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What Is Hyperpigmentation? Why Do You Get it?

Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration of the skin, resulting in the development of dark patches or spots. The affected area appears darker than the rest of the skin. This gets worse with sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation is a broad term. Skin discoloration caused by acne blemishes, freckles that have turned into sunspots, or darkening of the skin due to conditions like psoriasis and eczema all come under hyperpigmentation.

All these skin issues boost the production of melanocytes (cells that form melanin), and this, in turn, increases melanin production on your skin. The excessive melanin gets dumped into the deeper levels of your skin, causing hyperpigmentation. These spots, when further exposed to sunlight, flare up and worsen.

Hyperpigmentation may develop due to several reasons and has specific signs and symptoms. Let’s take a look at them.

Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Types, And Signs To Look For

Hyperpigmentation is divided into three main types, depending on the causes:

1. Melasma

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This is a type of hyperpigmentation that is very common in women, especially those with darker skin tones. This skin discoloration usually occurs on different parts of your face like the forehead, nose, cheeks, or just above the lips. And that’s why melasma is a bit difficult to treat. Your body experiences hormonal shifts during pregnancy or when you take oral contraceptives or during hormonal therapies, and this increases when you go out in the sun. Sometimes, it goes away when the hormones are back to normal.

Signs And Symptoms

• Brown patches on the skin
• Typically occurs on the face
• Patches are generally symmetrical
• Patches usually appear on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and bridge of the nose
• May also appear on the forearms and neck

Diagnosing Melasma

The doctor usually conducts:

• A visual examination
• Wood’s lamp examination, where the doctor holds a special light against your skin and checks for bacterial or fungal infection to determine how many layers of skin are affected by melasma.
• A biopsyⁱ  XA process where a sample of cells, tissues, or fluids is extracted from the body to be examined in a lab. in case of severe melasma

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

The exact cause of this condition is yet unknown. However, several factors may put you at the risk of melasma. They include:

• Your genes. A study found that at least 40% of the patients had a relative who had melasma (1).
• Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause melasma in people with darker skin tones (2).
• Anxiety traits and using anxiolytic drugsⁱ  XA group of medications used to treat or prevent anxiety disorders or symptoms. and antidepressants also increase your risk (3).
• Apart from pregnant women and those using contraceptives, post-menopausalⁱ  XThe period of time following menopause, which is when a person’s menstrual periods come to an end. women who receive progesteroneⁱ  XA hormone mainly secreted in the ovaries that is crucial for pregnancy, menstruation, and sperm production. during hormone therapy are also prone to facial melasma (4).

Related: How To Prevent Pigmentation (Melasma) During Pregnancy

2. Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

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This is a condition that results from trauma or skin inflammation such as psoriasis, eczema, and severe acne. These skin conditions increase the production of pigments, causing dark spots. This type of hyperpigmentation can affect people of any skin type, but it is prevalent in those with darker skin tones.

Signs And Symptoms

• The pigmented patches usually appear on the area where the skin inflammation occurred.
• The pigments appear after the inflammation or injury is healed.
• The lesions are usually black or light brown.
• When exposed to sunlight, the patches grow darker.

Diagnosing PIH

The skin care specialist diagnoses PIH by:

• Carefully reviewing your medical history
• Conducting skin examinations
• Doing a biopsy of the patch

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

Your risk of developing PIH increases if:

• You have a darker skin tone (5), (6).
• You have any skin condition, such as trauma/accident, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
• You have excessive exposure to UV rays.

3. Sun Damage Or Sunspots

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Excessive exposure to sun rays is the most common reason people develop hyperpigmentation. If you have developed hyperpigmentation in your early 30s, remember that the process had already begun when you were in your teens.

Sunspots are usually light brown (generally called freckles) and appear mostly on the face, neck, chest, and hands, which are primarily exposed to UV rays. People who have light to medium skin tones develop freckles, and they get darker with continuous sun exposure.

Diagnosing Sunspots

Visual examination of the skin is enough for diagnosing sunspots. However, some sunspots may be a sign of skin cancer (melanoma). In that case, the skin care specialist may conduct several other tests. Primarily, they follow the ABCDE guideline:

• A – for detecting Asymmetry
• B – for checking the Border (is it spreading or is notched)
• C – for the Color
• D – the Diameter of the spot
• E – is it Evolving or not?

