The Benefits of Icing Your Face

The skincare tip that feels like a secret, passed from makeup artists to models, and now all over your feed: icing your face. While the trend looks refreshingly simple (because it is), the benefits go far beyond a moment of chill. From helping reduce visible puffiness to giving skin that post-vacation glow, this quick step can be a game-changer in your skincare ritual.

At Clarins, we’ve always believed beauty starts with how you care for your skin. So if you’ve ever wondered if that ice roller is actually doing anything, we’re here to melt away the mystery.



Key takeaways

• Facial icing can help visibly reduce puffiness, calm the appearance of redness, and temporarily tighten the look of pores, making it a fast and effective way to refresh skin before applying skincare or makeup.



• Tools like ice rollers, chilled spoons, or refrigerated facial globes offer a safer, more comfortable alternative to raw ice and should always be used with light, upward strokes to avoid irritation or cold burns.



• The best time to ice your face is after cleansing and before applying skincare products. Clean skin allows the cooling benefits to work more effectively and helps prep the skin for better product absorption.



• A typical icing session should last 1–2 minutes, no more than 30 seconds per area, and can be done 2–3 times per week for most skin types. Over-icing or pressing ice directly on the skin can lead to sensitivity or damage.
• After icing, follow with your usual skincare products—serum, eye cream, and moisturizer—to lock in hydration and amplify visible results. The process leaves skin looking more radiant and ready for the day.

Is ice good for your skin? Benefits of icing your face

There’s a reason icing your face continues to trend in runway prep and at-home routines—it works. That chilled touch does more than wake up tired skin. It brings a visible boost that feels just as good as it looks.



Freeze Puffiness in its tracks

One of the biggest benefits is its effect on puffiness. Icing helps visibly reduce swelling, especially around the eyes where fluid tends to build up overnight. Think of it as a quick pick-me-up before coffee. It can also calm the appearance of redness and temporarily tighten the look of pores, creating a flawless base for applying makeup. You can take these firming benefits further by using ice together with other skin-tightening products.

But the perks don’t stop there. A chilled tool or icy compress can encourage better absorption of your skincare, like your Clarins serum or moisturizer. Icing boosts circulation, which helps your skin soak up the visible benefits of those plant-infused formulas even more effectively. Pair that with ingredients like eucalyptus oil for an “aaah” moment that feels straight out of a spa.



Get that cool, calm, collected glow

Many fans also find that facial icing adds a natural-looking glow. By stimulating blood flow, it gives skin that healthy, post-facial radiance without stepping foot into a treatment room. It’s also a favorite for skin that spends too much time in the sun. A few chilled strokes across the cheeks and forehead can provide temporary relief and bring the temperature (and irritation) down a notch.

For an even more elevated experience, try the Clarins Cryo-Flash Mask. Inspired by cryotherapy and with exclusive Cryo-Starter Technology, this mask dramatically cools the skin to provide an instant visible lift effect in 10 minutes. Talk about a blast. With continued use, you’ll start to see visibly firmer, radiant skin. Perfect for after a long day in the heat when you want an instant chill or added into your skincare routine on a weekly basis. And with our mask, you don’t have to worry about how much or how little ice to use.



Use this tip to give skin damage the cold shoulder

Now, a quick caution: icing is generally safe, but it’s important to go gently. When doing a skincare routine for puffy eyes or skin, never press ice directly onto your face. Always wrap it in a clean cloth or use an ice roller to avoid irritation or cold burns. Always keep it moving and limit each session to a few minutes max.

So yes, ice is good for your skin. When done right, it’s one of the easiest ways to give your skin a visible refresh, no filters needed.



How to ice your face

It doesn’t matter if you reach for a jade roller from the fridge or keep it classic with ice cubes wrapped in a cloth—facial icing should feel luxurious. Below, we’ve broken down exactly how to ice your face the Clarins way—complete with prep tips, technique, and how often to indulge in this refreshingly effective ritual.



Start with clean, fresh skin

Before you reach for anything cold, make sure your skin is clean and makeup-free. Icing works best on freshly washed skin. It allows the cooling effect to make direct contact and helps prep your complexion for the skincare that follows. Use a gentle face cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin and pat dry with a soft towel.

Choose your tool (and cool it properly)

You’ve got options: classic ice cubes (wrapped in a soft cloth or paper towel), reusable gel globes, face rollers, or even chilled teaspoons. Just steer clear of applying bare ice directly onto your face. 

Pop your chosen tool into the fridge (or freezer for a few minutes) to get it cool but not painfully cold. Bonus tip: follow with your Clarins Total Eye Contour Gel or an ultra-refreshing routine.

