The Surprising Benefits of Cryotherapy and Ice Rollers, According to an Expert

Plus, the top tips on how to use the beauty treatments to suit your needs

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to “trigger a response in the skin called vasoconstriction, which causes blood vessels near the surface to constrict. When you finish the cold treatment, the vessels dilate again”, explains the skin specialist. This “push-pull effect” is what calms inflammation, boosts circulation and leaves the skin glowing, says Nicki.

There are different forms of cryotherapy, such as cryotherapy chambers, ice baths, cooling face masks, oxygen facials, and ice rollers. While some treatments use cold air, others require direct contact with ice, some are full body or partial body experiences, while others target localised areas, such as the face. Another difference is the temperature. According to Nicki, “An ice roller is nowhere near as cold as the cryochamber, and the effect is local rather than systemic.”

Ultimately, the best cryotherapy treatment depends on the individual’s needs.

What are the benefits of cryotherapy?

According to research, there are several benefits of cryotherapy, though many rely on cryotherapy for glowing skin and a sculpted silhouette. In terms of cryotherapy for skin, the cold treatment can reduce inflammation, redness, as well as puffiness, tighten pores, soothe aggressive blemishes, improve the skin’s circulation, improve firmness and overall complexion.

Some people use cryotherapy for headaches, as Nicki details: “Both professional cryotherapy treatments and ice rollers can help alleviate tension headaches by reducing inflammation and providing a soothing, numbing effect. The cold therapy can help relax facial muscle tension, particularly around the temples, forehead and jaw area.” While others may turn to cryotherapy for TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint), cryotherapy for muscle tension, or cryotherapy for relaxation as the cold treatment “can reduce inflammation and ease soreness” and offer “temporary relief.”

What are ice rollers?

Ice rollers are a form of cryotherapy, and are often a handheld beauty tool fitted with a cold cylinder or ball to massage across the skin for instant relief.

Ice rollers vary in style, material and size. Some feature an ice barrel, similar to Project E Beauty’s Ice Roller, a stainless steel rolling head, static stone heads, or glass spheres with liquid inside that can be frozen for an extra cooling experience. Explaining the different ice rollers for skin use, the expert shares: “The stainless steel rollers retain the cold for longer, stone rollers like jade or rose quartz aren’t icy, but are naturally cold and warm up during use. Gel-filled rollers are a gradual cooling sensation, while ice ball rollers are a more intense and direct cold therapy.”

So, what is the best ice roller? According to Nicki, the best ice roller depends on your needs and intended use: “If cold is what you’re after, go for stainless steel or ice balls, which give the most intense cold sensation, though I prefer jade and quartz because they’re cool rather than cold. If you’re looking for anti-inflammatory depuffing benefits, opt for a steel or ice roller.”

What are the benefits of ice rollers?

Ice roller benefits, specifically when used regularly on the face, “reduce puffiness, redness, improve circulation, and calm inflammation”, details Nicki. An ice roller can also support lymphatic drainage because of the rolling motion, while many also rely on ice rollers for glowing skin.

Who can use ice rollers, and who should avoid it?

Ice rollers are a gentle, non-invasive and practical form of cryotherapy safe for almost everyone. However, there are a select few who should avoid ice rollers. Nicki warns “anyone with very sensitive skin, cold-induced conditions, such as cold urticaria, severe rosacea flare-ups, broken capillaries, or certain circulatory disorders” to use ice rollers with caution, and to seek professional advice before undergoing cold therapy.

If you notice any pain, discomfort or redness, Nicki urges users to stop cryotherapy immediately. As always, we encourage people not to overdo any treatment, whether it is Project E Beauty’s Ice Roller, or the array of LED devices, such as the Alora Age Renewal LED Panel, LumaLux Dome, LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Face+ Face and Neck mask, and LumaLux Neck and Dec.

How to use ice rollers

Ice rollers are super simple to integrate into your beauty routine. Nicki shares her top tips:

1. 1. Prepare your ice roller by leaving in the fridge, or freezer, before use.
   2. Cleanse your skin.
   3. Apply a lightweight serum, moisturiser, face mask or mist to help lubricate the tool, and “soothe the skin while improving product absorption”, suggests Nicki.
   4. Then “gently glide the ice roller across the face using upward and outward motions, starting from the centre of the face moving outwards to encourage lymphatic drainage.” Nicki also recommends focusing on areas prone to puffiness.
   5. Do not drag the tool across the skin as this can stretch the skin over time.
   6. Do not leave the ice roller on the skin for a prolonged time.
      

How often should I use an ice roller?

As ice rollers are a non-invasive, travel-friendly, beauty gadget, they can be used daily. Nicki advises using ice rollers in the morning “when puffiness tends to be at its peak.” Though some use on a long-haul flight to de-puff and sculpt their facial features.

Ice rollers Vs RLT

Red light therapy benefits span from boosting collagen production, treating blemishes, and reducing the signs of ageing, to wound healing, pain relief, sleep and mental health support. While RLT can be carried out in a professional clinic, or using FDA-approved LED devices, such as Project E Beauty’s Alora Age Renewal LED Panel, LumaLux Dome, LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Face+ Face and Neck mask, and LumaLux Neck and Dec, they are a separate entity to ice rollers.

Nicki perfectly puts it: “Ice rollers and LED face masks serve very different purposes. Ice rollers provide an immediate, temporary reduction in puffiness, redness and inflammation, which is ideal for instant results, whereas LED masks work on a cellular level over time to treat blemishes, pigmentation, redness and ageing with consistent use.”

While Project E Beauty’s Ice Roller, the Alora Age Renewal LED Panel, LumaLux Dome, LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Face+ Face and Neck mask, and LumaLux Neck and Dec are all effective at-home beauty devices in their own right, they are best used in conjunction with one another as part of your skin routine, asserts Nicki.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use it?

In the morning, right after washing your face. It wakes you up instantly and gets rid of swelling. You can also use it over a sheet mask or serum to help soothe the skin.

Can it freeze my skin?

With a stainless steel roller, let it sit on the counter for 1 to 2 minutes after taking it out of the freezer. If it's too cold, it can stick to wet skin and cause "freezer burn."

How do I clean it?

Wipe it down with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol or warm soapy water after every use. Your skin oils and products will build up on it quickly.

Does it help with headaches?

Yes! Rolling it across your temples and along your forehead/hairline is an incredible, drug-free way to soothe tension headaches and migraines.

Facial Rollers

The Ice Roller | Cryotherapy Treatment

Glow-boosting cryotherapy roller using cold exposure techniques to depuff and sculpt for a fresh-faced complexion

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LED Mask

LumaLux Face | Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask

Our most advanced LED mask for deeper skin renewal - fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin texture

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