inflammation and swelling by minimising blood flow to the affected areas.
Over the last decade, various methods have championed the use of cold for wellness, but the Wim Hof Method stands out as the definitive leader. Founded by Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman”, this method combines deliberate cold exposure with specific breathing techniques and meditation. Its core belief is that regular, mindful engagement with the cold can profoundly boost health, vitality and wellness, offering benefits like improved immune function, increased energy, better stress management and greater endurance. Hof’s method has not only intrigued the wellness community but has also attracted scientific interest, beginning to validate some of its impressive claims.
The appeal of cold treatments is vast, from the thrilling venture of cryotherapy chambers to the ice facials. Experts highlight that cold plunges, which involve immersing oneself in ice-cold water, offer both immediate sensory awakening and profound health benefits.
“The cold shock enhances circulation, helping the body to warm itself, thus improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin,” Negishi says. This boost in circulation is vital to achieving a healthier, more glowing complexion by helping to flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.