Do you all remember Captain America? Or mainly, how he hadn’t aged for nearly 70 years while he was a human popsicle under the water. How would you feel if you could fight the aging, and lock your beautiful skin?
We all know aging is inevitable. You can’t run away or hide from it, no matter how much you wish for a miracle. However, you can prolong its arrival. Yes, you can actually elongate it by “freezing” the signs of aging. Now now, we aren’t suggesting jumping in the Arctic Ocean like Mr. Captain America. No, cause that would be stupid and deadly. You can simply use some tools that are easily available at any drugstore or online store. This “freezing” of aging is called Cryotherapy.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures. This stimulates various bodily systems and provides many benefits, such as enhancing sports recovery and boosting the immune system. Commonly known as cold therapy, Cryotherapy has been used for years within the medical field to reduce swelling, encourage circulation, and promote healing. Good news for you, it works similarly when it comes to anti-aging skincare for the face as well!
From harsh weather and UV rays to dirt and pollution in the air, the skin on your face goes through a lot, day after day. And it’s not just the environment either. Chemicals in the food and water we consume and various toiletries we use can also affect our skin. All of the above just triggers the aging, giving it a head start with a booster. Cryo facial (short for cryotherapy facial) is a professional treatment in which a technician blows a stream of colder-than-ice air over the face and neck, all in the name of youth and beauty!
Beauty queens such as Kate Moss (who, even at 40, has supermodel skin) and our all-time favorite Bella Hadid swear by this facial routine. This cold therapy involves a very quick and controlled cooling of tissue. The device uses temperatures ranging from -110º C to -130º C for around three minutes per area. So, your skin cools between 0 and 4°C in seconds, but cryotherapy also cools down the subcutaneous tissue, which is when the magic happens.
“Why would people want to freeze their faces”, one would ask. Well, this thermal turbulence on your skin sends a survival signal to your brain. When you are exposed to cold weather, your body’s circulatory system results in “vasoconstriction”, which is basically constriction of the excess flow of blood to keep you warm. The colder the temperature, the more your blood vessels narrow. After 2-3 minutes, the technician stops the cooling, and the area warms up. This causes the blood vessels to widen, which results in the rushing of a lot of blood and fresh cellular nutrients to the area. Because the brain thinks you are getting frosted, it releases feel-good endorphins, stimulates new cell activity to accelerate recovery, produces anti-inflammatory proteins, and pumps in tons of oxygen and nutrients to restore, rejuvenate and heal the tissues.
Cool Benefits of Cryotherapy
(That pun was definitely intended!)
- Improves Blood Circulation:
As we already know how cryotherapy stimulates vasoconstriction. Once the technician stops, the constricted blood vessels open up, flooding the face with nutrient-rich blood. It is very similar to when you place a leg on a hose, constricting it, and when you move the leg, the water comes out with a force. This pressure is so strong that it takes away all the waste. This whole process stimulates blood circulation.
- Boosts Collagen Production:
Collagen is a protein that’s responsible for keeping your skin strong, supple, and elastic. When there is a dip in collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles are more likely to form. Sudden exposure to cold air tricks your body into thinking it is freezing. In response, it signals your blood to rush to maintain body heat. The brain releases adrenaline to stimulate the organs. This floods the face and extremities with fresh, nutrient-rich blood to repair skin.
- Reduces Puffiness and Swelling:
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) has been used for many years in case of swelling and puffiness. Cold therapy is widely known for alleviating or preventing edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissue), making it very effective on soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, and reducing puffiness and swelling!
- Boosts your Mood
When your brain is in its “fixing mode” when it thinks that the tissue is wounded, it releases loads of chemicals like endorphins, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These are anti-stress hormones. Their main function is to make you feel happier, more positive, and even more energetic. Thus elevating your mood. Oh and let’s not forget, when you are happy, your skin glows as well! This is the perfect solution if your skin looks tired or dull. So basically, it is two birds with one stone!
- Tightens the Pores:
We all know that heat expands and cold contracts. Well, your pores are no exception to this rule. We commonly use steam and heat to loosen up and soften the sebum. But, to keep them trim and taut in the first place, nothing beats the cold. In a cold facial, the skin's surface cools for immediate vasoconstriction or tightening of the blood vessels. As the blood vessels tighten, so do those pores! It leads to firmer, glassier-looking skin with reduced pore size.
The best part about this cold therapy is that it doesn’t necessarily need to be performed at a professional’s office. You can do it at home, all by yourself. There are several tools and devices that you can use to enjoy the benefits of a cryo facial from the comfort of your own home.
- You can always use the Ice Rollers, Ice Globes, or even just frozen spoons or Jade Roller. To get the biggest bang for your buck, stow any facial roller in the freezer for at least an hour or two. Once it’s super-cold, massage your face using gentle pressure. To maximize the lifting and firming benefits, rub in an upward motion to avoid tugging and dragging down on the skin. Roll downwards on your neck to help with lymphatic drainage, and visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also sharpening your jawline and minimizing any puffiness or swelling.
- You can also keep your sheet mask in the refrigerator for a while and then put it on.
- The best trick, used by both the beauty queens above mentioned, is to fill a sink or a bowl, big enough to sink your face in it, with ice cubes, cold water, and slices of cucumber and hold your face in it for as long as you can.
