ICE BATH BENEFITS FOR SKIN: BENEFITS, SAFETY TIPS, AND MORE

You’ve likely read about professional athletes taking cold water plunges for recovery and conditioning. Or you might know a fitness fanatic who swears by the benefits of a good cold ice bath for quicker post-exercise recovery.

 

Using the power of cold to relieve pain and improve recovery is nothing new in the health and fitness industry. You might be, however, surprised to learn that ice baths can also do wonders for your skin health. 

Ice baths, also referred to as cold water immersion or cold hydrotherapy, require submerging yourself for 15 to 20 minutes in water with a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit — just cold enough to chill out your body but not freeze you to death.

Keep reading ahead to learn more about ice bath benefits for skin and tips for taking an ice bath safely!

Top Ice Bath Benefits for Skin

Although an ice bath may not seem like the most appealing thing to do for your skin, it provides a host of benefits. 

Following are some of the ice bath benefits for skin:

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: Reducing Blemish-Causing Oil

One of the best ice bath benefits for skin include preventing acne. Ice baths can help reduce the amount of sebum produced by your skin. Studies show that sebum is essentially a natural oil that your skin produces. It comprises several components, including fat molecules, waxes, and squalene. 

This sticky substance coats the skin, protecting it from damage and preventing bacterial accumulation while regulating its moisture levels. 

However, some people are prone to producing too much sebum, which can clog up your pores, leading to pesky blackheads and whiteheads. This is where taking regular ice baths can help. 

Research shows that when exposed to cold temperatures, your body releases norepinephrine. This hormone constricts blood vessels and decreases sebum production, preventing acne and blackheads. 

So, if you have tried every single product under the sun to clear your skin and still can't find an effective solution, it's time for you to take an ice bath. 

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: Improving Blood Circulation

Your body responds to cold water by constricting blood vessels to maintain a consistent internal temperature. This may sound counterintuitive, but it actually leads to improved circulation and blood flow throughout your body. 

This is because, once the ice bath stops, studies demonstrate that your body starts warming itself up, which leads to increased blood flow as your blood vessels increase in size due to dilation. 

This rush of oxygen and nutrients to your tissues can work wonders for your skin. From helping repair damaged tissues to reducing inflammation and healing injured skin cells, research shows that cold baths can leave you looking and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Not to mention that rosy glow that comes with improved circulation, which can work like a natural blush, brightening up your complexion.

To make the most of your cold bath routine, consider applying some vitamin C or E serum afterward, so your skin can better absorb the product. 

These powerful vitamins can act as antioxidants, helping reduce edema, erythema, and skin swelling — all typical signs of inflammation. 

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: Stimulating Collagen Production

Dealing with wrinkles, fine lines, or other pesky signs of aging? Try taking an ice bath. Before you start picturing yourself shivering like a penguin, let us explain how this chilly therapy can help stimulate collagen production in your skin. 

Collagen, as you might already know, is a protein that is responsible for keeping your skin all firm and juicy. It's like the scaffolding that holds up your skin, making it appear plump and smooth.

Unfortunately, as you age, your collagen production slows down, leading to sagging, creasing, and all sorts of droopy situations. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that plunging into frigid waters can help boost collagen levels. Here’s how:

You see, stress is one of the biggest enemies of collagen production. Research shows that when stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your skin by reducing collagen production and causing inflammation. And let's face it; we're all a little stressed out these days! 

So, how do ice baths help? Well, one of the benefits of taking an ice bath is that it can act as a natural antidepressant. The Washington Post states that when you immerse your body in cold water, your brain releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can help lift your mood and reduce stress levels.

And when your stress levels are under control, your body can focus on producing collagen and keeping your skin youthful and radiant.

So, if you're willing to brave the chill, try the ice bath. Your collagen (and your mood) might just thank you for it!

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: Boosting Immunity for Clearer Skin

When you have a weak immune system, it can feel like you're constantly getting sick. Every sniffle and cough reminds you that your body struggles to avoid germs and infections. 

And let's not forget about the range of skin issues that can arise from a weakened immune system. Pimples, rashes, and dryness — and the list goes on!

One of the most significant ice bath benefits for skin includes boosting your immunity for clearer skin. So, how does submerging yourself in icy water increase immunity? Well, it all comes down to a biological phenomenon called hormesis. 

Hormesis is the process through which exposure to a low dose of an environmental factor induces an adaptive beneficial effect on the cell.

Studies show that hormesis can occur when exposed to cold temperatures, which can help stimulate your body's natural defense mechanisms.

You're essentially training your immune system to become stronger and more resilient by subjecting yourself to an ice bath. When your immune system is stronger, it can better fight off bacteria and other microorganisms that typically cause skin issues like acne, rashes, and infections. 

Moreover, the improved circulation and lymphatic drainage from cold exposure can help reduce puffiness and promote a healthy, youthful glow. 

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: How To Use an Ice Bath Safely and Effectively

Consider following these tips to ensure your ice bath experience is as effective as possible.

