I can't stand being hot, and let's not even talk about sweating. So unimpressed. With that said, it'll come as no surprise that I'm not afraid of the cold, in fact, I welcome it. Recently, I started the Wim Hof Method, not in an attempt to be labelled as the "Icewoman," but I was intrigued by the health benefits. The method includes breathwork and the signature cold showers.
Honestly, it been a game-changer for me. The breathwork has helped me to connect to my body better and given me more energy and focus. I may not like being hot, but I love hot showers. The method involves having your usual temperature shower followed by a cold shower, starting at 15 seconds and going up to two minutes over time.
The first week was brutal, but after that, I felt pretty great and can't imagine not having a cold rinse at the end of my shower now. I was getting fewer headaches and felt energised instead of sleepy after my showers. But one benefit I wasn't expecting was my skin. I hadn't changed any of my skincare products, but I noticed that my skin on both body and face was more hydrated and smoother. So I thought I'd see if there's something in cold therapy being the secret to glowing skin. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Why is the cold so good for your skin?
With cryotherapy and cryo facials on the menus of most of the best skin clinics and at-home cryo products gaining in popularity, I spoke with Dr Yannis Alexandrides, plastic surgeon and the founder of 111Skin and 111 Harley St, to find out more.
"Cryotherapy initially creates a phase of vasoconstriction that protects the body from losing heat followed by an intense vasodilation—a process where the blood vessels produce more blood flow back to the skin, causing a purification of the skin, reducing inflammation and detoxifying the skin. This activates the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis and increases oxygen delivery, increasing the skin's capacity to rejuvenate itself and appear more smooth, firm and toned," Alexandrides explains.
While facials are always your best bet for getting the most out of the treatment, these are the best tools you can use to try it out at-home.
These have been the best thing to come out of my freezer since ice-cream. I wash my face, apply a face oil and use the globes to do a soothing and de-puffing facial massage before I get ready for the day. My skin is left feeling more toned, glowing and brighter. Plus, it might need an entire page to just talk about how heavenly it feels on tired eyes. When I've not had enough sleep, just gently holding the globes over my eyes is like the equivalent of all of the eye creams I own that don't work for me. A new staple in my routine.
Top tip: It's incredible for getting some relief from a headache too.
I've always struggled to find a beauty device that I really got on with, but this is genius. You pop one of the activated face masks into the device, turn it on and let the app on your phone do all of the work for you.
On the recommendation of Dr Anita Sturnham, I've been using it with the brand's Cannabis Seed Oil Mask (£19) as "cryotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, as does cannabis seed oil. Both
treatments have also been shown to slow and regulate sebum production, making this
combination an effective duo for those prone to enlarged pores, congestion and
breakouts."
I sat back and relaxed, while the mask and the app worked in perfect harmony. All I had to do was move the device around my face. The app guided me through sonic pulsations, skin tone-balancing green LED light, cryotherapy and blue LED to soothe. My super stressed skin was left feeling like it had taken a deep breath and looked well-rested. There's a range of masks, each with their own treatment sequence and with eight LED lights and thermotherapy too, there's something for everyone.
Finally, an investment buy that you won't regret.
Everything you need to get in on the cryo action, housed in one kit. I asked Dr. Yannis Alexandrides why the mix of products work so well together: "They're all infused with energising ingredients like ATP, caffeine or Dawnergy. When combining these with our Cryo Sculpting Tools, you are able to stimulate not only the surface of the skin but also the fascia and facial muscles too, treating the skin at several layers for a healthier and visibly more sculpted appearance." Perfect for keeping up the post-facial benefits at-home.
With a cryo rubber mask that helps to bring the temperature of the skin down, skin-balancing prebiotics and powerful protectant allantoin. This is masking at its finest.
Saving you the hassle of having to manoeuvre a large roller under your eyes, this dual-ended one utilises stainless steel to de-puff and sculpt. Just pop it in the freezer then enjoy the circulation-increasing benefits.
A simple but seriously effective tool that only needs a freezer to get going. It's wonderful for doing an at-home lymphatic drainage massage to keep your skin glowing.
You can trust one of the best in the game to bring out this pro-level tool that reduces inflammation and leaves skin feeling calm and looking toned.
This iconic beauty product keeps things simple with its cubes of serum filled with hyaluronic acid, pearls and silk protein to nourish and soothe skin. You place the tray in the freezer and grab a cube when your skin needs awakening.
If you're looking for an affordable option without getting freezer burn from slapping random things from your freezer on your face, this is a solid option. The size of the roller allows it to be used on both your face and body and the handle makes it incredibly easy to use.
Up next, this new affordable brand is the self-care hero we need.
