Depuffing face with ice water? Jennifer Aniston swears by it

Actor Jennifer Aniston’s skincare routine famously includes splashing her face 25 times with
ice-cold water – she swears by its effectiveness in reducing puffy eyes and giving her skin a boost. Aniston attributes the practice to Joan Crawford, a cold-water cleansing devotee (as were Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins) who claimed it helped tighten skin and shrink pores.

In fact, ice therapy dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to treat all sorts of inflammation. Modern muses, including model Bella Hadid, have also shared footage on social media of immersing their faces in bowls of ice water. Hadid’s British make-up artist, Isamaya Ffrench, uses the technique to de-puff and refresh the catwalk queen’s complexion before a photo shoot.

As far as viral beauty trends go, it’s an easy one to try at home. To get started, all you need is a clean bowl filled with ice cubes and topped up with cold water. Start by submerging your face for a few seconds. Repeat a few times. This will boost circulation and constrict blood vessels to help reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes. Ice works quickly to reduce swelling, pore size and redness but remember that it is a short-term fix, not a long-term solution. (As an aside, ice therapy can also help to temporarily ease anxiety, an excellent bonus.)

For a boosted at-home ice facial, try Ameōn’s Frozen Essence ice-cube treatment ($110 for nine cubes), which is based on cryotherapy and ice facials. Each cube is frozen before use and packed with active ingredients to help revive and energise the skin. The cubes also come in a variety of formulations. “Glow Manifesto” is designed to brighten and smooth the skin with ingredients such as niacinamide, glycolic acid and vitamin C, making it ideal for dull or uneven complexions. “Supreme Energy” focuses on hydration and calming inflammation with aloe vera, Centella asiatica (also known as Indian pennywort or gotu kola) and a blend of minerals and antioxidants to support skin recovery and resilience.

As the ice melts over the face, it reduces puffiness, tightens pores and boosts circulation while delivering a dose of glow-boosting ingredients. Alternatively, try freezing pure rosewater in ice trays. Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that also help to combat puffiness and redness, and soothe the skin.

For an all-over wake-up call, try a cold shower. This increases alertness and has myriad benefits for the skin – hot water can strip skin of natural oils, while cold water constricts blood vessels, temporarily tightens pores and reduces redness. So, turn off the hot tap for the last 30 seconds of your shower and get a cool glow from head to toe.

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