If you are a skincare enthusiast, you probably heard about ice rollers and jade rollers. But how about the latest skincare trend – ice globes? This trendy and innovative skincare tool is gaining popularity as an effective at-home or spa treatment. Not only ice globes facial massage is relaxing and skin soothing, but also it provides numerous benefits and is easy to incorporate into any skincare routine. In this article we will discuss different types of ice globes, their benefits, how to do ice globes facial massage, and review some of the best ice globes currently available.
What Are Ice Globes?
Overall, ice globes are fun-looking face massage tools. Depending on the brand, they can be also called cooling globes, ice balls, cryo globes, chilly spa globes, skin icing tools or cryo sticks. Usually they come in pairs and look like a sphere with an attached handle.
Similarly to an ice roller, ice globes utilize massage therapy and 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, ice globes facial massage is great for reducing puffiness, refreshing tired skin, soothing inflammation, irritated skin, and relieving tension or pain.
Another key point, these globes need to be chilled ahead of time, which is done by putting them in the fridge or freezer.
At a glance:
- Best value: Pfefe Cry Globes
- Most durable: Prime Fitness Steel Ice Globes
- Best design: MonetBeauty Glitter Ice Globes
Types Of Ice Globes
Even though most ice globes have similar design, they can be made with different material and filled with different solution. In general, most cooling globes fall into the following two categories:
√ Glass/quartz filled with anti-freeze liquid or micro beads. These globes come in different vibrant colors and look really fancy. However, they tend to be more fragile and can break if you drop them (depends on the material used). Also, some of these facial globes are not freezer safe as they can crack or break. So you’ll have to store them in the fridge instead, which won’t chill the globes as much as the freezer.
√ Stainless steel filled with gel. These cooling globes are more durable and non-breakable since they are made of stainless steel. Not only you can store them safely in the freezer, but also they can be used for both cold AND hot massage. If you would like to use them for hot massage, just soak them in the bowl with hot water for 15-20 minutes.
Overall, the material used for crafting ice globes determines their durability and price. Some lower-priced ice globes are made of thin glass that is not shatter resistant, which makes them fragile and easy to break. Additionally, some cooling globes are designed as not freezer-friendly and can break if you leave or forget them in the freezer.
However, there are also few models of ice balls that are made of high quality freeze proof glass or quartz, and filled with anti-freeze liquid, which makes them more durable, but also more expensive.
Ice Globe Benefits
In addition to utilizing massage therapy, ice globes also provide benefits of skin icing (cold/ice therapy) also known as cryotherapy. In fact, cold therapy has a wide range of applications – it , , , soothes , calms acne, firms , reduces pore size and , and brightens complexion. Also, it is easy to incorporate this beauty tool into daily routine, and any skin type can benefit from it.
Moreover, ice globes benefits also include relieving pain like headache, muscle tension, sinus pain, sunburn, or skin irritation. Additionally, ice globe facial helps to sooth and calm skin after harsh skincare procedures like extractions, chemical peels, micro dermabrasion, microneedling, waxing, or injections.
In other words, these cooling globes provide dual benefits – benefits of ice therapy combined with benefits of massage:
- Reduce puffiness
- Increase blood circulation
- Relieve pain (headache, muscle tension, sinus pressure)
- Sooth skin inflammation and redness
- Help with enlarged pores
- Brighten skin tone
- Reduce dark circles
- Relax facial muscles
- Provide skin-lifting effect
- Increase product absorption
- Instant results
⊗ Cons: Ice/cryo globes have to be chilled ahead of time (usually few hours or overnight) to provide sufficient coolness, which requires planning in advance. Another down side is that many cooling globes are fragile, can be made of cheap glass, and might not be freezer safe. That is to say, read instructions carefully, and handle your skin icing tools with extra care.
Ice Globes Facial Massage At-Home
Ice globes facial massage is becoming a popular treatment, which you can get in the spa salon or do it yourself at home. In addition to having many benefits, this procedure is also very relaxing and it is easy to incorporate into your skin care routine.
How To Use Ice Globes?
Ice globes facial massage can be done on its own or with serums, creams, oils, eye patches and sheet masks to amplify the benefits since facial massage enables deeper penetration of skincare products.
All in all, you can use your facial globes every day or even twice a day as part of your daily beauty routine. For example, morning is best for instant de-puffing, face lifting and as overall skin refreshing and invigorating treatment. On the other hand, evening is great for relaxation, soothing and relieving tension or pain.
1. Prepare you ice globes. Clean your facial globes with alcohol-based sanitizing solution or mild soapy water, and wipe them dry. It is also recommended to clean them after each use.
2. Chilling ice globes. Place your ice globes in the fridge, freezer (if they are freezer safe for extra cooling experience) or bowl with cold water and ice cubes for at least 20 minutes or preferably overnight – you want them to have very cold glass/steel. If your ice globes didn’t come with a storage pouch, you can keep them in a Ziploc bag for hygienic reasons.
3. Facial massage. If you are using ice globes after applying your skincare products, then allow few minutes for skin to absorb all the ingredients before you start rolling motion. Using medium pressure begin circular or gliding upwards and outwards movements concentrating on the areas of concern for about 5-15 minutes.
