Does Ice Help Acne? Here's What You Should Know

by Truly Beauty August 21, 2023

You’ve tried toothpaste, lemon juice, and now you’re curious: does ice help acne? If you feel like you’ve tried almost every DIY acne treatment in the book, you’re probably interested in how skin icing can benefit your acne.

The question is, does ice get rid of pimples? Or is it just another fad not worth the time and effort? Here’s everything you should know about using ice for acne.

Is Ice Good for Acne?

Does ice help acne or is it just a rumor? According to dermatologists, skin icing for acne does have its fair share of benefits. Mainly thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of ice. Ice can help reduce the redness and swelling of pimples while alleviating irritation.

When you have an injury or swelling in the body, one of the first things you do is grab some ice. You can do the same for acne. Whether you’re dealing with one or a few pesky zits, icing pimples can significantly reduce redness and make them appear less noticeable in a short amount of time.

Something you absolutely MUST know: Swollen skin makes it tough for topical creams to reach the bacteria inside the pores. Since ice reduces swelling, icing your breakouts may help acne treatments get into the pores–and ultimately work harder.

People with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea can benefit from cold therapy due to its ability to quell inflammation.

Why Does Ice Get Rid of Acne?

Ice can help with acne by reducing inflammation, redness, and swelling associated with breakouts. When applied to the skin, ice constricts blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow and diminished inflammation. This is particularly helpful for calming the appearance of acne blemishes.

Ice also provides a numbing effect that can alleviate discomfort and itchiness commonly experienced with acne. Additionally, cold temperatures temporarily cause pores to contract, making them appear smaller and less prone to clogging. Since clogged pores are a major factor in acne development, ice can indirectly aid in preventing new breakouts.

The cold can temporarily reduce the production of skin oil, or sebum, which contributes to acne formation. While ice is not a standalone treatment for acne, its ability to alleviate symptoms and minimize some contributing factors can make it a useful complementary approach alongside comprehensive acne care regimens.

How Long Should I Ice My Acne?

Now you know the answer to does ice help acne, you may be wondering how long you should ice pimples? First of all, you should proceed with caution when applying ice to acne. As effective as ice can be for easing redness and swelling associated with acne, it can be harmful to skin when used for too long.

The derms say you should only apply ice to skin for one minute to decrease swelling and inflammation. You can do this multiple times a day–only at 1-minute intervals.

The good news is, you should start seeing an improvement after just a few sessions. Within a couple of days, your pimple should be gone!

How to Apply Ice on Acne

Does ice help acne? It certainly does but you need to do it the correct way to ensure the best possible results. Here’s how to use ice on acne.

Cleanse your face: Before applying ice, make sure your face is clean. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Prepare the ice: Always wrap an ice cube in a paper towel or plastic bag before applying it to your skin. There should be no direct contact between your skin and the ice cube to avoid damaging your skin.

Apply the ice: Hold the wrapped ice cube gently against the affected area for no longer than a minute. Repeat several times a day at 1-minute intervals.

Remember, while ice can provide temporary relief and help with inflammation, it's not a long-term solution for treating acne. For a comprehensive acne treatment plan, consider incorporating proper skincare, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and consulting a dermatologist if your acne persists or worsens.

Does Ice Help Pimples Overnight?

Using ice on acne overnight can help reduce inflammation and redness, making the breakout appear less prominent in the morning. However, ice is not a magical solution that will make a pimple disappear completely overnight.

With regards to does ice help acne, it certainly does but it’s unlikely it will go away overnight. The cold from the ice can temporarily constrict blood vessels, which may help reduce swelling and redness so your blemish will appear calmer the next day.

Shop Acne-Fighting Skincare

Aside from minimizing redness, ice can make your skincare products work better after applying ice. Here are the best routines to shop now.

Glass Skin Set

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Blur pores, clarify blemishes, and plump your skin with the Glass Skin Set. It features a 2-in-1 cleanser and makeup remover plus a serum to melt away dirt and impurities while refining pores and preventing breakouts. Plus, it’s super gentle and perfect for sensitive skin.

Super Star Routine

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Keep your skin fresh, glowing, and camera-ready with the Super Star Bundle featuring star-shaped acne patches, an anti-aging face serum & mask. Its key ingredients? Retinol, salicylic acid, and vitamin C to speed cellular turnover, unclog pores, and fade hyperpigmentation.

Bodne Bundle

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A 4-step routine designed to cleanse, mist, moisturize, and spot treat your way to a crystal clear bod. Each formula is specifically developed to treat acne on your body with blemish-busting ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, hydrocolloid, and niacinamide.