Even though all face rollers work in a similar manner, they have some very distinct characteristics. For example, what sets ice roller apart from other rollers is that it utilizes cold therapy also known as cryotherapy. In fact, cold therapy has a wide range of applications, and facial ice roller benefits include combined benefits of cryotherapy and massage roller.
What Is An Ice Roller
An ice roller is a relatively new beauty tool in the United States, even though it’s been used in Asia and Europe for quite a long time. This handheld device is a massage tool that can be used on daily bases. Overall, it has a simple design consisting of a rolling barrel (head) and a handle. However, an ice roller is bigger in size in comparison to other rollers like gemstone or microneedling rollers.
The main distinctive feature of this type of roller is that it utilizes cold therapy also known as cryotherapy. To put it simply, cold therapy is a treatment during which the targeted area of the body is cooled with ice, air, liquid nitrogen, etc. for therapeutic purposes. That being said, an ice roller needs to be chilled ahead of time, which is done by placing it in a fridge or freezer for maximum impact.
Facial Ice Roller Benefits
One of the advantages of having an ice roller at-home is that it is a universal multi-purpose tool, which can be used on the face and other body parts like arms, legs, neck, etc. Moreover, it has a wide array of applications as it provides the benefits of cold therapy as well as the benefits of a massage tool.
When it comes to using an ice roller on face, some of the main facial ice roller benefits include providing anti aging and therapeutic benefits.
- Reduce puffiness
- Stimulate blood circulation
- Soothe inflammation
- Reduce redness
- Provide mild toning effect
- Soften fine lines
- Brighten complexion
- Ease pain like headache or muscle tension
- Relieve fatigue
√ De-puffing. Using a facial ice roller in the morning is a great way to de-puff your face and reduce puffiness under eyes. In fact, the combination of cold temperature and rolling movement stimulates blood circulation and helps get rid of excessive fluid retention, which causes facial puffiness.
√ Toning. Since cold therapy boosts micro-circulation, it also energizes the face and provides a mild toning effect. Moreover, the results are cumulative.
√ Soothe inflammation. Combating inflammation is one of the main facial ice roller benefits. As a result of frigid temperatures facial blood vessels constrict, which also decreases the amount of blood going to the inflamed area. This can soothe inflammation (including acne), skin rash, sunburn, bug bites, and reduce redness and irritation after waxing or depilation.
√ Anti aging. Other facial ice roller benefits include softening fine lines, reducing pore size, firming skin, providing mild toning effect, and brightening complexion. Overall, these benefits can’t be expected overnight. But with regular and continued use of a facial ice roller you can start seeing visible results after 4-6 weeks.
√ Ease pain. In addition, some of the therapeutic benefits of an ice roller include relieving fatigue and muscle tension, and easing pain like headache.
∅ At the same time, the downside is that ice rollers are typically bulky, and it might be hard to maneuver and reach small areas.
Types of Ice Roller
Even though most ice rollers have very similar designs, they can be divided into three different types. In general, the type of the roller depends on the material used for the rotating roller head. Regardless of the type, most facial ice rollers are quite affordable and cost under $20. Also, keep in mind that some ice rollers are designed with a detachable head, which might be convenient and desirable to some users.
- Gel-filled rolling head is more gentle and feels softer on the skin.
- Plastic head rollers tend to be lower-priced, but the design might be bulkier.
- Stainless steel head roller is considered to be more durable. Moreover, it holds cold for a longer period of time. However, the downside is that stainless steel ice roller can cost slightly more than plastic or gel-filled ones, and in some rare cases it might cause skin irritation.
As for the storage, it is recommended to keep your ice roller (or just the head if removable) in a Ziploc bag in a freezer or fridge, which depends on how well you can tolerate cold temperatures. If you chill the roller ahead of time it will be cooled and ready to go whenever you need it.
Equally important is to wait a few minutes after applying your skincare products and allow the skin to absorb all the ingredients before you start using the ice roller.
Related: Difference between ice roller and gemstone roller
Best Ice Rollers
Finishing Touch Flawless Ice Roller
The design of this gel filled ice roller is slightly different than most traditional plastic rollers. The handle allows for a comfortable grip, and removable head can be conveniently stored in the freezer. Overall, the pale blush color and elegant design will make you fall in love with this budget friendly facial ice roller.
PUR Botanicals Ice Roller
Premium plastic ice roller that can be purchased separately, as a set with plastic and stainless steel heads, or as a set of ice roller + jade roller. These rollers are durable and have excellent reviews.
Kitsch Stainless Steel Roller
This roller is made of high quality surgical stainless steel. It is slightly smaller in size than a typical plastic ice roller, and is comfortable for using on both face and body. Designed in California.
Esarora Ice Roller
This best selling roller has 5k positive reviews on Amazon, and is being praised by celebrities, influencers, and aestheticians. It comes in many different colors, and an option of gel-filled or stainless steel detachable head or combo (both).
Related: How to use ice globes for facial massage.
Bleakley C, et al. “Whole-body cryotherapy: empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives.” Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, Mar. 2014, Vol. 5
Caberlotto E, et al. “Effects of a skin-massaging device on the ex-vivo expression of human dermis proteins and in-vivo facial wrinkles.” PLoS One, Mar. 2017, Vol. 12, Issue 3
Frothingham S. “Can ice facials reduce puffy eyes and acne?” Healthline, Nov. 2019
Khanna N, Datta S. “Rejuvenating facial massage – a bane or boon?” International Journal of Dermatology, Jul. 2002, Vol. 41, Issue 7
Larsen M, et al. “Therapeutic efficacy of cryotherapy on facial swelling, pain, trismus and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars: A systematic review.” Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Jun. 2019, Vol. 46, Issue 6
Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N. “Short and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity.” Complementary Therapies In Medicine, Dec. 2018, Vol. 41
Skrzek A, et al. “Evaluation of changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of extremely low temperatures.” Cryobiology, Feb. 2019, Vol. 86
