Living in the UK, it is unsurprising that so many of us reserve our precious annual leave days to escape to warmer climates.
Feeling cold is so ingrained in our culture that experiencing temperatures lower than what we’re faced with on a daily basis is an unattractive idea to the SAD-suffering sun-worshippers among us. But cooler temps, especially the extreme minus figures, can have a wealth of benefits. Welcome to the teeth-chattering, goose flesh-triggering, knees-buckling world of cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy has been around for thousands of years, reportedly called on by the ancient Egyptians to treat injuries way back in 2500 BCE. Nowadays, you will most commonly find it included as a part of professional clinic treatments, gaining the seal of approval from celebrities with appearances that seem to defy the ageing process – namely Jennifer Anniston, Christian Ronaldo and Gigi Hadid.
Whether stepping into full-body cryo chambers with temperatures as low as -130oC or as part of a facial, cryotherapy’s effects are wide-ranging and extremely effective – from depuffing, sculpting and contouring to encouraging blood circulation, managing pain and swelling, reducing tension and soothing inflammation.
But as it is not always possible to book in-clinic, clever skincare labels are harnessing the freezing-over properties in at-home tools and formulations and the results are instant.
What is cryotherapy?
111SKIN Co-Founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides explains, “Whole Body Cryotherapy is the use of extremely low temperatures, inciting vasoconstriction and leading to a vast array of physical and mental benefits”.
He adds, “Skin health requires a holistic approach that includes nutrition and fitness. I maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of cryotherapy to enhance energy levels and radiant skin”.
CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Angela Tewari breaks it down further, “Cryotherapy is liquid nitrogen at minus 180 degrees in a sealed container, when it reaches the surface of the skin during therapy, the temperature is minus 120 degrees. This freezes skin cells and what it has a predilection for are actively dividing cells so those such as sun damage and viral warts for example: in some instances, your dermatologist may wish to get rid of a certain type of pigmentation that way”.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
According to the Harley Street plastic surgeon, the long list of health benefits include:
- Metabolic Boost: potentially increased calorific burn of up to 800 calories over the following 24 hours.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Clinical studies have shown WBC can benefit a wide range of medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, muscle and ligament strains, and back and neck pain. There can also be possible relief from inflammation of the skin such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Anti-Ageing: Collagen levels can increase in response to elevated oxygen uptake and are more expediently distributed around the body with improved circulation, helping to reduce signs of ageing.
- Weight-loss Assisting: White fat cells converted to brown fat cells can be broken down and metabolised faster, helping weight loss when cryotherapy is combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
- Aesthetic Boost: Cryotherapy increases epidermal firmness, helping improve the tone of skin. Increased circulation of nutrient-rich oxygenated blood helps improve complexion and reduce water retention.
- Energy Elevator: Increased oxygen uptake and an adrenaline + endorphin rush help to reduce fatigue and assist strength and stamina levels during post-session exercise or activity.
- Immunity Support: Regular sessions of cryotherapy can help boost the immune system by increasing the circulation of oxygenated blood around the body.
- Recovery Aid: Muscular pain or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) can be greatly reduced by cryotherapy, leading to fast recovery times post-injury or post-exercise.
- Mood Enhancement: Stimulating hormone release, including endorphins, mood can be elevated, stress relieved and brain fog cleared. Some reports show it may even help with depression and anxiety.
- Sleep Quality: Many users find improved sleep following cryotherapy, as serotonin and melatonin hormone balance can be improved.
What are the risks of cryotherapy?
Dr Alexandrides says, “There are no risks if you meet the health criteria asked ahead of the session, with the session conducted alongside the CRYO practitioner on site who will be with you throughout the session”.
Does it really work in skincare?
“111SKIN was one of the first movers to leverage the benefits of cryotherapy for skin, body and mind early on”, he reveals. “The Cryo Collection is designed to energise and revitalise dull, tired-looking skin. Inspired by 111CRYO/HEAT’s Cryotherapy and biohacking technology, the innovative products use ATP and ATP-stimulating ingredients to mimic the refreshing and detoxifying effects of extreme cold on the skin - stimulating drainage, microcirculation and epidermal energy with refreshing elixirs”.
Dr Alexandrides concludes that you can then complement your skincare routine in clinic such as the 111CRYO/HEAT outposts, he says, “Customers can experience full-body temperature and light treatments that invigorate and rejuvenate skin, body and mind”.
Shop the best cryotherapy-inspired skincare below
STYLPRO Facial Ice Globes | Cryotherapy
Once you have experienced the soothing joy of facial ice globes, there is no going back. We always have a set stashed away in the door of our fridge so we can work their cooling magic in an instant. Whether you have had a restless night or a few too many drinks out-out, massaging the STYLPRO duo across the complexion has an immediate depuffing effect that restores skin.
Made from handblown glass and filled with an unfreezable liquid, the icy temperatures rolled over the skin encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage, while easing headaches and minimising the appearance of dark circles.
Buy now £19.50, Amazon
111SKIN Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask
Sub-zero and de-puffing are two words that we love to hear when we’re feeling worse for wear. Put them together, and you have 111SKIN’s magical hydrogel mask which will reinvigorate tired-looking skin and boost its firmness. Supercharged with active ingredients including tetrapeptide-5, alpha glucosyl hesperidin, and caffeine, it will minimise dark circles, de-puff, and leave you looking revitalised.
All skin types can maximise the cryo-inspired soothing and calming properties, which are maximised if you store them in the fridge. Use in tandem with facial rollers to encourage the powerhouse components to be better absorbed by the complexion. Specialised eye masks are also available.
Buy now £95.00, 111SKIN
Dr Jart+ Cryo Rubber with moisturizing hyaluronic acid face mask
Masks are huge in the K-beauty sphere and Dr Jart+ has one of the most jarring, fun and effective on the market. This hydrating powerhouse (although there are others to suit concerns like brightening and soothing) works as a two-part treatment.
First, you coat your complexion in the gel-like serum that is found in ampule form. This contains a winning concoction of hyaluronic acid, actives and a prebiotic complex. Then you layer on the rubber mask that will be sure to scare your cohabitants. The latter is comprised of algae and clay and is inspired by cryo in its ability to increase blood flow and encourage better absorption of the product.
Buy now £13.00, John Lewis
Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum
Charlotte Tilbury took inspiration from cryotherapy to create this eye cream. A godsend to puffy eyes, whether that’s caused by a sleepless night or allergies, the product comes complete with a cooling metal applicator that glides over the area and works its massaging magic. Alone it’s a wonder but when paired with the anti-ageing ingredients within, it’s the full package. The hydrating trademarked ingredients include caffeine and an extract from Swiss glacial soil, and they encourage a smoother appearance, tackling crow’s feet, dark circles, dehydration and dullness.
Buy now £47.00, Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Face Mask
Cryotherapy has proven results for a manner of health concerns - be it pain relief, muscle recovery and even weight loss in some cases. Charlotte Tilbury is bringing its healing properties to skincare with her Cryo-Recovery Face Mask. To be used hand-in-hand with the legendary make-up artist’s beloved product line-up, it was created in order to lift, firm and rejuvenate skin.
The mask itself combines a cryotherapy treatment with acupressure techniques. It adapts to the contour of the face with its cushioned silicone construction and has tactically placed cooling gel bead pockets to target different areas - the forehead, cheekbones, nasolabial lines and under the chin. In these places, it relaxes the muscles and constricts the blood vessels, which is turn provides a tightening effect, while stainless steel metal beads activate pressure points to relieve tension.
The entire treatment is just 10 minutes but it is important to place the reusable mask in the freezer for 30 minutes before use. It is a godsend on hot and humid days to depuff the skin.
Buy now £49.00, Charlotte Tilbury
Skin Gym Cryo stainless steel heart gua sha
Take your facial massage to new heights with this stainless steel tool that comes in a handy heart shape for every facial contour - whether big or small. This is another option that will give each part of your face a thorough seeing to, whether it’s the jawline, chin, forehead, cheek, under eye or brow that needs a muscle release. Relax and refresh with added cooling and soothing benefits if you keep in the fridge.
Buy now £38.00, Selfridges
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Concentrated Treatment Sheet Mask 6-Pack
When your skin is looking dull or tired, call in reinforcements. This mask from Perricone MD will not only encourage you to take some well-deserved me-time while it works its magic, but it will treat your complexion to a concentrated dose of the brand’s Cold Plasma Plus+.
This, alongside Vitamin C Ester, Copper Tripeptide and Phospholipids make up the formula that is then absorbed by the skin through a proprietary liquid crystal delivery system. It gets to work evening out skin tone, boosting firmness, and just generally making your complexion look healthier. Skin feels softer, brighter and revived.
Buy now £86.00, Perricone MD
Garnier Anti-Fatigue Hyaluronic Acid & Icy Cucumber Cryo Jelly Face Mask
The location: Glastonbury festival. The time: three days in. This was the circumstance in which the Cryo Jelly Anti-Fatigue Jelly Sheet Mask became a lifesaver. Saturated in a cooling formula, the mask had an immediate effect on our tired and lacklustre complexion that was refreshing, revitalising and restorative.
While we did not have a thermometer to test Garnier’s claim that it lowered the temperature of the skin by -7°C, we can attest to the soothing feel and the impressive -glow that followed. The mask is vegan and is Leaping Bunny-approved.
Buy now £4.99, Boots
Odacité Cryo-Tech Facial Tool
The magic of this tool is all in the stone adornments. While providing an intriguing look, Odacité has not added Japanese lab-engineered Terahertz for its style points but instead because of its ability to become ice cold to the touch as soon as it is dipped in cool water. This allows you to maximise the benefits of cryotherapy on the complexion even without access to a fridge or freezer.
After dunking, the bead side of the tool becomes invaluable to depuff dark circles, sculpt the contours of the face and to encourage blood circulation as well as soothing inflammation and redness caused by acne. But you can use the other side as part of the treatment too as it works double duty as a Gua Sha that, when used with facial oil, stimulates circulation, encourages glow and smooths out wrinkles.
Buy now £68.00, Cult Beauty
001Skincare CRYOpress
When you don’t have the time to book in for a cryotherapy treatment, you can recreate the experience in the comfort of your own home thanks to the CRYOpress. The tool is part of the 001Skincare collection, created by Ada Ooi who is fully trained in acupuncture, aromatherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It brings the clinical cryo experience without the need for electricity and thus recharging but must be stored in the freezer to reach the optimal temperature of -8 to 2.5°C for results. These include countering dehydration, pigmentation and fine lines.
All you need to do is roll it over your skin for around five to 15 minutes in a downward motion over the contours of the face to energise its bioreactions, encouraging circulation and draining toxins. You may notice some redness immediately after use on account of the icy temperature but this shouldn’t last long.
Buy now £78.00, 001Skincare