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

• Excessive sun exposure
• Not using sun protection may increase your risk.
• Your skin tone. Sunspots are most common in people who have light or medium skin tones.

Don’t worry, most hyperpigmentation responds well to treatment. Since this is one of the most prevalent skin conditions in women, continuous research is going on, and experts are coming up with newer forms of treatment to eliminate these ugly spots. From brightening agents to facial procedures, here are some of the most popular treatment options for hyperpigmentation.

Related: 10 Best Home Remedies For Sunspots, Causes, And Treatments

How To Treat Hyperpigmentation

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1. Topical Medicine

The dermatologist often suggests topical medicines and chemical ingredients to lighten the spots, such as:

• Hydroquinone (2%)

This is very effective in reducing hyperpigmentation (especially helpful in melasma) and prevents further discoloration (7). Usually, doctors prescribe skin ointments containing 2% hydroquinone. However, this medicine is not to be used by pregnant women.

• Chemical Peels

Even in clinical trials, chemical peels have shown promising results in treating hyperpigmentation. Of all the chemical peels, glycolic peels are the safest and most effective in eliminating spots. Even salicylic acid and lactic acid peels work well in treating hyperpigmentation (8).

• Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin)

Both tretinoin creams and peels act on the dark spots in a similar way. Both disperse the melanin pigments and lighten the spots (8).

• Kojic Acid

This bleaching agent is nontoxic (kojic acid derived from palm oil) and gives extremely satisfactory results when it comes to lightening dark spots and preventing further discoloration caused by excess melanin production (9).

Did You Know? Because of its potential to penetrate the layers of the skin and reduce melanin production, kojic acid is used as a spot treatment.

Related: Kojic Acid For Skin: Uses, Benefits, & Things To Keep In Mind

• Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate

This brightening agent is widely used for treating pigmentation and is a safe and effective option for treating pigmentation (10).

2. Other Treatment Options

There are several facial procedures that the dermatologist can perform on your skin to treat hyperpigmentation. Depending on the severity of your spots, you may need multiple sessions. The most common procedures are:

• Microdermabrasion

This is a procedure in which the topmost layer of your skin is removed (exfoliate and suction them off) by using a device. You will need multiple sessions to get the desired results.

• Laser Treatment

Also known as laser resurfacing treatment, this procedure uses light beams to remove or peel your skin surface. Laser treatment can be ablative (uses an intense laser to remove skin layers) or non-ablative (boosts collagen development and tightens the skin). Ablative lasers are a bit strong and may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor/dermatologist before considering laser treatment because the type of laser suitable for your skin depends on your skin type and the degree of discoloration.

Stylecraze Says Some remedies like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, tomato paste, onion, and green tea work great for treating hyperpigmentation.

3. Over-The-Counter Treatments

OTC creams are available to help lighten your pigmentation. However, some creams are a bit stronger, and you will need a doctor’s prescription to get them. But most other creams are usually mild and will not need any prescription. These come in gel or cream form and should be applied on the marks once or twice daily (or as suggested by the doctor or the manufacturer) for noticeable results. The most common OTC creams/gels include:

• Niacinamide or vitamin B3
• Licorice extracts
• N-acetylglucosamine
• Hydroquinone (up to 2%)

You will get these creams easily, and these are affordable as compared to other professional treatments. However, remember that these work extremely slowly, and results may take longer to show up than other treatment options.

Prevention is better than cure – we know you’ve heard this since childhood, but this adage is true in this case. Pigmentation starts early from the deepest layers of your skin and will not show up until it worsens. Here is what you can do to prevent it.

Ways To Prevent Hyperpigmentation

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• Never Ever Forget Your Sunscreen

Always use one that has the highest SPF and offers both UVA and UVB protection. Use it every day before going out into the sun and apply on all exposed parts. Reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours.

• Try To Avoid The Sun

You have hats (preferably broad brim hats), scarves, umbrellas, and sunglasses – wear them to prevent the sun rays from hitting your skin. Stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (whenever possible).

• Follow A Good Skin Care Routine

This helps your skin heal the abuse it goes through every day (like pollution and other environmental factors). Also, if you have an inflammatory condition (such as acne or eczema), use anti-inflammatory skin care agents regularly. Most of the times, these conditions initiate pigmentation, which gets worse if not dealt with properly.

