There’s no denying using an ice roller in your skin care routine feels good. In fact, cold water and cold compresses are often used for soothing skin discomfort or minimizing your body’s stress response. But do you need an ice roller in your skin care routine, and are there any real benefits to using ice on your skin? Keep reading to learn about:

• Ice roller benefits
• The best ways to use an ice roller
• Cold product picks to invigorate your routine

What are the benefits of an ice roller?

The plain truth about ice roller benefits is there’s not much science behind it. It may temporarily relieve inflammation, puffiness or discomfort, but it’s not a cure. Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin Medical Director, says, “A cold compress may be used to temporarily relieve discomfort caused by an acne breakout or eczema flare-up, but a dermatologist must address the root cause to improve symptoms.”

Ice globes, ice rollers or ice may provide similar benefits, especially when combined with facial massage, but if you’re unsure, look to your dermatologist.

How to use an ice roller

The key to using ice in your skin care routine is keeping it gentle and minimal. Only use an ice roller on dry skin and use gentle pressure. Additionally, always keep the ice roller moving, and, as an extra precaution, use a clean, thin cloth between the skin and the tool or ice.

“If ice is applied directly to wet skin or with too much pressure, it can cause an ice burn or the first stages of frostbite, which can develop into more severe concerns,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

He adds, "much like the scene in Dumb and Dumber where his tongue gets stuck to a flagpole, applying ice to wet skin could cause them to stick together. Fortunately, ice melts in a room temperature environment, so the risk of skin damage when using an ice roller is low, but it is still possible.”

If you’re ready to add an ice roller to your routine, be sure to start with dry skin to avoid skin sticking to the roller. For this reason, you want to avoid using any skin care products until after your ice roller facial massage.

Follow the massage routine you usually would, using the ice roller for about five to seven minutes. Then, finish with your usual skin care routine, applying products from thinnest to thickest. Depending on your routine, you can use an ice roller up to two times daily.

Everything from ice rollers to ice globes to add to your routine

ORA Facial Cooling Ice Globes Duo

Ice globes are a wonderful, more conservative option if you’re unsure about adding ice to your routine. They tend to warm up more quickly than a metal tool, so you have an indicator of when to finish your facial massage. These ice globes are made with a special glass and a liquid inside that prevents freezing. It also features two globes, so you can massage both sides of your face at once.

Skin Gym IceCool Ice Roller

This lightweight roller is perfect for soothing skin post-workout or throughout the day to relieve puffiness and irritation. Its stainless-steel barrel and hard plastic exterior make it easy to clean, and it can be used anywhere on the face and body to cool and soothe without the mess of traditional ice cubes.

HydroPeptide Stainless Steel Facial CryoGlobes

Designed to provide the benefits of ice rolling while stimulating blood flow and oxygenating skin, these uniquely shaped globes hug your facial contours for a spa-like facial massage at home. They’re also crafted with anti-bacterial stainless steel that feels cool to the touch for an invigorating experience.

Osmosis Skincare Cool Skin Tool

Made with a proprietary solid alloy technology, this unique tool offers a cooling effect that helps soothe irritation and reduce puffiness. Its shape makes it a great option for easing tension and headaches, and it can be easily cleaned to ensure it’s sanitized between each use. Its small structure and ability to maintain cold temperatures make it ideal for traveling.

FOREO UFO 3 5-in-1 Deep Hydration Facial Treatment

While not an ice roller, this device features heating, cooling, massaging and light therapy benefits in one to enhance sheet mask results. Thermo-therapy and T-Sonic™ massage help relax muscles and soothe puffiness while light therapy helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. You can pair it with a variety of UFO-Activated Masks to target your unique skin concerns.

Looking for more skin care devices? Read more on our blog.