Timeless Trends: A Brief History of Facial Ice Rolling

Beauty

December 11, 2023

Author: Doré

Beauty

December 11, 2023

Timeless Trends: A Brief History of Facial Ice Rolling

Author: Doré

Ice rollers and cryotherapy may seem like the latest wellness trend - and it certainly is having its moment on social media - but cryotherapy (or the use of cold to treat a host of conditions, both for the skin and medically) has been around for centuries. Cryotherapy is referenced several times in one of the oldest known medical and surgical texts known as the Edwin Smith papyrus, which dates back to 3500 B.C. and was found in Egypt. So safe to say it’s not exactly a trend, but a centuries old wellness technique.An Ancient RitualAccording to the Edwin Smyth papyrus, the ancient Egyptians used cold to treat injuries, pain and swelling. They are the earliest known civilization to reference use of cold in this manner in written text. Another early text that references the use of cold for medical treatment was by the Greek physician Hippocrates dating back to 400 B.C. He used cold to treat both pain and inflammation. Later on, in 1050 A.D., there is record of Anglo-Saxon monks using cold as a local anesthetic. 19th Century Ice Therapy TreatmentsAlong with a host of other scientific and medical advancement in the 1800s, cryotherapy was used in a more complex medical fashion. Dr. James Arnott, an English physician, is credited as the father of Cryosurgery, which is the application of freezing cold temperature to destroy harmful or irregular tissue. In 1845 Arnott discovered that using cold treatment was effective for both neuralgia and migraine headaches. At the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 he showcased - and won a prize for - his use of extreme cold in a localized manner to destroy harmful tissue. At the time, he treated tumors from breast cancer, uterine cancers and different types of skin caner. He also advocated for cryotherapy for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.Moving to Modern Ice TherapyIt’s said that Marilyn Monroe started her mornings with a refreshing face bath in a basin filled with ice cubes - and recently Jennifer Aniston shared she often does the same. Linda Evangelista shared a pre-shoot tip in the 90s that she would rub ice cubes under her eyes. So while cryotherapy has been used historically in medicine, it’s certainly been used in modern times for beauty and wellness. So what exactly does icing do when it comes to beauty? In the same way we ice an injury, it can bring down inflammation - it can be helpful to ice a blemish, for example - and puffiness. The cold constricts blood vessels and the body then reacts by sending blood to the area. More superficially, it will also tighten the skin. That said, using ice cubes directly on the skin is not always best - aside from being a bit messy, there can also be hygiene issues and concerns around skin burns for placing ice directly on the skin. On-Trend Facial Ice RollingMore recently, we’ve seen the explosion of facial ice rollers (like Le Glaçon) and for good reason. Ice rollers are loved for their natural skin benefits. This ultra-cooling tool is known to help cool, calm, soothe and depuff tired and irritated complexions for a simple at-home facial.

A Natural Glow

Applying this super cold, stainless steel ice roller to the skin helps to boost circulation, which in turns bring blood to the surface of the skin, stimulating a natural glow. The increased blood flow also helps flush away toxins which can help stressed complexions.

Reduce Swelling

If you struggle with any puffiness, an ice roller will certainly help. The cooling sensation and cold temperature will help to immediately reduce swelling.

Supports Lymphatic Drainage

Just as a jade roller or gua sha helps to increase lymphatic drainage, so will an ice roller, just with a colder temperature. It’s important to work the roller towards the outer edges of the face as well as upwards, finishing by rolling down the sides of the neck to aid lymphatic drainage and allow your body to flush toxins.

Relieve Tension

If you clench your teeth at night, or frown while you stare at your computer or are prone to desk-induced neck tension, it can be helpful to use an ice roller. Simply work the roller over the neck, jawline, forehead or anywhere you’re holding tension to help soothe and relax the muscles.

Reduce Inflammation

In the same way the ice roller helps to de-puff, it can also help to calm and soothe any areas of irritation, so things like skin sensitivity or rosacea. The increase blood circulation from the cold temperature help the skin’s natural defenses kick in to help calm irritation, redness and areas of sensitivity.Sometimes The Past Works In the PresentGiven all of the benefits of cryotherapy it’s not a surprise that this new trend isn’t actually anything new. Ice therapy has been used throughout centuries - from the ancient Egyptians to today’s most famous actors. Given the benefits of cold for both health and beauty, this tried and true wellness tool has just changed shape from a humble ice cube into more practical tools to easily deliver all of the benefits of facial ice rolling.