Once you have a breakout and it heals, you should immediately follow it up by using brightening agents. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine,” so you need to act fast. You never know when a seemingly harmless acne spot or pimple mark may flare up and worsen.

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If you are battling hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist to figure out the extent of your condition and the treatment method that will work best for you. We hope the information provided in the article has helped you gain a better understanding about hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that causes discoloration of the skin. It is of three main types: melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sunspots or sun damage. It can be treated with topical medicine, over-the-counter treatments, and chemical peels. However, you can prevent this skin condition by avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, using sunscreen diligently, and following a good skin care routine. If you have hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist to figure out the cause behind it and the treatment options available that will work best for you.

Stylecraze SaysAccording to Ayurveda, a balanced mind, a well-nourished body, and a peaceful spirit constitute true beauty.

In This Article

21 Must-Try Ayurvedic Beauty And Skin Care Tips

• Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips For Glowing Skin
• Ayurvedic Beauty Tips For Healthy And Glowing Skin

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips For Glowing Skin

1. Early To Bed And Early To Rise

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Apart from making you healthy and wise, this practice protects your beauty. Having too many late nights and not getting enough sleep increases the number of inflammatory cells in your body that worsen and trigger skin issues, such as acne and dermatitisⁱ  XInflammation of skin resulting in redness, itchy skin, swelling, or blisters. Mainly a result of an allergic reaction. . Moreover, they make the skin hydration system go haywire, causing your skin to become dry and age quickly. You need to follow a proper routine to make your skin feel rejuvenated (1), (2).

2. Do Not Mix Incompatible Foods

Food is medicine. But it can turn into poison when taken in the wrong combination. Avoid these incompatible food items to take care of your skin and health (3):

• Milk And Fruit: Yes. Even if you love your bowl of yogurt mixed with fruits, avoid it. Fruits are digested quickly, and milk takes time to digest. So, during the processing time, the fruit curdles the milk and creates acidity.
• Milk And Meat: Avoid consuming milk products (including desserts) if you have fish and meat. Fish heats up your body while milk cools it down. Combining these contrasting foods obstructs the vital body channels.
• Cold Drinks After A Meal: Avoid having iced or cold drinks after meals. This is because cold suppresses the digestive juices and causes stomach issues. This is also applicable for frozen yogurt and ice cream after (or before) meals.
• Ghee And Honey: Both, when taken together, react with the digestive acids in the body and produce toxic byproducts that can reportedly trigger rheumaticⁱ  XDisorders involving inflammation of joints, muscles, or tissue that causes joint and body pain. , neurological, and skin-related issues.

Related: 14 Home Remedies For Digestive Problems And Prevention Tips

3. Drink Tea

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Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is important. Drink water and also sip herbal tea in between. Make tea using herbs like chamomile, ginger, or lemon, and have it in the afternoon to keep your digestion healthy (4). And a healthy digestive system is crucial for glowing skin.

Related: Is It Possible To Get Glowing Skin Naturally In Just A Week?

4. Consume Vegetables With High Water Content

Vegetables high in water content can be digested easily. Vegetables such as carrot, radishes, lettuce, asparagus and fennel tips, and cucumber are beneficial for all skin types. These are revered as purifiers. Cook them or dice them and make a salad. Always combine at least 3-5 vegetables in any form to keep your skin healthy (5)(6).

5. Exercise

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Not only is it good for your heart and lungs, but it is also key to beautiful and glowing skin. Exercise boosts blood circulation and regulates skin metabolism to keep it healthy and youthful. This makes your skin glow from within (7).

Related: 12 Effective Foods To Improve Blood Circulation In The Body

6. Do Breathing Exercises

More than physical stress, mental stress can take a toll on skin health. Controlled breathing exercises are a great way to kick away stress and calm your mind. Before you go to sleep, do a simple breathing exercise. Inhale and fill your belly with air. Then, let it rise. Fill your lungs and then exhale slowly in the opposite order. Follow this for 5 to 20 minutes before you sleep or during any time of the day (8).

Stylecraze SaysYou may also try other effective breathing exercises like bhastrika, kapalbhati pranayama and anulom vilom pranayama for good skin and overall health.

7. Meditate

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You must be wondering how this can make your skin beautiful and glowing. Well, meditation helps in calming down your mind. When your mind is at rest, the positive energy or “chi” flows through your body, flooding your cells with vital energies. This not just reduces stress but also rejuvenates your skin (9).

8. Moisturize Your Skin

Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated is crucial. Apart from drinking enough water, indulge in oil massages. Oil massage or Abhyanga is a vital part of the Ayurvedic skin care routine. Massaging your skin with herbal oils not only relaxes your muscles and tissues but also boosts blood flow. It also keeps dry skin at bay (10). For best results, massage your skin with oil just before hitting the bed so that it gets enough time to rejuvenate itself and soak in the goodness of the oil. You may try self-massage or visit a spa for an oil massage.

9. Consume Seeds And Nuts

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Seeds and nuts are not just for birds. In fact, adding them to your regular diet keeps your skin healthy. They contain healthy fats that are good for your cardiovascular systemⁱ  XIt is also called the circulatory system and includes the heart and blood vessels. as well as your skin (11). They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Consume sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, and flax seeds regularly for glowing skin.

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10. Cut Down On Your Sugar And Salt Intake

High salt intake affects your blood pressure levels, and this, in turn, increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, excess sugar and salt can affect the overall skin health, may lead to acne, and trigger allergic reactions (atopic dermatitis) (12),(13). These two compounds keep your skin elastic, toned, and wrinkle-free.

11. Protect Your Skin From Excessive Sun Exposure

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Too much of anything is bad for you. While a bit of sun exposure is a necessity for giving your skin the daily dose of vitamin D, excessive exposure can harm it. The UV rays can cause tanning, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles (14). Whenever you go out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Use an umbrella, a hat, or a scarf to protect your skin.

In addition to improving your lifestyle habits, you must stop slathering your skin with chemicals every day. Instead, switch to natural ingredients and remedies to keep it healthy. You will find these ingredients easily in your kitchen or fridge. Let’s look at a few.

Ayurvedic Beauty Tips For Healthy And Glowing Skin

12. Orange For Improving Your Complexion

The peel of orange contains vitamin C and antioxidants that keep your skin clear and bright (15). It is the perfect ingredient to make the ayurvedic face pack for oily skin. It also minimizes acne outbreaks. Dry orange peels under the sun, and powder them to use on your skin.

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon orange peel powder
• 2 tablespoons yogurt

Method

1. Mix the powder and yogurt.
2. Use a brush to apply it evenly on your face and neck.
3. Keep it on for 20 minutes.
4. Wash it off.

13. Sandalwood And Turmeric For Controlling Acne

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Both sandalwood and turmeric are revered in Ayurveda for their antibacterial properties. Both are extensively used in ayurvedic skin care too. They kill the acne-causing bacteria, clear the skin, tighten the pores, and prevent inflammation (16), (17).

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
• ½ tablespoon turmeric
• 2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust as per the consistency)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl.
2. Make a creamy paste.
3. Apply all over your face and keep it on until it dries.
4. Wash it with cold water.

14. Raw Potato For Pigmentation

According to anecdotal evidence, potatoes contain starch and have mild bleaching properties that help in fading pigmentation, dark spots, and scars naturally. Moreover, they also contain helpful enzymes that prevent premature aging. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this claim.

What You Need

• 1 potato
• Cotton ball

Method

1. Grate the potato and extract the juice.
2. Dip the cotton ball in the potato juice and apply it to the affected area.
3. Leave it on overnight.
4. Wash it off the next day.

15. Fenugreek For Preventing Wrinkles

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Fenugreek leaves contain essential vitamins and minerals that are effective in treating many skin issues, including wrinkles. You can use both fenugreek leaves and seeds. Your skin absorbs it easily, and you will see visible results with daily use (18).

What You Need

A handful of fresh fenugreek leaves (or 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds)

Method

1. Grind the fenugreek leaves and make a fine paste.
2. Apply a thin layer of the paste evenly all over your face.
3. If you are using fenugreek seeds, boil them in water and apply the water with cotton.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes or an hour.
5. Wash with lukewarm water.

16. Cow Ghee Massage For Anti-Aging Benefits

Pure cow ghee has multiple benefits. It enhances digestion and flushes out toxins from your system. And when you apply it to your face, it boosts collagenⁱ  XAn essential protein in the skin and connective tissues responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. production, keeps your skin moisturized, and slows down the aging process. However, there is not enough empirical evidence to support the topical benefits of ghee.