For best results, check out this video made by Ice Globes, which demonstrates how skin care specialists perform ice globes facial massage.
Best Facial Ice Globes
Even though most ice globes look very similar, they are not all made the same. Some of the best facial globes are made of durable quartz, stainless steel or high quality shatter resistant and freeze proof glass. These cooling globes tend to be higher priced due to more durable and high-quality materials. Also, look for freezer safe globes, as it is more convenient (and safer) to store them in the freezer overnight.
Overall, depending on the quality and brand, and average cost of ice globes is between $20-$60. They can come in different sizes, but medium size works the best for ice globes facial massage. Mini (baby) size is also available and is good for treating eye area or as treatment for sinus pressure.
MonétBeauty Ice Globes
These glitter infused durable blue ice globes are made of freeze proof strong borosilicate glass, and filled with non-toxic environmentally friendly antifreeze liquid. Moreover, these sparkly globes can be placed in the freezer, fridge, bowl of ice or ice water for the best cryo therapy facial massage. Also available in pink and purple color.
Prime Fitness Steel Ice Globes
Unlike most ice globes that are made of glass, these cryo globes are designed with high quality stainless steel, and are more durable and non-breakable. In addition, they come with removable silicone handles (different colors available), and the globes are filled with liquid gel. What sets these steel globes apart, is that they can be used for both cold/ice and hot massage. Also, it’s safe to store them in the freezer.
Blue Quartz Massage Globes
Dual action blue ice globes that can be used for cold or hot facial massage. Also they are made of durable and freezer safe quartz. And instead of antifreeze liquid they are filled with micro gel beads, which keep cold temperatures longer. If used for cryotherapy (cold massage) – keep them in the fridge or freezer for few hours or overnight; for hot massage – place globes in the bowl with hot or warm water for 15-20 minutes.
Pfefe Cryo Globes
What sets these affordable ice globes apart is their slightly elongated sphere shape. The globes are filled with cooling liquid gel that allows them to stay cold longer. Also, pink plastic handles adjust to the room temperature quickly (which is convenient), and add a touch of elegance. Additionally, the plastic storage case is included!
Fraîcheur Ice Globes
High-quality glass globes by Fraicheur Paris that are filled with antifreeze liquid and are made in France. Not only they can be stored in the freezer overnight, but also they don’t collect condensation. Even though they are made using strong glass, you should still be careful while handling them. Fraicheur colorful ice globes come in many vibrant and fun colors!
Floraison Cryo Sticks
Made of medical grade stainless steel, these cryo sticks have slightly different ergonomic design than typical ice globe style. In fact, the spoon shape makes it comfortable for massaging and de-puffing eye area, neck and for overall facial contouring. These stainless steel facial tools are filled with cooling gel, which helps to hold cold temperatures longer. In addition, these high quality unbreakable globes come with storage container and can be safely stored in the freezer.
How are ice roller and jade roller different from ice globes?
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Ice Globes vs Ice Roller
So you might wonder how are ice globes different from ice roller? Both of these skin care tools utilize cold therapy and facial massage therapy. Moreover they share the same anti aging and therapeutic benefits, and can be used in daily beauty routines or as needed.
What sets these facial massagers apart is their ergonomic design and intended use. For example, ice roller can be used on face and other body parts. Since ice roller is designed with a rolling barrel head it might be more comfortable to use it on large body areas, but somewhat uncomfortable to reach small areas like under eyes. Also, you can apply more pressure while using an ice roller, since it’s made of non-breakable plastic. In addition, all ice rollers are freezer safe and very durable.
On the other hand, ice globes might be more comfortable to use for the facial skin lifting massage. They are great for reducing puffiness, soothing inflammation, relieving pain, and also work better for treating eye area unlike ice rollers.
Since most facial globes are fragile (except stainless steel globes), they need to be handled with more care in comparison to ice rollers. Also, keep in mind that not all ice globes are freezer safe as some models can break under frigid temperatures. So if you would like a more intensive treatment you might want to choose either stainless steel ice globes or an ice roller.
Summary
To sum up, ice globes are effective, simple, convenient to use at home facial tools that can benefit any skin type. In addition to utilizing massage therapy, cooling globes also provide benefits of cold/ice therapy. In fact, ice globes facial massage can be done every day in the morning or evening, and is great for de-puffing, stimulating blood flow, soothing inflammation, as acne treatment, firming skin, easing sinus pain or headache, revealing healthy glow and refreshed skin, and much more.
To point out, you can enhance the benefits of ice globes facial massage by using them with skin care products like serums, creams, oils, and over eye patches and sheet mask. Also, cooling globes can be used after intense skincare procedures like extractions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, etc., since they have soothing properties. Even though these cooling globes are intended for the facial massage, they can also be used on other body parts.
However, keep in mind that this facial tool can be fragile, and some models are nor freezer safe, so make sure to read instructions that came with your particular cooling globes.
Related: Review of the best anti aging devices for home use.
Related: How to use gua sha for eyes.
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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 MK, 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
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Skrzek A, et al. “Evaluation of changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of extremely low temperatures.” Cryobiology, Feb. 2019, Vol. 86