Ice rollers and cryotherapy may seem like the latest wellness trend - and it certainly is having its moment on social media - but cryotherapy (or the use of cold to treat a host of conditions, both for the skin and medically) has been around for centuries. Cryotherapy is referenced several times in one of the oldest known medical and surgical texts known as the Edwin Smith papyrus, which dates back to 3500 B.C. and was found in Egypt. So safe to say it’s not exactly a trend, but a centuries old wellness technique.An Ancient RitualAccording to the Edwin Smyth papyrus, the ancient Egyptians used cold to treat injuries, pain and swelling. They are the earliest known civilization to reference use of cold in this manner in written text. Another early text that references the use of cold for medical treatment was by the Greek physician Hippocrates dating back to 400 B.C. He used cold to treat both pain and inflammation. Later on, in 1050 A.D., there is record of Anglo-Saxon monks using cold as a local anesthetic. 19th Century Ice Therapy TreatmentsAlong with a host of other scientific and medical advancement in the 1800s, cryotherapy was used in a more complex medical fashion. Dr. James Arnott, an English physician, is credited as the father of Cryosurgery, which is the application of freezing cold temperature to destroy harmful or irregular tissue. In 1845 Arnott discovered that using cold treatment was effective for both neuralgia and migraine headaches. At the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 he showcased - and won a prize for - his use of extreme cold in a localized manner to destroy harmful tissue. At the time, he treated tumors from breast cancer, uterine cancers and different types of skin caner. He also advocated for cryotherapy for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.Moving to Modern Ice TherapyIt’s said that Marilyn Monroe started her mornings with a refreshing face bath in a basin filled with ice cubes - and recently Jennifer Aniston shared she often does the same. Linda Evangelista shared a pre-shoot tip in the 90s that she would rub ice cubes under her eyes. So while cryotherapy has been used historically in medicine, it’s certainly been used in modern times for beauty and wellness. So what exactly does icing do when it comes to beauty? In the same way we ice an injury, it can bring down inflammation - it can be helpful to ice a blemish, for example - and puffiness. The cold constricts blood vessels and the body then reacts by sending blood to the area. More superficially, it will also tighten the skin. That said, using ice cubes directly on the skin is not always best - aside from being a bit messy, there can also be hygiene issues and concerns around skin burns for placing ice directly on the skin. On-Trend Facial Ice RollingMore recently, we’ve seen the explosion of facial ice rollers (like Le Glaçon) and for good reason. Ice rollers are loved for their natural skin benefits. This ultra-cooling tool is known to help cool, calm, soothe and depuff tired and irritated complexions for a simple at-home facial.

A Natural Glow

Applying this super cold, stainless steel ice roller to the skin helps to boost circulation, which in turns bring blood to the surface of the skin, stimulating a natural glow. The increased blood flow also helps flush away toxins which can help stressed complexions.

Reduce Swelling

If you struggle with any puffiness, an ice roller will certainly help. The cooling sensation and cold temperature will help to immediately reduce swelling.

Supports Lymphatic Drainage

Just as a jade roller or gua sha helps to increase lymphatic drainage, so will an ice roller, just with a colder temperature. It’s important to work the roller towards the outer edges of the face as well as upwards, finishing by rolling down the sides of the neck to aid lymphatic drainage and allow your body to flush toxins.

Relieve Tension

If you clench your teeth at night, or frown while you stare at your computer or are prone to desk-induced neck tension, it can be helpful to use an ice roller. Simply work the roller over the neck, jawline, forehead or anywhere you’re holding tension to help soothe and relax the muscles.

Reduce Inflammation

In the same way the ice roller helps to de-puff, it can also help to calm and soothe any areas of irritation, so things like skin sensitivity or rosacea. The increase blood circulation from the cold temperature help the skin’s natural defenses kick in to help calm irritation, redness and areas of sensitivity.Sometimes The Past Works In the PresentGiven all of the benefits of cryotherapy it’s not a surprise that this new trend isn’t actually anything new. Ice therapy has been used throughout centuries - from the ancient Egyptians to today’s most famous actors. Given the benefits of cold for both health and beauty, this tried and true wellness tool has just changed shape from a humble ice cube into more practical tools to easily deliver all of the benefits of facial ice rolling.