What You Need

• ½ teaspoon pure cow ghee
• A few drops of water

Method

1. Mix the water and ghee.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and massage for 10 minutes in circular motions.
3. Let your skin absorb it for at least half an hour.
4. You may leave it on overnight if you want.
5. Wash off with a mild cleanser.

17. Tulsi Leaves For Instant Glow

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The benefits of tulsi are beyond comparison. From fighting common ailments to keeping your skin healthy, this wondrous herb holds a special place in ayurvedic treatment for the skin. Tulsi extracts can help maintain youthful and glowing skin (19).

What You Need

• A handful of tulsi leaves (basil)
• 1 tablespoon raw milk

Method

1. Grind the tulsi leaves to make a paste.
2. Mix it well with raw milk to give it a paste-like consistency.
3. Apply the face pack and let it stay for 20 minutes.
4. Wash with cold water.

18. Chickpea Flour For Dark Spots

Chickpea flour or besan is easily available in Indian kitchens and has amazing skin cleansing and antimicrobial properties. It is best for removing dark spots, tans, and pigmentation (20).

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (diluted)
• 1 teaspoon milk (or yogurt or milk cream)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients well and spread the pack on your face. Avoid
2. the eyes.
3. Let it dry completely.
4. Wash with lukewarm water.

19. Chamomile And Fuller’s Earth For Toning Your Skin

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Chamomile is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. When mixed with fuller’s earth or multani mitti, it tightens the pores, prevents breakouts, and tones your skin to make it appear clear and bright (20), (21).

What You Need

• 1 cup chamomile tea (brew it strong)
• 1 tablespoon fuller’s earth
• 2 teaspoons honey

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients and make a paste.
2. Spread it evenly on your face and neck.
3. Leave it on until it dries and then wash with lukewarm water.

20. Sandalwood And Yogurt For Cleansing And Moisturizing

Sandalwood is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for glowing skin. It cleans the skin thoroughly, killing germs and bacteria, and leaves it looking fresh and bright. Yogurt has a brightening and moisturizing effect on your skin. It reduces blemishes and extra oiliness (17), (22).

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon white sandalwood powder
• ½ teaspoon milk
• ½ teaspoon yogurt
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients to make a paste.
2. Use a brush to spread it thoroughly all over your face and neck.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes or until it is dry and your skin feels tight.
4. Wash with cold water.

21. Saffron And Aloe Vera For Radiant Skin

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Saffron or kesar is among the most expensive spices in the world. It is a time-tested spice that nurtures your skin and keeps it radiant and blemish-free. Aloe vera soothes your skin and reduces inflammation (23), (24).

What You Need

• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Method

1. Soak the saffron strands in milk. Leave it on overnight.
2. The next day, mix it well with the aloe vera gel.
3. Apply it to your face and let it stay for half an hour.
4. Wash off with cold water.

Ayurvedic beauty tips are gaining popularity all over the world. These tips not only enhance your skin health but also promote your overall health. The tips include going to bed early and waking up early, avoiding a few food combinations, including herbal tea in your daily diet, eating more vegetables, exercising regularly, meditation, moisturization, and cutting down salt and sugar intake to positively affect your overall health. Also, including orange, turmeric, sandalwood, raw potato, chamomile, Fuller’s earth, tulsi leaves, and fenugreek in your skin care regimen can help improve your skin health.

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Rubbing Ice Cube On Face: Is It Good?

Rubbing ice on your face after a hectic day is exceptionally refreshing. If everyday stress is taking a toll on your face and skin, ice can help. It boosts blood circulation to your face and makes it radiant.

If you haven’t heard about the ‘Ice Facial’ yet, let me tell you that it is a prevalent Korean beauty trend. This has inspired beauty conscious people across the world to rub ice all over their face to keep it glowing and make it appear smoother.

I know I’ve got you interested now! This cool trend is worth a try as it offers multiple benefits. How? Read on.

Benefits Of Rubbing Ice Cube On Face

Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Ice can be applied to your face if you are looking to reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling. Ice can also help soothe irritated skin caused by conditions like acne or eczema. When applying ice to your face, it is important to wrap the ice in a clean cloth or paper towel before placing it on the affected area.” A fresh-out-of-the freezer ice cube can be the all-year-round savior for your skin. Here’s how:

1. Key To Glowing Skin

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Everyone wants radiant and glowing skin, and an ice massage on the face can give you just that. It improves blood circulation to your skin and makes it bright (1). Applying ice to your face constricts the blood vessels, which initially lowers the blood flow to your skin. To balance that, your body starts circulating more blood to your face, which makes it lively and radiant.

