Is dipping you face in ice water good for you?

Question

According to Times Now News, dipping your face in ice water is good for you. It instantly targets redness and spots and has many other benefits.

Comments

Do you think there have been any negative effects on people doing this in the morning?

Answer 1

It appears to be true, after reading the article provided as well as doing other research, this practice is also known as an ice water facial, which helps reduce puffiness, inflammation, and redness by causing blood vessels to constrict. I found that Well+Good, highlights that submerging your face in ice water can activate the body's mammalian driving reflex, which helps clam the nervous system and reduce anxiety. 

How Submerging Your Face in a Bowl of Ice Water Helps Calm Anxiety in Seconds

Answer 2

Overall, it has been found that dipping your face in ice water does have many benefits for your skin. It has been found to have properties that can help reduce puffiness and inflammation. According to The Skimm, “When your skin interacts with super-cold temperatures, the blood vessels beneath the surface constrict, reducing redness, swelling, and puffiness. When your face returns to its normal temperature, the capillaries reopen and you’re left with a refreshed, healthy flush” (Holden and Knot). Many people argue that it's not an immediate transformation, but the main immediate effect is that it can make you feel more awake and energized. According to Bill Bachand at RENU Therapy  “Submerging your face in ice water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation by lowering your heart rate” (RENU Therapy, 2024). This actually proves that the benefits of dipping your face in ice water can go far beyond just the appearance of your skin but can help you feel refreshed and energized. Although there is proof behind this, it isn’t for everyone. According to Sara Choi from Healthline (2024), “Would I do this again? No. The ice water facial did not help me achieve any noticeable changes to my face. I felt I looked the same before and after the week. I also felt this was a waste of water to feel more awake. I usually wash my face in the morning with water on a washcloth, which achieves the same effect.” This proves that this method doesn’t work the same for everyone and many factors can go into it, like skin types. In the end, dipping your face in ice water might not be the ideal magical skincare hack, but it’s an easy way to wake up your skin leaving it refreshed, but it might be better to not expect any major changes. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/i-did-an-ice-water-facial-every-day-for-a-week#how-i-felt 

https://www.renutherapy.com/blogs/blog/is-submerging-your-face-in-cold-water-good-for-you-the-surprising-benefits-and-renu-therapy-plunge-tank-features?srsltid=AfmBOoo7naYHpgm4lLYXGU6U06lTenVkTb67hHYP7rpYPDoCVWYgvusE 

https://www.theskimm.com/beauty/skin-care/ice-water-facial-benefits

Answer 3

While the claim above is not false, it just lacks a lot of other important information. While yes facial icing can be beneficial for quick fixes, there is no scientific proof that it has any long lasting benefits. (referenced in Healthline). Icing can help with reducing inflammation due to the cold restricting the blood vessels. It can help reduce pain from acne, sunburns, and swelling. It can help with quick anti-aging effects by restricting blood vessels and firming the skin but cant repair damage made by the sun or loss of collagen (referenced in Vogue). They do recommend that you shouldn't do this on its own and that it should be in pair with a skin care routine recommended to you by a health care professional. There is also lots of ways that icing can be damaging, so practice this claim in a safe way that won't cause skin irritation or burning from the cold. Use a barrier between the ice and your skin and don't apply for too long. Otherwise this claim just lacks information but is not incorrect.

Answer 4

Yes, dipping your face in ice water has many positive effects and is even acknowledged by dermatologists! Just like ice baths or cryotherapy, the cold helps energize your skin and your mind. Glamour, a known beauty article that has certified dermatologists verify their findings, states, "Firms the skin, tightens pores and tones the skin, leaving a fresh and smooth complexion." Alexandra Bowels, board-certified dermatologist, continues to state, "Stimulates lymphatic flowpromoting skin health." Not only does it promote healthy skin, but it also releases endorphins that promote a decrease in stress. Dr. Bowels does make it clear that while these are all positive effects, it's a short-term "Pick me up" 

Another reliable source, the National Library of Medicine, conducted a few studies of the health benefits of ice facials. In summary, the studies suggested that it can be an effective treatment for "Inflammation, stress regulation." They also agree that there needs to be moderation as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, explaining that other factors are included in seeing positive results. 

In conclusion, there is scientific evidence as well as certified dermatologists who state positive effects in ice facials, but also express the importance of balancing with other healthy lifestyle choices.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518606/ 

https://www.glamour.com/story/ice-water-facial

Answer 5

The claim that “dipping your face in ice water is good for you” is partly true but overstated.

Cold water exposure can temporarily reduce puffiness, redness, and swelling because it constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation. Dermatologists told outlets such as Healthline and the Cleveland Clinic that brief cold compresses or short ice-water dips can refresh skin and may calm irritation.

However, there is little scientific evidence that regular “ice water facials” improve long-term skin health. Experts caution that overuse or extreme cold may damage the skin barrier, trigger rosacea flare-ups, or cause irritation and numbness. Articles from Glamour (2025) and NDTV (2024) note that while the practice is trendy, it should be done only for short periods and avoided by people with sensitive skin or vascular issues.

In short, the practice can be safe and mildly beneficial when done briefly, but it’s not a medical or skincare necessity, and exaggerated online claims of major beauty or health effects are unsupported by research.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/health/is-dunking-your-face-in-ice-water-good-for-your-skin-dermatologis

https://www.glamour.com/story/ice-water-facial