Is Cryo Skincare the New Red Light Therapy?

We’re lowering the temperature…at least in our skincare. Since cold plunging is having a moment, it’s no surprise that cryo skincare is following suit. But is it actually effective? And more importantly, is it safe? I chatted with a medical expert to learn more about this rising beauty trend, identifying the benefits, the risks and how to do it right at home. Let’s just say red light therapy needs to watch its back. 

Eric Nietzel-Leone, RN, BSN is a registered nurse and longevity expert that specializes in holistic medical aesthetics. He is also a founder of NYC-based clinic, I Wanna Be Pretty, which offers services such as microneedling, fillers, botox and laser treatments. 

Also known as cold therapy, it aims to depuff, brighten and firm skin. Whether you prefer an ice roller or facial globes, the internet is buzzing around this quick and cooling technique. As Nietzel-Leone explains, “The contrast of extreme cold to normal temperature causes the vessels in the face to rapidly constrict and dilate, pumping blood and lymph (the fluid responsible for collecting and disposing of toxins) throughout the face, which leaves the skin looking brighter and healthier.”

What Are the Benefits of Cyro Skincare?

The cooling effect calms inflammation and puffiness, while also reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. And since it’s usually done before your skincare routine, it does a great job at prepping your skin and enhancing your products (i.e, serum, moisturizer, etc).

What Are the Risks of Cyro Skincare? 

It’s relatively safe to do. However, Nietzel-Leone says one factor might make some people weary of trying it: “Well, one, it’s cold! You may experience some redness, drying or flakiness, and it can be uncomfortable afterwards from numbness and tingling,” he shared. “There are some people who may be sensitive to extreme temperatures and can develop a reaction from the extreme cold. If you notice skin reactions to extreme heat or cold, make sure to consult your medical provider before trying it.” Overall, cryo skincare should be safe even for sensitive skin, however, if you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant or nursing, chat with your doctor before booking an appointment.

A quick search on TikTok and you'll notice different methods of cryo skincare. The most common ways are using ice rollers, facial globes, face mask devices and even doing a Jennifer Aniston-approved ice bath facial (aka submerging your face in a bowl of ice cold water). “It can be very helpful for short-term benefits or being consistent with it for long-term collagen production and inflammation reduction,” Nietzel-Leone says. “It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal either. Something as easy as 30 seconds of cold water in the shower is able to give you cryotherapy benefits.” 

But you can also dabble in cyro skincare by booking a facial service. Similar to the tools above, an esthetician uses a small device filled with vaporized liquid nitrogen and applies it all over your face. It feels like a nice cold breeze that can last 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the space) and works to increase blood flow and boost circulation, resulting in glowy, plumped skin.

How to Do Cryo Skincare At Home

Once you have a tool of choice, Nietzel-Leone suggests doing the technique on a clean, dry face. Then, pop the tool in the freezer overnight and grab it in the morning for a nice pick-me-up. From there, spend 30 to 60 seconds running the tool over each area (i.e, cheeks, jawline, forehead) for a total of five minutes or so. He notes, "You want to keep the tools moving so as not to harm the skin."

Now, it won’t magically reverse acne scars or turn you into your teenage self. But it can be just what your face needs to refresh and restore that much needed glow. TL;DR: Cryo skincare helps reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity and even out your complexion. As icon Elsa once said, “The cold never bothered me anyways.”