The Cold: 5 Ways to Make it an Unexpected Beauty Ally
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We don’t really like it, we even avoid it. And yet, cold is our friend. Yes, it just takes a little getting used to at first, and once we see the results, we want to keep going.
Cold has unexpected benefits for the skin, hair, circulation, and even the radiance of the complexion. Besides its beauty aspect, cold also helps to combat everyday nuisances like heavy legs and improves the immune system. Ice showers, ice rolling, cold water on the face in the morning… Rituals from the cold are becoming the new beauty and health gestures to adopt, as long as you know how to tame them and muster up your courage.
1. Cryotherapy: the big chill for firmness
Originating from Nordic countries and favored by athletes, cryotherapy is now making its way into beauty routines. The principle? Exposing the body (or face) to extremely low temperatures for a few minutes to stimulate circulation, tone tissues, and boost cellular regeneration.
The beauty benefits:
- Firming of the skin
- Immediate “glow” effect
- Reduction of inflammation and redness
- Natural activation of collagen production
2. Ice showers: a shot of vitality for body and mind
We dread them… until we acquire a taste for them. Cold showers instantly wake up the body, tone the skin, and strengthen the immune system. In terms of beauty, they improve skin elasticity and promote microcirculation. How to get started? After your regular (i.e., warm) shower, gather your courage and finish with a spray of cold or icy water!
How to do it?
End your shower with 30 seconds to 1 minute of cold water, focusing on the legs and arms. The bonus? A true mental clarity post-shower.
3. Ice rolling: the refreshing massage that changes everything
The ice roller is the favorite tool of morning routines. Kept in the fridge, it is used on clean, makeup-free skin to awaken the complexion and reduce fatigue. Inspired by Korean techniques, it’s a simple yet ultra-effective gesture. I recommend keeping a gua sha stone or roller in a clean, airtight box to massage your face in the morning. Guaranteed decongesting effect, and it will also help reduce facial puffiness and give you a boost after a bad night.
Its immediate effects:
- Reduction of puffiness and dark circles
- Minimizing pores
- Soothing of skin inflammations
- Tightening effect and natural “glow”
4. Cold water on the face: the quick and free reflex
A simple splash of cold water (or a cloth soaked in icy water) can be enough to wake up the complexion. As a bonus, it helps to brighten the complexion and tighten pores in the blink of an eye. Yes, it stings a bit in the morning, but you get used to it quickly, and you can do it after coffee or breakfast to be a bit more awake.
When to adopt it?
- In the morning, upon waking (after coffee if you’re like me and caffeine is your morning shot)
- After cleansing
- At the end of your skincare routine, before applying moisturizer
Slow beauty tip: For an even more soothing effect, add a few drops of floral water (rose or witch hazel) to your cold water.
5. Cold water on the hands to fight anxiety
Dipping your hands into a large bowl of ice water may seem trivial, but this gesture actually activates the vagus nerve, responsible for calming the nervous system. In times of stress or anxiety, this sudden contact with cold helps to slow down the heart rate, bring attention back to the body, and create an immediate sense of grounding. A very simple technique, inspired by somatic therapy, to keep handy…
So yes, we often complain about the cold… but it might just become your new best beauty (and wellness) ally. Whether it’s to awaken the skin, achieve a glow, or find inner calm, one thing is certain: it’s worth a little shiver.
Featured image: ©unsplash
