Does Dunking Your Face In Ice Water Every Morning Help With Puffiness?

If you've struggled with acne, dull skin, or dark undereye circles, then you've probably tried multiple home remedies, like rice water, that have made the trending list on TikTok. You're making DIY face masks with different food ingredients hoping they clear up any dark spots and acne, but often don't see the results you want. Everyone has different skin types, such as dry, oily, or combination, and there are specific treatments that will help one better than the others. Skincare brands such as Glow Recipe, Drunk Elephant, Youth To The People, and others have products to help reduce any hyperpigmentation or dark undereye circles. But you may still be looking for the right item or treatment to eliminate morning puffiness. 

Waking up in the morning with a puffy and tired face can set the mood for the day if you're not feeling your best. Until you see a new TikTok trend on how people dunk their faces in ice water to help eliminate their morning puffiness. It might be a long shot, but many TikTokers claim it as a holy grail, and even celebrities like Bella Hadid and Jennifer Aniston swear by it (per Grazia). But as with any viral trend, you may be wondering: Is this treatment for real, or just a hoax?

Ice is a well-known treatment used to combat swelling after an injury. When it comes to an ice water facial, the same principal applies: It can help reduce inflammation in the face, which may reduce puffiness and provide other benefits (per Healthline). Though the evidence in support of this trend is largely anecdotal, it's a cheap, safe, and easy remedy to attempt, so why not give it a try?

If you've been struggling with dull or uneven skin, ice water facials might also help balance your skin tone. According to PharmEasy, applying ice to your face can help make your pores look smaller and allow your makeup to last longer throughout the day. Indeed, when washing your face in general, the key to youthful looks is to use lukewarm to cold water, because hot water can cause wrinkles. Washing your face with hot water can cause your skin to dry out by stripping away all the hydration. Sticking with cold water or ice water keeps the skin hydrated, since it sends oxygen to your skin cells. It gives you a natural glow, even after a restless night.

Doing an ice water facial at home is simple; you only need a bowl of cold water with a few ice cubes. You'll want to submerge your face in the water for 30 seconds or less before coming back up, according to Get the Gloss. You only have to do it once a day in the morning to be refreshed and wide awake for the day ahead. Too much ice treatment can dry out your skin, so take care not to submerge your face for too long, or to do it more than once a day.

While ice water facials can benefit your skin and help reduce puffiness, you may not be keen on dunking your face in ice-cold water. If you prefer, you can buy an ice roller that works just the same. You can keep the ice roller in the freezer daily and use it when needed. On the other hand, regular ice cubes covered with a small cotton cloth will also help reduce puffiness. You can rinse your face in a little cold water before using the ice cubes to prepare your skin for the temperature change. Just be sure not to apply ice directly to your skin without a barrier in between, as this can cause ice burns.