Answer:

Icing your face can soothe mild skin inflammation and help reduce redness and burning sensations in acne-prone areas. The cold temperature also constricts blood vessels, temporarily tightening pores and reducing oil production—a contributing factor to acne formation.

However, this is only a temporary fix and cannot completely treat acne types like blackheads, whiteheads, inflammatory acne, pustules, or cystic acne. If done incorrectly, sudden cold exposure can cause pores to constrict rapidly, trapping sebum and bacteria, potentially worsening acne. Cold water cannot entirely remove excess oil and dirt, making it ineffective for thorough cleansing. Without proper cleansing, pores can clog, leading to recurring or spreading breakouts.

Doctor Quach Thu Trang advises on medically sound skincare. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, commonly appearing during puberty and in individuals with oily skin. Its severity and lesion types vary, ranging from mild whiteheads and blackheads to severe inflammatory acne, pustules, and cystic acne. Treatment duration depends on the acne's severity, individual skin type, and chosen care and treatment methods.

Current acne treatments include topical medications, oral medications, dermatological procedures, and daily skincare. Consult a dermatologist for a treatment plan tailored to your specific acne condition. Icing your face should be considered a supplementary step to soothe skin in the morning, not a replacement for professional treatments.

If you experience burning, numbness, or irritation when applying ice to your skin, discontinue immediately. Afterward, apply moisturizer to prevent dryness. Using ice cubes made from soothing ingredients like green tea, cucumber juice, or aloe vera can enhance the calming and nourishing effects on your skin.

Doctor Quach Thu Trang,

Dermatology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi