I Tried Cryofacial and It Made My Skin Glow Like Never Before

Fact checked by Anna HarrisReviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD

From plunging into ice baths to (the more tame) opting for an icy spray to complete a shower, cold therapy has taken the world by storm. What was once saved for the committed biohacking community, is not only a part of normal discourse but also picking up steam (pun uninteded) amongst the beauty industry. Ice rollers to depuff? Check. Supermodels evangelizing a frigid face rinse to perk up in the morning? Check. Cryofacials? Sign us up.

Navigating break outs, a tired complexion, and general loss of skin radiance sounds like a page from any one of our diaries. For our editor, an invite to get a Cryofacial at The Fuel Stop in NYC with Allies of Skin couldn't have come at a more opportune moment. Below, her Cryofacial experience along with insight from industry experts.

Read on for more about the Cryofacial experience.

Meet Our Expert

• Vanessa Coppola, APN-C, FNP-BC, is the founder and CEO of Bare Aesthetic.

• Kristin Gunn, CLT, LMA, is the founder of Beaux Medspa.

What Is a Cryofacial?

For any of you wondering what on Earth a Cryofacial is, it's basically dry ice that's pumped out of a hose and onto your skin (in other words, cryotherapy for your face). "A Crofacial essentially entails applying very cold temperatures typically below -200°F to the skin for cosmetic or medically therapeutic purposes," explains Coppola. "A cryo facial generally can encompass anything from using an ice roller all over the face during the traditional facial versus using vaporized liquid nitrogen that is sprayed all over the face for typically 2 to 3 minutes. Both of these types of cryotherapy for facials involve dramatic cooling of the skin which is thought to reduce inflammation and reduce cytokine production as well as to promote collagen production and can theoretically even out skin tone by stabilizing melanocyte activity."

According to Coppola, ongoing scientific research on cryotherapy has provided mixed results. "It does provide a nice temporary sculpting and tightening effect to the face and is a great way to rev up and look sculpted for a big event," she adds.

Potential Benefits of a Cryofacial

• Tightens pores

• Fills in fine lines

• Soothes skin

• Evens skin tone

• Increases collagen production

• Reduces inflammation and puffiness

A Cryofacial sounds a bit like a dangerous science experiment, but the benefits are unreal. "Cryotherapy works by the mechanism of intense cooling to the surface of the skin this causes blood vessels to rapidly constrict temporarily reducing the flow of oxygen to the skin. This is then followed by a compensatory mechanism of a rush of blood flow and oxygen to the surface of the skin when the facial is completed," says Coppola. "This process can help promote shedding of dead skin cells, activates collagen fibrils to produce collagen, and stabilize melanocytes which are the cells in our skin that give us pigment - which can help even out skin tone. The intense cooling of the upper layer of the skin and resultant exfoliative process has also shown some early promise to possibly help to treat such skin conditions as eczema. It is hypothesized that this process both reduces inflammation and enhances exfoliation simultaneously while promoting increased blood supply to the skin during the rebound period after the treatment has concluded."

The goal of the liquid nitrogen is to help tighten pores, soothe inflammation, and fill in wrinkles which it may do—much like giving your face an ice bath in the morning. "Many individuals report feeling rejuvenated and refreshed after a cryofacial due to the invigorating sensation of the cold treatment," explains Gunn. In fact, I was told that some women will come in wearing a full face of makeup before a night out and get the treatment to make their skin glow like crazy (fascinating). "A cryo facial can also be a successful accompaniment to other aesthetic procedures that cause inflammation and swelling and can be a nice toning and sculpting procedure to enjoy before a red-carpet ready event," adds Coppola. "Additionally, cryotherapy has been used in medicine frequently for vagal stimulation. It stimulates the vagus nerve and slows down adrenaline production in the body and therefore can also have additional ancillary effects on inflammation and stress on the body."

Cryofacial vs. Standard Facial

Because it utilizes the application of cold temps, a Cryofacial is decidedly chillier than a standard treatment with steam and hot towels. "The mechanism of action is entirely different. Cryotherapy works by causing intense vaporization through freezing of the uppermost layer of the skin and a deprivation of robust oxygenation to the tissues for a brief period of time. This is the process that causes a reduction in inflammation, tightening of pores, exfoliation of dead skin cells, as well as stabilization of melanocytes which are skin cells that cause pigment changes to our skin," explains Coppola. "It is then followed by a rebound rush of compensatory oxygenation to our skin as our blood vessels dilate which enhances the collagen producing and the exfoliative results. Traditional facials which rely on heat and steam typically dilate our blood vessels, increasing inflammation temporarily, and open up our pores enhancing extractions." Depending upon where it's performed, it might not be as spa-like either, and it will likely require the use of glasses (to protect the eyes).

"Skin conditions and sensitivities also play a role," notes Gunn. "For instance, individuals with sensitive skin might fare better with gentle heat-based facials rather than the abrupt cold exposure of cryotherapy. Both treatments can offer benefits, so selecting the most suitable option might involve considering your skin's needs, consulting with a skincare professional, and experimenting to see which type of facial works best for you. Additionally, some people find benefits in alternating between hot and cold treatments for their skin."

How to Prepare for a Cryofacial

As with any aesthetic procedure, it's prudent to take a few preparatory steps to ensure the best experience and results. "Preparing for a cryotherapy facial is relatively straightforward and pretty much follows a commonsense approach. You would not want to have a cryo facial if you've recently suffered a sunburn or have had any trauma to your skin," says Coppola. "Skipping your retinal the night before is probably a good idea as this will reduce irritation to the skin." While it appears some choose to arrive with a full face of glam, Gunn recommends starting with a clean, dry face to ensure the cold therapy can penetrate the skin effectively.

What to Expect During a Cryofacial

The day of the facial, I met with Nicolas Travis, the founder of Allies of Skin. Travis has skin like an actual infant (it's shocking, really) and honestly swears by his own product to achieve his otherworldly glow. His process is a mist-mask-mist triage in the morning with the Molecular Multi-Nutrient Day Cream ($97) and at night using the Overnight Mask ($103), both paired with a few spritzes of the Molecular Saviour Repair Mist ($68). All three products are incredibly hydrating and glow-inducing, so pairing them with an ice-cold facial only seems like proper protocol for cherub-like skin. I couldn't wait to get started.

Similar to any ol' facial, I laid down on a bed while the aesthetician removed my makeup—this time, with the toner mist (which smells incredible, by the way). She then followed up with the Overnight Mask and finally came the pièce de résistance: the liquid nitrogen. It seemed rather un-kosher to put my skin through arctic temperatures (-250°F, to be exact), but she assured me it was safe. (She also moved the hose quickly over my face and held it far enough away that it wouldn't give me freezer burn.) Also because the room is spacious and ventilated, there is no harm in breathing in the chemicals. And, to be honest, it really wasn't even that cold. It actually felt refreshing and calming rather than holy sh*t, that's freezing. Only a few minutes passed, and I was totally done. Easy.

"People typically report that it is relatively and surprisingly comfortable," adds Coppola. "The session will typically last two to three minutes and afterwards a healing balm or nectar will be applied to your skin. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and voila you are done!"

Potential Side Effects of a Cryofacial

Unless you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition, there are no major side effects of undergoing a cryofacial. While Gunn explains that most individuals experience minimal adverse reactions, some might encounter immediate redness, irritation, or mild swelling at the treatment site, skin sensitivity or itching, and, in more rare cases, bruising. These normally subside within a few hours of treatment but can persist for up to a day after. Temporary numbness or tingling from the cold blast may occur, but the risk of burns or frostbite is minimal when the procedure is administered by a trained professional who follows safety guidelines.

"Because a cryo facial works utilizing cryotherapy to cool only the very surface of the skin for a very brief period, typically no longer than two to three minutes, there is virtually no risk of hypothermia as core body temperature is not affected," says Coppola. "The cryotherapy or locally applied vaporized nitrogen, causes constriction of peripheral blood vessels only and has no effect on core body temperature, so there is an extremely low risk of frostbite. Additional caution should be advised in anyone who suffers from certain neuromotor dysfunctions such as trigeminal neuralgia as a sudden onset of freezing temperatures could trigger an episode. It should also never be used on broken skin or skin that is not intact as this could affect fragile granulation tissue which needs to be protected during the healing process."

"It's essential to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Raynaud's disease or those with extremely sensitive skin, might not be suitable candidates for this treatment," adds Gunn. "Additionally, pregnant individuals and those with conditions or skin sensitivities should consult with a doctor before undergoing cryofacial therapy to ensure it's safe for them. Inform your skincare professional about any medications you're taking, as well as any allergies or skin sensitivities you might have." As with any treatment, it's important to see a licensed, experienced healthcare provider who specializes in aesthetics.

Aftercare

Perhaps the best part of a Cryofacial is that there's really not much needed in terms of preparation or aftercare. "You are then free to live our life as you normally would but try to refrain from doing any heavy exercise or skin altering procedures, including botox for at least 3-7 days," says Coppola. "You can resume your normal skincare routine immediately post a cryofacial but some commonsense guidelines to follow are to avoid any exfoliating serums or mechanical scrubs to your skin for about 3 days. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer as directed and don’t forget your suncreeen."

According to Gunn, avoiding sun exposure for the first 24 hours after the treatment is key. "If you need to be outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 (we like Elta Clear or Elta Daily!) and wear a wide-brimmed hat," she continues. "Heat from hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or activities that might cause excessive sweating for the first 24 hours post-treatment can increase skin sensitivity." Drinking plenty of water will keep both the body and skin hydrated and support the healing process.

Tips

Treat your skin gently afterwards and replace hydration through a fragrance-free, medical-grade moisturizer.

The Results

I checked myself out in the mirror and was completely shocked—the lackluster skin I had come in with was replaced with an unreal level of glow. Later that evening, I came home and my boyfriend even commented on the luminescence my skin was exuding, and he isn't the most generous with compliments. The next morning, to my complete delight, the breakout that I admittedly decided to pop in a moment of desperation a few days prior was but a small spot on my face. Call me a sensationalist, but I was already hooked.

"Depending on your goals and the recommendation of the skincare professional, consider scheduling follow-up cryofacial sessions to maintain the results," adds Gunn. "The results of a cryofacial are often temporary and may require multiple sessions for more noticeable and lasting effects."

The Final Takeaway

If you're looking to try a Cryofacial yourself, they run about $45, which isn't too expensive, especially given the results. I'd also really recommend pairing it with the Allies of Skin products (and just using them daily in general) because if Travis's skin is any indication of what I'll look like after repeated use, I might start getting carded at bars again.

Up Next: The Benefits of Icing Your Skin—And How to Try It Correctly

Read the original article on Byrdie.