FINESSED FAVES: Cool as Ice – How Ice Rollers Can Soothe Your Skin Woes?

Throughout history, people from various cultures have used cold therapy for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits, including reducing inflammation and promoting healing. One such tool is the ice roller, a small handheld device that has gained popularity in recent years for its rejuvenating effects on the skin. While the exact origins of ice rollers are uncertain, the use of cold therapy can be traced back to ancient Egyptians, who used ice and cold compresses to treat injuries and inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine also incorporate cold therapy for various ailments. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, benefits, and workings of ice rollers, a fascinating and increasingly popular tool for skin rejuvenation.

For centuries, cold temperatures have been used by humans for therapeutic, health and sporting recovery purposes. This application of cold for therapeutic purposes is regularly referred to as cryotherapy. Cryotherapies including ice, cold-water and cold air have been popularised by an ability to remove heat, reduce core and tissue temperatures, and alter blood flow in humans. The resulting downstream effects upon human physiologies providing benefits that include a reduced perception of pain, or analgesia, and an improved sensation of well-being.

Allan, R., Malone, J., Alexander, J., Vorajee, S., Ihsan, M., Gregson, W., Kwiecien, S., & Mawhinney, C. (2022, February 23). Cold for centuries: A brief history of cryotherapies to improve health, injury and post-exercise recovery. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9012715/

What are ice rollers?

Ice rollers are small handheld devices that contain a rollerball on one end and a gel-filled chamber on the other. The rollerball is typically made of metal, such as stainless steel, and is designed to be cooled in the freezer before use. The gel-filled chamber helps to keep the rollerball cold for longer.

How do ice rollers work?

When the rollerball is rolled over the skin, it provides a cooling sensation that can help to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and soothe irritated skin. The cold temperature can also help to constrict blood vessels, which may reduce the appearance of pores and give the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Pfisterer, K., Shaw, L. E., Symmank, D., & Weninger, W. (2021, May 25). The extracellular matrix in skin inflammation and infection. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.682414/full

What are the benefits of using an ice roller?

There are many potential benefits to using an ice roller on your skin. Some of the most commonly cited benefits include:

Reducing inflammation: The cold temperature of the roller can help to reduce inflammation and swelling, which may be beneficial for those with acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Soothing irritated skin: If you have sensitive or irritated skin, using an ice roller may help to calm and soothe it. The cool temperature can help to reduce itching and burning sensations, and may also help to reduce redness.
Improving circulation: Rolling the ice roller over your skin can help to improve circulation, which may improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Reducing puffiness: If you wake up with puffy eyes or a puffy face, using an ice roller may help to reduce the swelling and make you look more awake and alert.
Enhancing product absorption: Using an ice roller before applying skincare products can help to enhance their absorption into the skin. The cool temperature can help to constrict blood vessels, which may allow the products to penetrate deeper into the skin.

How do you use an ice roller at home?

Using an ice roller is simple and easy to do it yourself, making it a simple D.I.Y. Here are the basic steps:

Place the rollerball in the freezer for at least an hour before use.
Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
Remove the rollerball from the freezer and attach it to the gel-filled chamber.
Roll the ice roller over your skin, using gentle pressure. Start at the center of your face and roll outward in all directions.
Pay extra attention to any areas that are particularly puffy or irritated.
After use, clean the rollerball with a mild soap or cleanser and store it in the freezer until your next use.

In summary, the use of cold therapy for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. The ice roller, a handheld device that provides a cooling sensation to the skin, has gained popularity in recent years for its rejuvenating effects. The use of cold therapy in cryotherapies has been shown to provide many benefits, including reduced pain perception and improved well-being. Ice rollers can provide numerous benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, soothing irritated skin, improving circulation, and reducing puffiness. With its ease of use and potential benefits, incorporating an ice roller into your skincare routine can be a simple yet effective way to give your skin the extra care it deserves.

Allan, R., Malone, J., Alexander, J., Vorajee, S., Ihsan, M., Gregson, W., Kwiecien, S., & Mawhinney, C. (2022, February 23). Cold for centuries: A brief history of cryotherapies to improve health, injury and post-exercise recovery. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9012715/