Acne is a prominent skin problem that affects a lot of people. Pimples, blackheads, and cysts develop when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and germs. While there are many acne treatments, some people turn to natural remedies. One popular option is using ice, but does it really help acne?
The Science Behind Ice and Acne
To understand how ice might help with acne, it’s important to know how both acne and ice work. Acne is an inflammatory condition, which means it causes redness, swelling, and pain. Ice may help relieve these symptoms by restricting blood vessels, a process known as vasoconstriction.
This decreases blood flow to the affected area, which can lessen irritation and redness, making pimples less visible. The cold also numbs the area, easing the pain, especially in cystic acne, which is often more painful than other types.
Does Ice Help Acne?
If you’re wondering if icing pimples can help, it doesn’t directly heal acne or pimples or stop future breakouts, but it can help with some symptoms:
Reduces Redness
Ice can temporarily reduce the redness around inflamed pimples.
Alleviates Pain
Ice’s numbing effect can ease the pain from cystic acne.
Decreases Swelling
Ice can help reduce swelling in inflamed areas.
However, ice alone isn’t a complete acne treatment. It works best when combined with a regular skincare program that includes washing, moisturizing, and maybe other treatments.
Hot or Cold Compress for Pimple Treatment?
When treating pimples, you might wonder whether hot or cold compresses are better.
Cold Compress
A cold compress, or ice, is best for reducing swelling and inflammation. When you have inflamed pimples, ice helps shrink blood vessels and calm the area. So, if your pimple is red, swollen, or painful, a cold compress is the right choice. It is best for inflammatory acne, like cystic acne.
Hot Compress
On the other hand, a hot compress is more useful for pimples caused by clogged pores. Heat opens up your pores and may help to remove the material trapped inside. If you have a blackhead or whitehead, a warm compress could help clear it out. But, for swollen and inflamed pimples, a cold compress will usually work better. More effective for non-inflammatory acne, like blackheads, as heat helps bring these to the surface and helps them drain.
How to Use Ice for Acne
To safely use ice on acne, follow these steps:
Wrap Ice in a Cloth
Never apply ice directly to your skin. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth or towel to prevent frostbite and skin injury.
Apply to the Affected Area
Apply the wrapped ice to your pimple for around 1-2 minutes at a time. You can repeat this up to 3-4 times a day but don’t overdo it.
Cold Compress for Larger Areas
For large pimples or cystic acne, you might want to use a cold compress. Soak a cloth in cold water and rub it against your skin to lessen inflammation across a larger region.
Be Gentle
Don’t apply the ice too harshly. Gently press the cloth to the skin to avoid irritating the area further.
Ice and Acne Scars
When pimples form deep in the skin, they can damage the surrounding tissue. Once the pimple heals, the body creates collagen to repair the skin. Scars, on the other hand, can result from an excess or a lack of collagen.
Around 80–90% of acne scarring happens when a pimple damages collagen or when the body doesn’t make enough during healing. Not enough collagen leads to depressed or flat scars, while too much collagen results in raised scars.
Cold tools like cryorollers may help reduce depressed acne scars when used with other medical treatments.
A 2014 study examined the efficacy of combining cryorolling or dermarolling with subcision, a small procedure used to repair depressed acne scars. According to the study, cryorolling and subcision decreased scarring by 61%, but derma rolling and subcision improved it only by 45%.
Potential Risks of Using Ice on Acne
While ice can help with acne, there are some risks. If you apply ice for too long or too directly, it can damage your skin. Ice should be wrapped in a cloth and used for no more than 1-2 minutes at a time.
Also, if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first. Before applying ice to bigger sections of your face or body, test it on a small area first to see how your skin reacts.
Other Acne Remedies
Ice is just one way to manage acne. For the best results, it should be combined with other acne treatments. Here are a few other home remedies to consider:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial qualities that can help reduce acne-causing germs. Dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it on pimples.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its calming effects. Applying aloe vera gel to acne helps soothe inflamed skin and minimize inflammation.
Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
These substances are commonly used in over-the-counter acne remedies. They assist in exfoliating the skin, removing clogged pores, and eliminating microorganisms.
Healthy Skincare Routine
Having a gentle skincare routine can prevent future breakouts. Be sure to cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate regularly to keep your skin clear.
It’s Just a Temporary Relief, Not a Solution
Ice can provide short-term relief for acne symptoms, but it’s not a complete solution. While it may reduce redness, swelling, and pain, it doesn’t address the underlying causes of acne. The real takeaway is that acne treatment requires a multi-faceted approach. Combining ice with other remedies, a good skincare routine, and possibly professional treatments can help manage acne more effectively. Ultimately, understanding that ice is a tool, not a cure, is key to finding lasting relief.