This winter, a cool new skincare trick has gone viral, and it’s earning serious glow-worthy results.
Skin icing, the simple act of applying ice or cold tools to the face, has become one of the most talked-about beauty trends online, especially among Black women looking for fresh, radiant skin during dry, winter months.
At its core, skin icing is a form of cryotherapy: exposing your skin to cold temperatures to reap cosmetic and health benefits. Dermatologists and celebrity estheticians alike say the technique can help reduce inflammation, calm redness, and shrink the appearance of pores, giving skin a smoother, more luminous finish.
The trend isn’t just about feeling instantly refreshed. Cold therapy causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, which boosts circulation and helps deliver oxygen-rich blood to the skin’s surface. This increased flow can create a natural, healthy glow that many beauty enthusiasts chase, and often achieve, even with a few minutes of icing.
Skin icing also shows promise for reducing puffiness and inflammation, particularly around the delicate under-eye area. Many people use ice cubes, ice rollers, or chilled globes to gently massage their face for a few minutes each day. This process can temporarily tighten the look of the skin and smooth texture, making it a popular step before applying makeup.
Dermatologists recommend doing skin icing after cleansing and before moisturizing, with a protective layer like a cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent irritation or frostbite. While definitely safe for most skin types, those with sensitive conditions like rosacea or cold urticaria should proceed with caution or consult a professional before trying the trend.
What makes skin icing particularly appealing is its accessibility. Unlike high-end facials or specialized devices, the most basic form of this technique can be done at home with ice cubes or an inexpensive roller. That combination of simplicity, affordability, and visible glow is why skin icing has taken over social feeds, and become a go-to step for Black women pursuing radiant, calm, and vibrant skin.
