Cold has always had a place in beauty, just not quite like this. Sure, your grandma may have reached for an ice cube to zap a breakout, and chances are you’ve rolled a chilled jade tool under your eyes after a sleepless night. But today’s beauty world is cranking the chill factor up a notch, turning it into an immersive experience. Enter the cryo facial—or cryotherapy facial—a treatment that’s quickly gaining cult status for its promise of a de-puffed, tightened, glowing complexion after just one session.
The cryo facial upgrade has gone viral on TikTok, with influencers swearing by its instant results. However, before you book an appointment based solely on social media hype, it’s worth understanding what really happens during a session, and whether it actually aligns with your skin goals.
What is a cryo facial?
At its core, a cryo facial is a non-invasive treatment that involves blowing extremely cold air, often vaporized liquid nitrogen, across the face using a wand-like device. Depending on the provider and the specific protocol, the session can last anywhere from ten to thirty minutes. The goal? To boost blood circulation, reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and deliver that fresh-faced, camera-ready glow.
Though it may feel like a futuristic skincare hack, cryotherapy has roots in the world of wellness and medicine. Athletes have long relied on it to speed up muscle recovery and combat inflammation. Now, that same science is being redirected from locker rooms to luxury spas, offering your face a high-tech cooldown that’s as performance-driven as it is pampering.
The science behind cryo facial
What makes cryotherapy so effective comes down to how the body naturally responds to cold. When your skin is exposed to freezing temperatures, the surface blood vessels constrict. Then, as your body begins to warm up again, those vessels dilate, triggering a boost in circulation. This fresh surge of blood brings a higher concentration of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, fueling regeneration at a cellular level.
Over time, the cold also stimulates collagen production. Since collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful, this could mean a visible slowdown in the signs of aging. At the same time, cryotherapy supports lymphatic drainage, which helps flush out toxins and reduce puffiness, leaving your complexion clearer, calmer, and more sculpted.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
For anyone battling puffiness, dull skin, or mild redness, cryo facials can deliver almost instant results. After just one session, skin often feels tighter and looks visibly brighter. You might notice reduced puffiness around the eyes and a more sculpted jawline—one reason this treatment is beloved by models, brides, and anyone prepping for a big event. But the benefits aren’t just skin-deep. With consistent sessions, cryo facials can support long-term improvements in tone, elasticity, and texture.
Drawbacks to consider
Still, for all its glow-inducing power and glowing reviews, cryotherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all miracle. Certain skin types and medical conditions call for caution. If you have extremely sensitive skin, a cold allergy, rosacea, or visible capillaries, the intense cold may do more harm than good, potentially triggering flare-ups or discomfort. It’s also important to avoid the treatment if you’ve recently undergone chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microneedling; your skin needs time to recover before braving sub-zero temperatures.
And for those with underlying conditions like Raynaud’s disease, severe migraines, or heart-related concerns, a consultation with a medical professional is a must before booking an appointment.
What to expect during and after your cryo facial
The session itself feels almost futuristic. You lie back as the technician moves a cold wand in sweeping motions across your face. At first, the sensation can be intense, especially if you’re not used to cold exposure. However, most people describe it as refreshing and energizing. Thankfully, the treatment is painless. There’s no downtime, and you can return to your daily routine right away. In fact, some people even apply makeup afterward without any issues.
That said, it’s crucial that your technician is properly trained. Improper use of cryo tools can cause cold burns or irritation, particularly if the device is held too close or used for too long in one spot.
To make the most of your session, your skin needs proper prep. Arrive with a clean face, skip heavy makeup, and avoid exfoliants or active ingredients like acids or retinoids the day before.
Afterward, your skin will be more absorbent. This is the ideal time to apply hydrating serums or calming moisturizers. But be careful—avoid steam, hot showers, or intense workouts immediately after your session. The sudden contrast between cold and heat can stress your skin. Lastly, don’t forget sunscreen. Your skin may feel more sensitive, and protection is key to maintaining results.
Why cryo facials are a marathon, not a sprint
Cryo facials deliver a kind of magic—immediate, yet fleeting. The lifted, snatched look and radiant glow appear almost instantly, but they typically fade within a few days. For more lasting benefits, such as improved collagen production or enhanced skin tone, consistency is key. Most experts recommend scheduling treatments weekly or biweekly. In many ways, it’s like a workout for your face: one session can leave you feeling refreshed, but true results come with time, routine, and commitment.
That said, cryo facials aren’t miracle workers. They won’t unclog pores, reverse years of sun damage, or erase deep acne scars. However, when integrated into a broader skincare regimen, they can absolutely support healthier, more resilient skin in the long run.
Conclusion
Cold therapy is one of the more exciting frontiers in non-invasive skincare. It’s quick, generally safe for a wide range of skin types, and deeply satisfying when you’re craving a reset. But like all beauty treatments, it’s not a miracle fix. It won’t replace a well-rounded skincare routine, nor is it suitable for absolutely everyone.
That said, what cold therapy can offer is immediate, visible improvement—skin that looks fresher, feels tighter, and glows a little brighter. Still, before indulging just because it’s trending, take a moment to check in with your skin. What are you hoping to achieve? Is this treatment aligned with your skin’s needs? Talk to a licensed professional and make sure you’re making an informed choice.
Because while cold beauty may be having its moment, what truly matters is how your skin feels when the glow fades. If it feels strong, hydrated, and resilient, then maybe a little extra chill was exactly what it needed.
Featured image: YakobchukOlena/iStock
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
—Read also