• Make sure you fill the bathtub with enough water to immerse yourself and your head fully, but not so much that you start floating around. The water should be between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

• After filling the tub with cold water, add ice. The amount of ice will depend on the tub's size and the water's temperature. Generally, 10 to 15 lbs of ice are sufficient for a standard-size tub.

• It is important to test the water temperature to ensure it is not too cold. You can test the water by placing your foot in the water for a few seconds. If it feels uncomfortably cold, add warm water to the tub until it is bearable.

• Once the water temperature is appropriate, slowly and carefully submerge yourself into the ice bath. 

• Start by dipping your toes into the water and slowly submerging your legs. If you are new to the ice bath, it may take a few minutes for your body to adjust. Once you have acclimated to the cold water, submerge your body up to your neck.

• For a meditative experience, try to focus on your breathing. Breathe through your nose and out through your mouth until you feel calm and relaxed. 

  In some cases, placing a towel over your head or wearing earplugs to block out any noise around you may be helpful. If your feet feel numb, using a pair of toe warmers can help offset this effect.

• While in the ice bath, keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate better. This will help your body to recover faster.

• After exiting the ice bath, dry yourself with a towel and warm up. This can be done by wearing warm clothing or using a warm blanket. It is important not to take a hot shower immediately after an ice bath as it may make your body go into shock.

How Long Should You Take an Ice Bath For?

While there are several ice bath benefits for skin, it's worth mentioning that you should not stay in the bath for more than 20 minutes — 10 to 15 minutes is the optimal duration. 

This is because your body can begin to lose heat faster than it can produce it, ultimately leading to hypothermia which can be life-threatening. 

Who Should Avoid Ice Baths?

The American Heart Association advises against ice baths if you suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure. 

Folks with type 1 and 2 diabetes should also avoid ice baths because studies show the condition is linked to difficulty maintaining core temperature during extreme temperature changes. 

The Nordic Cycle: What Is It and How Does It Involve an Ice Bath?

Practiced in Nordic societies for eons, the Nordic Cycle is an invigorating technique that combines sweating in a hot sauna with the shock of a cold plunge. 

This highly effective and popular wellness practice is gaining traction in the U.S. and beyond, with enthusiasts touting its numerous health benefits. 

This ritualistic practice takes place in a traditional sauna, where the temperature inside can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

As you take a sauna bath, the heat helps to open up pores, increase blood flow and circulation, and release toxins from the body — all the good health benefits of a sauna.

After spending time in the sauna, you quickly immerse yourself in a cold plunge pool or shower, which is typically around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Studies prove that this type of alternating heat and cold therapy can potentially reduce chronic pain, improve your immune system, improve sleep, and promote healing and recovery.

One of the main reasons for the Nordic cycle’s popularity is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The sauna heat triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the body. 

On the other hand, cold immersion activates the body's natural "fight or flight" response, which can help reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity, according to a study published in the Lifestyle Medicine Journal.

Types of Ice Baths Offered by My Sauna World 

From traditional saunas to modern steam rooms, My Sauna World offers a variety of options for our customers. My Sauna World also offers various types of ice baths, including Ice Barrel Ice Bath and the Dundalk LeisureCraft Glacier Plunge Tub.

Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub

The Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub by My Sauna World is a revolutionary product that takes the traditional cold plunge experience to a whole new level. 

With a generous water holding capacity of 105 gallons, the Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub is large enough to accommodate multiple body types, so anyone in your family or group of friends can also use it.

The tub is 42 inches high, providing ample space to submerge your entire body, while the 31-inch wide opening makes it easy to climb in and out of the bathtub.

Despite its large size, the Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub is surprisingly lightweight when empty, weighing in at just 55 lbs. However, when filled with 80 gallons of water, it can weigh up to 750 lbs. This allows for easy transportation and storage while still providing a sturdy and stable experience. 

The best part? This ice bath barrel is designed with a built-in drain, making it easy to empty the bathtub once you're done using it. This eliminates the need for a messy and time-consuming clean-up process and ensures that the bathtub is ready whenever you need it.

Ice Bath Benefits for Skin: Dundalk LeisureCraft Glacier Plunge Tub

My Sauna World offers the Dundalk LeisureCraft Glacier Plunge Tub, designed to provide consistent, reliable cold immersion benefits. Perfect for anyone who wants the ultimate ice therapy experience, the Glacier Plunge Tub  will get the job done! In addition, it looks beautiful and is quite durable with an aluminum shell and red cedar skirt. 

It also includes an optional roll up cover to keep your water clean when you’re not using it. Simply roll back the cover and slip into the cold water! Or you can easily drain it when done, and fill it up with a hose when you’re ready to use it again. 

Final Thoughts on Ice Bath Benefits for Skin 

While dipping into an ice bath might not seem very appealing, it has several incredible health benefits. Cold-water plunges, aka cryotherapy, involve using cold for several issues, including pain relief, post-workout, and skin problems like acne, wrinkles, and dullness. 

People have been using cold water therapy for centuries to improve their skin health, as well as overall health. While cold water immersion has plenty of benefits, it must be done safely. 

If you've been looking for an ice bath tub, consider getting an Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub or the Glacier Plunge Tub! And feel free to contact our team with any questions!