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Today, I am sharing with you some science-based benefits of ice therapy for skin and pain relief.

Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It also has powerful results for your skin too. 

This article will share with you not only the benefits of ice therapy on your skin and for relieving pain, but also how you can start to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Here’s a look at the scientific evidence supporting its benefits for facial skin and pain relief like headaches or swelling.

Science-Based Benefits of Ice Therapy for Skin and Pain Relief

Benefits Of Ice Therapy For Facial Skin:

There are several ways to do ice therapy on your skin. I use this ice roller daily, and it has been amazing for my skin. You can also do ice dunks or use frozen globes. My favorite and easiest method is the ice roller.

The great part about using an ice roller is you also get the benefits of lymphatic drainage. We will be doing a more in-depth review of lymphatic drainage in another article soon. Keep an eye out for that.

Here are some of the benefits you will see when you incorporate ice therapy for your face.

Reduces inflammation

Ice constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area. This can help decrease inflammation and redness, often associated with acne, sunburn, or rosacea. Skin can have inflammation from other issues, but whatever the inflammatory response is on your facial skin, ice therapy can help.

Temporarily tightens pores

The cold temperature can cause your pores to contract, giving your skin a more refined appearance. Research has shown this effect can be temporary, but when blood vessels are constricted by the ice, it can cause the appearance of your pores to shrink. Using an ice roller personally, I see immediate results using it. My pores appear smaller and tighter after ice rolling each morning. 

Numbs pain

Ice can act as a local anesthetic, numbing the skin and reducing discomfort from conditions like sunburn or minor injuries. It does this simply by reducing blood flow to a particular area which in turn numbs the skin.  When I am about to get a painful injection in my knee, they always numb the area first with ice. This helps numb the pain much more than just using the freezing spray. 

Promotes healing

By reducing inflammation and pain, ice can create an environment that is more conducive to healing. Ice baths are often used for recovery for this reason. This tip is good for your entire body, but also your facial skin. If you have a blemish or acne, ice rolling can be beneficial for healing.

How To Use An Ice Roller:

To get the benefits of ice therapy with a facial roller, simply use it for 20 minutes each day. Roll from the middle of your face outwards towards your ears. Continue this motion all over your face for about 20 minutes while the roller is still cold. You can see me using one of Instagram or the instructions to your ice roller will have details on use too.

Benefits for Headaches

Ice therapy for headaches is incredible. Not only does it help with migraines, but also headaches from allergies or sickness. I mentioned how much I like ice therapy for sickness in our cold and flu guide here. 

Here are some of the proven benefits for ice therapy on headaches.

Reduces pain

The cold temperature can help numb the nerves in the head and neck, providing temporary relief from pain associated with migraines or tension headaches.

Reduces inflammation

As mentioned earlier, ice can reduce inflammation, which is often a factor in headaches.

Promotes relaxation

Applying ice to the forehead and temples can help induce relaxation, which can be beneficial for managing stress-related headaches.

Anyone who suffers from headaches and migraines definitely needs this headache relief cap! My friend who gets headaches told me this is the only thing that helps her. I have been using it for migraines I get occasionally and it provides instant relief. I also like how it doesn’t get wet or thaws like an ice pack plus it stays cold for awhile.

Ice Therapy For Pain Relief 

In addition to headaches and facial skin, ice therapy can work wonders for all types of pain relief. I am currently dealing with an another torn meniscus, and the pain in my knee is borderline unbearable by the end of the day. I have been using this ice wrap for pain relief in my knee. It fits on like a wrap, and stays cold for hours. I prefer to put this in the refrigerator so it isn’t quit as cold. Even in the refrigerator, it is still very cold. I wish I had had this for my last surgery, but I will certainly be using this after my next one.

When it comes to ice therapy for pain relief, the reasoning is so simple! Just like with facial skin and headaches, the ice constricts blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the affected area. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation, common contributors to pain. The cold temperature has a numbing effect on the skin and underlying tissues, temporarily reducing the sensation of pain. I always use ice therapy before getting a painful shot.

Ice slows down the transmission of pain signals along nerve pathways, providing relief from acute pain.

After injury or intense physical activity, applying ice can accelerate recovery by minimizing tissue damage and promoting healing.

Ice therapy is particularly effective for acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, making it a common first-aid treatment.

Incorporate The Science-Based Benefits of Ice Therapy Into Your Daily Routine

It is so easy to enjoy the benefits of ice therapy by adding it into your daily routine. Ice rolling for your face is one of the best additions to your skincare routine. From minimizing pores and puffiness, to lymphatic drainage, and ice roller is a powerful must have for your skin! Anyone with chronic pain and chronic headaches can also greatly benefit from an ice wrap. 

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