As a beauty writer, I've tried my fair share of skin devices—from microcurrents to LED face masks and beyond. And while I love a high-tech device just as much as the next person, I find myself reaching for a rather low-tech option more often than not. I'm talking about at-home cryotherapy tools (or cryo tools for short).
These tools include those trendy ice rollers and ice globes that we see on social media, and they're used to cool down the temperature of the skin. That might seem simple—even unnecessary—but they offer multiple benefits. I, for one, use them to de-puff my face after a late night (or a bad case of seasonal allergies) and to bring a fresh-faced glow back to my stubbornly dull skin. Keep scrolling to learn more about the benefits of cryo tools. Plus, shop the 10 best ones to sculpt, de-puff, and awaken your skin. Trust me, use one of these semi-regularly, and you'll look like you just left a facial.
According to Loretta Ciraldo, MD,
FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified derm with over 40 years of experience and the founder of Dr. Loretta skincare, these tools offer real benefits. "When we started doing ablative lasers (which produce tremendous heat) we also started to use cold sprays to keep skin cool. The added advantages were found to be lessening skin redness and decreased water loss from the skin surface, resulting In a perceptible boost in skin hydration," she explains. "From this in-office experience, we learned that cold is a therapeutic modality that can be used in-office with liquid nitrogen or at home with instruments that are very cold applied directly to the skin."
Ciraldo also cites a 2008 study that found cold therapy can less inflammation and increase the skin's own antioxidant activity (how cool is that?).
The best part is that almost anyone can use them. "Cold devices are very good for most skin types and they can be used to lessen skin puffiness and redness as well as offer an anti-aging approach since cold activates our skin's own antioxidants," Ciraldo says. However, anyone who has a cold sensitivity, such as those with Raynaud's Syndrome, should avoid cryo tools, since they could risk damaging tissue due to the cold exposure.
The 10 Best At-Home Cryo Tools
There's only one word that comes to mind when I use this cryo facial set, and that word is "luxury." Maybe it's the hefty weight of each tool or maybe it's the gold-dipped color, but every time I use these, I feel like I'm making a ritual out of it.
This affordable ice roller has kept a permanent place in my freezer for over a year now. I tend to reach for it during the hottest days of summer (I live in Austin, Texas, where it's regularly over 100 degrees throughout all of July and August). I even use it on my body since it has such a large roller and it's so easy to use.
This is yet another roller I personally use (yes, I have multiple, and I switch them in and out of my fridge and freezer). I love that it's dual-ended, so I can use it to roll my under-eye area to quickly reduce puffiness.
I first heard about this cryo tool from a friend, who said it literally sculpted her face after one use (that's the kind of recommendation that instantly piques my interest).
Ciraldo is also a fan. She recommends this product since "the cold is delivered by medical-grade metal," which makes for a "very straightforward application."
These stainless steel tools instantly calm skin on contact. When you gently roll them across the skin, they promote lymphatic drainage, boost circulation, and decrease puffiness.
You might have seen cryo tools, but have you seen a cryo mask? All you have to do is place the mask in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Apply it to your skin and wait 10 minutes, massaging the metal beads (which are placed in facial pressure points) if you feel so inclined. That's it. You'll see fresher, brighter, more sculpted skin after removing it.
Stacked Skincare makes some of the best tools and devices, and this ice roller is no exception. It has an ergonomic handle with a stainless steel barrel that's custom-engineered to stay colder for longer.
This orb can be used cool or warm (you know which one I prefer). It can also be used on the face and the body. It's the perfect little multitasking tool.
These cryo globes (which are made from hand-blown glass, by the way!) can be used on bare skin or over top of your favorite products. Gently glide them over the skin or use them in a gentle rocking motion to refresh your skin.
Don't sleep on Dermstore Collection. This pair of ice globes works just as well as others that are more than triple the price. I like that they have grippy handles to help save my hands from the cold.
Shop 3 Other Devices I Love
I love microcurrents. As someone who wasn't blessed with extremely high cheekbones or any semblance of a natural jawline, it helps me carve out the contours of my face with continued use. If I could only use one skincare device for the rest of my life, this would probably be it.
This portable wand incorporates four different skincare technologies—red light therapy, microcurrents, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. It promises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, dark spots, and blemishes. It's super to easy to use and I've seen some improvement in my skin after only using it for a couple of weeks.
In my experience, LED light therapy is legit. Red light devices, like this one from LightStim, work by stimulating collagen production in the skin. And more collagen means fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Next, we love expensive skincare, but only when it works—these 19 brands are worth it.
