What could be better in summer than talking about the freshest trend of the moment: cold. If social media and the 1.8 billion #coldplunge hashtags on TikTok are to be believed, cold could be your best ally in skincare, especially in summer.
Indeed, summer can really put your skin to the test: heat, sun, and dehydration often make it more sensitive and irritated. But cold weather can be your ally in this fight against the effects of summer heat. By incorporating cooling treatments into your skincare routine, you can soothe redness, reduce puffiness, and firm your skin.
Skin in summer
In summer, your face can suffer from various discomforts due to climatic conditions, such as high temperatures and UV effects.
Among these inconveniences we find: swelling, mainly due to water retention due to heat and prolonged exposure to the sun. This retention can also accentuate bags under the eyes due to poor blood and lymphatic circulation. The skin of the face tends to redden in response to UV rays, which dilate blood vessels and cause heat stroke.
At the same time, the sun and heat can cause skin dehydration, leaving it dry, rough and sometimes even irritated. This dryness increases the risk of inflammation, especially if the skin is exposed to harsh products or sudden changes in temperature.
What effect does cold have on your skin?
The benefits of cold therapy have been around for a long time. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, dating back to 3,500 BCE, is one of the first to mention it, says Robert Allan, a lecturer in human physiology at the University of Central Lancashire. Hippocrates recommended cold therapy, and later Darwin and Thomas Jefferson supported it as well.
Cold also acts on the nervous system, helping to improve mental health. By activating the sympathetic system – the famous “fight or flight” mode – the thermal shock accelerates the heart rate before the parasympathetic system takes over. It is at this moment, when the heart rate slows down, that deep relaxation sets in. Cold also increases the release of dopamine and noradrenaline, the hormones of happiness and self-esteem, which helps to better resist stress and improve mood.
Long used by athletes for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, cold also helps mental health by stimulating the nervous system. After exposure to cold, we often feel more alert and relaxed, with better quality sleep.
And what are the effects of cold on the face?
Cold helps to reduce redness and blemishes, tighten pores, firm tissues, reduce under-eye bags and sculpt the face. It also stimulates collagen production, tissue oxygenation and the elimination of cellular waste, making the skin healthier and stronger.
These effects are not just theoretical: a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed that cryotherapy reduces inflammation and edema, improves antioxidant levels in the skin and could slow down certain aging processes.
So how can you improve your skin in summer thanks to the cold?
We opt for refreshing and vasoconstrictor active ingredients
Cryo actives in skincare are ingredients that offer effects similar to those of cryotherapy in terms of freshness and benefits for the skin. Here are some of the commonly used actives:
- Caffeine : Caffeine is often used for its decongestant properties. It helps reduce under-eye puffiness and improve blood circulation, giving skin a fresher, more invigorated appearance. The summer bonus? Our anti-fatigue eye serum , which in addition to containing caffeine, includes a cryotherapy-inspired metal tip that instantly decongests and refreshes the eye area.
- Cucumber Extract : Known for its moisturizing and cooling properties, cucumber extract helps calm irritation and reduce under-eye puffiness.
- Green Tea Extract : Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea extract has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, helping to calm the skin and reduce redness.
- Aloe vera extract : Aloe vera is famous for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps reduce irritation and refresh the skin. It is found with cucumber in our moisturizing mask . The plus? It can be left in the fridge for a boosted decongestant effect.
We cool his face
Head to the fridge! Some of your cosmetics can find their place there.
It’s especially beneficial to keep your gel moisturizers, eye serums, mists, and masks in the refrigerator. The cold helps enhance their cooling and soothing effects.
Another tip: use sprays based on thermal water, rose water or aloe vera to hydrate and revitalize your skin throughout the day.
To de-puff and cool your face, consider massage tools like rollers or mushrooms . The cryotherapy effect of the stone helps drain lymph, eliminate toxins, and improve blood circulation, which can improve the appearance of your complexion.
As for “Skin Icing” and “cold plunge”, we do not recommend practicing these techniques at home. If you want to benefit from a more intense firming and anti-inflammatory effect, try facial cryotherapy sessions in specialized institutes .