2. Enhances Product Absorption

This is an age-old trick that ensures the skin absorbs all the products you apply to it. If you have applied night cream or any serum on your skin, rub an ice cube over it. This constricts the capillaries on your face and creates a pulling effect on your skin which, in turn, helps in better absorption of the products.

3. Eliminates Dark Circles

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Applying ice to your face regularly can help you deal with stubborn dark circles. What you need to do is boil some rose water and mix cucumber juice in it. Freeze this mixture and then apply the ice cube to your eye area. But, don’t expect results overnight. As it works slowly, you will need to repeat this procedure for a few days to see results.

4. Calms And Soothes Acne On Your Face

If you are already frustrated with the pestering acne on your face, let ice cubes work their magic on it. When you use an ice cube on your face, it helps minimize oil production on your skin. It also works well in curing the bumps and swelling caused by acne (2).

5. For Those Under Eye Bags

Tired looking eyes are such a big turn off! The excessive fluid accumulation under the eyes can be treated with an ice cube. Just move it in a circular motion from the inner corner of your eyes towards the eyebrows. This helps in reducing the swelling.

6. Constricts The Skin Pores

Your face has pores that release natural oils and perspiration, thus aiding in keeping it clean. However, if dirt gets accumulated in the pores, it causes pimples and acne. Rubbing an ice cube on your face after washing it helps shrink the pores. This keeps out the dirt from the pores and your face clean.

7. Makes Your Foundation Look Flawless

This is one beauty hack that never fails. Rub an ice cube all over your face before applying foundation. This makes your makeup look flawless and long-lasting.

8. Reduces The Appearance Of Wrinkles

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While you cannot reverse your age, you can control the signs of aging. Applying ice cubes on your face helps in controlling wrinkles and signs of aging. It not only helps in reducing the existing ones but also prevents the formation of new lines (3).

9. Softens Your Lips

Have chapped lips? Apply ice cubes on them! This helps in reducing the inflammation. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep your skin and lips hydrated.

10. Is An Easy Remedy For Heat Rashes

Those who have suffered from heat rashes know the pain. Ice cubes are a natural remedy to cure such rashes. Wrap them up in a cotton cloth and rub over the affected area. This relieves the inflammation and heals the heat rashes.

11. Relieves Sunburn

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This is also a magic cure for your sunburns. After applying ice cubes on the sunburnt area, you can see a significant reduction in inflammation and redness. However, sunburns fade with time and with regular application.

Related: Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Sunburn?

12. Gives You An Oil-Free Look

While having oily skin is a bane in itself, too much oiliness can be especially bothersome. Oily skin is often prone to outbreaks. Applying ice cubes on your face can help in reducing excess oil production. This is because rubbing ice packs shrinks the oil-producing pores, thus reducing excessive oiliness.

Related: 7 Tips And Tutorials To Do The Best Makeup For Oily Skin

13. Reduces Tweezing Inflammation

Tweezing your eyebrows is something you can’t go without. However, you cannot deny the pain caused by the process. You don’t need to suffer through that pain anymore. Rub an ice cube on the area to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

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14. Exfoliates Your Skin

When it comes to exfoliation, you can ditch all the commercially available exfoliators for an all-natural and pure method. Rub your face with milk ice cubes. Milk contains lactic acid that helps in clearing all the dead skin cells while the ice cube improves your radiance and natural glow.

15. Is Your Natural Makeup

Last minute rush? Don’t have enough time to apply your makeup? Spare just 2 minutes and rub an ice cube all over your face. Ice therapy on your face rejuvenates your skin, exfoliates it, and imparts a beautiful glow to it.

Now, let’s amp up this ice game with a few more hacks. No doubt, applying plain ice cubes on your face will help, but mixing it with herbs and blends can be even more helpful. Here are a few refreshing ice cube hacks for you.

Related: Easy Natural Makeup Look With A Step-By-Step Tutorial

Get Full Benefits Of Ice Cubes With These Natural Remedies

1. Green Tea Ice Cubes For Tired And Puffy Eyes

What You Need

• 2-3 green tea bags
• Water
• Ice tray

Method

1. Put the green tea bags in hot water.
2. Brew strong green tea.
3. Pour it into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer.
4. Apply a cube every day on your dark circles and puffy eyes.
5. Let the water dry on its own. Avoid washing your face after this.

