Wellness Wows (Ice Dunking)

Douse and Dazzle With Ice

 The freezing cold plunge with ice dunking is a useful skincare regime as it removes puffiness and redness, tightens the pores and lends a cosy vibe to the skin.

 

By PRAMITA BOSE

What is Ice Dunk?

The most common synonym for ice dunk is ice water facial — a beauty and wellness ritual that requires repeatedly submerging one’s face in a container of ice water for a brief timeframe to restore the skin. It can also be dubbed ice bath, a cold plunge or cryotherapy. This useful routine helps reaping the benefits of cold therapy, such as reduced puffiness, pain or soreness and a rapid feeling of revival and relaxation.

Health Benefits

Beyond skincare, cold exposure via ice dunking activates the vagus nerve — improving circulation, shrinking puffiness, increasing lymphatic drainage and even boosting the overall mood. In a nutshell, it’s a natural way to shake off festive fatigue and start your day with renewed energy and focus.

Other Skin Regions

Apart from the face, there are specific skin areas where ice dunk could be effective. In case of the neck, ice dunking may be used to squeeze the skin and make it less swollen, particularly around the jawline. Massaging ice on the legs or underarms after shaving or waxing can help ease irritation and neutralise redness. An ice soak can curb swelling and provide relief to weary feet.

“Nonetheless, exposure to ice should be kept at a minimum and the cubes should always be covered with a clean cloth to avoid frostbite or irritability, particularly in case of delicate skin types,” cautions consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Renuka Nalawade Rajale, also the founder of My Dermat Clinic in Pune.

Application Time

It is apt to apply ice cubes to the skin between the morning hours or after washing the face during one’s skincare routine. Application in the morning is ideal as it can be beneficial in minimising the puffiness that occurs throughout the night, making the skin look dull and fatigued. Ice cubes tighten the pores and brighten the skin, making it livelier immediately.

For oily skin, use of ice after a clean-up calms down inflammation and regulates the oil secretion. However, it is advisable to store away icing during nighttime, especially just before resorting to active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids because the cold can briefly stoke skin sensitivity. Each session should last only a couple of minutes, with the skin being always covered with a soft cloth or an ice roller to shield its top layer.

Autumnal Alert

One should exercise sufficient care while ice dunking during autumn and winter. Direct or prolonged exposure to ice may exacerbate the natural drying effect of the skin and can even cause microcracks in the skin barrier since the skin is already prone to dehydrated conditions during the chilly spell.

“Having said that, when one still wants to attempt ice dunk in a colder weather, one must better employ less aggressive techniques, i.e. wrapping ice cubes with a soft cloth or using ice blended with relaxing components, namely cucumber, aloe vera, etc.,” reminds Dr Rajale.

Application of ice cubes or crystals shouldn’t exceed a couple of seconds. Soon after, a refreshing serum or a moisturiser must be used to aid in replenishing the moisture content of the skin. Although winter and autumn are not the most appropriate periods to apply ice dunk but with necessary precautions taken, the occasional light ice may fetch a soothing and a reinvigorating effect.

Easing Skin Issues

Good news is that ice therapy can offer a soothing, short-term relief to several everyday skin issues. Dermatologist Dr. Ajay Dodeja — junior consultant of dermatology at KIMS Hospitals in Thane — talks us through the process whereby the ice dunking hack can address skin conditions like acne, sunburns and signs of aging.

• Acne: The cold temperature helps moderate redness, inflammation and pain associated with active pimples by constricting blood vessels and calming the overactive sebaceous glands. However, it should complement — not replace — medical acne treatments.

• Sunburn: The cooling effect of ice water can mitigate discomfort and heat after sun exposure. It should always be followed by a gentle moisturiser or skin barrier-repair cream to restore hydration.

• Signs of Aging: While ice can give a transient tightening effect and improve the skin tone by boosting blood circulation, it does not treat wrinkles or pigmentation. Long-term anti-aging benefits are best achieved with consistent skincare, sunscreening and evidence-based dermatological procedures.

In short, ice therapy is a simple, refreshing adjunct to one’s skincare ritual and not a substitute for scientifically-backed treatments or professional dermatological care.

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