A video of actress Alia Bhatt rinsing her face with ice water recently went viral, prompting more discussion. Earlier, Ananya Panday and Katrina Kaif shared videos recommending against soaking the face in cold water. They believe cold water offers many benefits, including reducing inflammation, tightening skin, and enhancing natural glow. It boosts blood circulation by constricting facial blood vessels and can also bring a calming sensation.
During summer, washing your face with cold water or ice is an easy home remedy. It lowers skin temperature, restores freshness, and helps manage increased sweat and oil that can cause stickiness and acne. Cold water temporarily calms oil glands and controls excess sebum.
Scientifically, cold water impacts the skin mainly through vasoconstriction. Exposure to cold causes blood vessels to constrict, decreasing swelling, redness, and irritation. Vasoconstriction narrows blood vessels by muscle contraction, regulating body temperature via reduced blood flow-a natural bodily process.
Summer issues like sunburn, heat rashes, open pores, and oily skin can be eased with cold water or ice. Ice, in particular, reduces puffiness around the eyes and facial fatigue.
Precautions:
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin; wrap it in a soft cloth or use an ice roller to prevent frostbite.
- Washing with cold water two to three times daily is enough; over-washing can disturb skin's natural moisture.
- Limit cold water use to one or two minutes.
- Those with sensitive skin or rosacea should use ice carefully.