How Does It Help?

Green tea contains antioxidants, and the ice helps reduce swelling and appearance of dark circles.

2. Aloe Vera Ice Cubes For Soothing Your Skin After Sun Exposure

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What You Need

Aloe vera extract (enough to fill your ice tray)

Method

1. Pour the aloe vera extract into the ice cube tray. You can also blend it a bit before you do so.
2. Place the ice tray in a freezer.
3. Apply on your face after sun exposure.
4. Let it dry and do not wash off afterward.

How Does It Help?

Aloe vera calms your skin and reduces inflammation (4). The ice has a soothing impact on your skin that’s scorched due to sun exposure. You will instantly feel relaxed.

3. Cooling Cucumber Ice Cubes

What You Need

• 1 cucumber (or more, depending on your ice tray capacity)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

1. Blend the cucumber in a blender and mix the lemon juice into it.
2. Pour it in the ice tray and let it freeze until the cubes are formed.
3. Apply on your face after coming back home from a tiring day.
4. Do not wash or dry your skin with a towel. Let it dry naturally.

How Does It Help?

The combination of cucumber, lemon, and ice is incredibly soothing for tired skin. Cucumber has a soothing effect on your skin while lemon brightens it up.

Related: 5 Benefits Of Cucumber Water And How To Make It

4. Acne Busting Cinnamon Ice Cubes

What You Need

• Water (as per your need)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (or 4-5 drops cinnamon essential oil)
• 3-4 drops rosehip oil

Method

1. Mix the oils (or cinnamon powder) in water.
2. Pour it in the ice tray and make ice cubes.
3. Apply to the affected area or all over your face.
4. Let the liquid dry. Do not wash.
5. Follow this routine 3 times a week.

How Does It Help?

Cinnamon has antibacterial properties while rosehip contains vitamin C. Ice shrinks your pores, thus reducing excessive oiliness.

5. Rose Petal Antibacterial Ice Cubes

What You Need

• 1 cup dried rose petals
• 4-5 drops rosehip oil
• Water

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in water and pour in the ice tray.
2. Let the ice cubes set and then apply all over your face and neck.
3. Let the liquid dry on its own. Don’t wash.

How Does It Help?

Rosehip oil has an antibacterial and anti-aging effect on your skin. Rose petals also have antibacterial properties and help in calming your skin.

Now you know the tricks to make ice cubes work for your skin. However, there are several things you need to keep in mind before you start using ice cubes on your face.

Ice Therapy For Face: Tips To Consider

Stylecraze Says Avoid using exfoliating acids and ingredients like retinol after applying ice on the face to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

• Nothing done in excess is good. Avoid rubbing ice on your skin multiple times a day. Also, never apply ice cubes directly on your face. Always wrap them in a cotton cloth and then use.
• Before you start the ice treatment, ensure that your face is clean and without any makeup.
• Spend not more than a minute on a particular area while rubbing the ice cube on your face.
• Be careful while applying ice cubes around the eyes, especially if they contain any other ingredients. Ensure that they don’t enter the eyes.
• Always massage and rub in small circular motions.
• Remember, the ice therapy session should not last longer than 10-15 minutes. For best results, follow this therapy either in the morning or the evening.

Stylecraze Says Always apply a soothing moisturizer to prep your skin before using ice cubes to protect the skin barrier.

Infographic: Top Skin Benefits Of Using Ice Cube On The Face

Rubbing ice cubes on the face can have several benefits. Be it solving your skin care woes or acting as a natural makeup, ice cubes can do wonders. Though we have discussed all those benefits above, we would like to take highlight how it helps treat some of the common skin care troubles we all face. Check out the infographic to learn the top skin care benefits of using ice cubes on the face.

Ice therapy has immense skin care benefits. From enhancing product absorption and reducing dark circles to soothing and calming acne and inflammation on your face, ice cubes have a lot to offer. However, you have to ensure to follow the correct procedure and avoid frequent application to reap the maximum benefits of the therapy. Follow the tips discussed in the article and you may also customize the ice cube recipes as per your choice. So, next time when your skin requires a quick pick-me-up, reach out for an ice cube.