Begin gliding - always upward and outward

Using light pressure, glide your ice tool along the contours of your face. Start at the center and move outward—cheeks to temples, chin to jawline, and upward across the forehead. For the eye area, be extra gentle. Use small, circular motions around the orbital bone to help reduce the appearance of puffiness. Each pass should feel soothing, never sharp or uncomfortable.

Keep your session short and sweet

Facial icing isn’t about duration, it’s about consistency. Aim for about one to two minutes total, with no more than 30 seconds on any one area. Over-icing can actually irritate the skin, especially if done too frequently or with tools that are too cold. Two to three times a week is enough for most skin types.

Pat dry and follow with your skincare

Once you’ve finished icing, gently pat your skin dry if needed, then move right into your skincare. Your skin will be more receptive to products, so it’s the perfect time to start your morning routine!

What should I do after icing my face?

Once you’ve iced your face and your skin feels refreshed and alive, it’s time to layer on the goodness. Think of facial icing as a primer—it gets your skin ready to absorb everything you apply afterward.

Start with your serum. With skin still slightly cool (but not wet), apply a targeted serum that suits your needs—hydration, radiance, or visible firmness. This is when active plant-powered ingredients can really shine. The post-icing glow already gives skin a smooth, toned feel, and applying your serum now helps maintain that.

Next, gently tap in your eye cream, especially if you’ve iced around the eye area. It’s the perfect moment to help soften the appearance of puffiness or shadows. Our suggestion would be one of our creams for puffy eyes, packed with skin-loving plant extracts designed to nourish the delicate under-eye zone, like the ones mentioned above.

Finally, seal it all in with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin’s soft, gentle elasticity. And that’s it. Following your icing up with a balanced skincare routine like this one will leave you with smooth, glowing skin, ready to face the day (or night).

The chill step that makes a difference

Skincare doesn't always need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a cool touch. The benefits of icing your face—like visibly reducing puffiness and calming the look of redness—help prep your skin for the products you already love. It’s a moment of spa-like care you can create at home, with just a few thoughtful steps and the right tools.

Taking the time to do facial icing correctly can elevate your routine in just minutes, day or night. Of course, pairing it with your Clarins favorites will boost the benefits and give you a spa-like and luxurious skincare experience. So, if you don’t do it already, you need to work facial icing into your routine. Because when your skin feels good, so do you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ice tighten skin?

Ice can temporarily tighten the appearance of skin by constricting blood vessels and reducing surface-level swelling. This creates a smoother, more toned look, especially around areas prone to puffiness like the eyes or jawline. While the effect isn’t permanent, it’s a quick and visible boost that can enhance your overall routine.

Is ice good for your skin?

Yes, when used correctly, ice can offer several visible benefits for the skin. It helps reduce puffiness, temporarily minimizes the appearance of pores, and creates a refreshed, more even-toned appearance. Just remember: always use a protective layer (like a cloth or tool) and avoid holding it in one spot too long.



Is icing good for oily skin?

Icing can be a great addition to an oily skincare routine. It helps calm the appearance of inflammation, reduce excess surface oil, and refine the look of pores—all without stripping the skin. Just be gentle and don’t overdo it; too much cold can overstimulate oil production in some skin types.



What does icing your face do?

Facial icing helps give skin a more toned, depuffed, and radiant look in just a few minutes. It improves circulation, enhances product absorption, and offers a soothing effect that feels like a mini spa moment. Many people also love the visible glow it gives—fresh and well-rested, no filter required.

Does icing your face help with acne?

While icing isn’t an acne treatment, it may help temporarily reduce the look of redness or inflammation around blemishes. A cool compress can soothe the skin’s surface and make spots appear calmer. For long-term care, pair icing with a consistent, plant-powered skincare routine.

How long should I ice my face?

An icing treatment should last 1 to 2 minutes. Focus on a particular area for no more than 30 seconds to avoid irritation. Icing should feel soothing, not uncomfortable or tingly. Doing it 2–3 times a week is enough to enjoy the benefits without risking skin damage.

How to use ice roller on face?

After cleansing, gently glide the chilled roller upward and outward across the face, starting at the center and working toward the temples. Use soft, even pressure and avoid staying in one spot too long. It’s especially effective around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline for a visibly refreshed finish.



Should I ice my face before or after cleansing?

Always ice after cleansing. You want freshly washed skin, so the cooling tool has direct contact and your pores can better absorb the skincare you apply afterward. Applying ice to dirty skin could trap buildup, so cleanse first, then chill.

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