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

This Time Now News article claims that dipping your face in ice water is good for you. This claim is completely true, the article explains that overdoing ice dipping could lead to skin damage although adding it to your skincare routine can be effective, "One of its key benefits is its ability to tighten pores, which not only minimises their appearance but also helps unclog them by removing dirt and sebum. This pore-tightening effect is particularly advantageous for creating a smooth canvas for makeup application,” says Dr Shweta.

https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/beauty/beauty-buzz/dipping-face-in-ice-water-can-target-redness-and-spots-instantly-article-109523760

An article from health.com also backs up this claim as a reputable source. Someone after conducting a test of ducking their face into water after a week noticed positive results. They noticed pores smaller and their skin getting softer. Though it could lead to damage or be uncomfortable overall this is true.
https://www.health.com/ice-water-facial-benefits-11790788

Answer 2

After reading the article attached, it shows that there are researched short term effects like shrinking pores, enhancing circulation, and reducing inflammation. But with a further search I didn't find any data that says it has long term effects. It only works/ shows results with consistency, and the duration of the effects is unknown/ different from person to person. So I would say this claim is vague, but true depending on what “good for you” means to you.

Answer 3

After reading both the claim and the article, I concurred that the statement is true and dipping your face in ice water really is good for you. The linked article (timesnownews) talks about many benefits found from doing so, including temporarily tightens pores, helps reduce inflammation, and gives off a rejuvenate glow. I found that additional research just solidified the point more with Vogue claiming similar benefits and quoted a board certified dermatologist. 

Answer 4

1. Brief overall summary of your findings

The claim that dipping your face in ice water is “good for you” is partially true but overstated. Ice water exposure can temporarily reduce redness and puffiness by constricting blood vessels, but many of the benefits described are short-term and cosmetic. There is limited scientific evidence supporting long-term health or skin benefits.

2. Primary sources

Dermatology and medical guidance
Medical and dermatology sources explain that cold exposure can temporarily reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling by narrowing blood vessels. However, these effects are short-lived and do not treat underlying skin conditions.
https://www.aad.org/ (American Academy of Dermatology)

Physiological research on cold exposure
Studies on cold exposure show brief benefits related to circulation and nerve response, but they do not support broad health claims related to skincare.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

3. Secondary sources

Times Now News article
The article promotes ice water face dipping as a beauty practice and highlights anecdotal and cosmetic benefits. It does not cite peer-reviewed medical studies to support broader health claims.
https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/beauty/beauty-buzz/dipping-face-in-ice-water-can-target-redness-and-spots-instantly-article-109523760

4. Potential biases or interests

Times Now News is a lifestyle and beauty publication, which may prioritize trends and viral wellness practices over scientific evidence. The article appears designed to attract reader interest rather than provide medically rigorous guidance.

5. Evidence that supports the claim

Cold water can temporarily reduce facial redness, swelling, and puffiness by constricting blood vessels. This explains why some people perceive immediate cosmetic benefits after ice water exposure.

6. Evidence that undermines the claim

There is little scientific evidence that ice water face dipping provides long-term skin or health benefits. Dermatologists caution that excessive cold exposure may irritate sensitive skin or worsen certain conditions.