Can cryotherapy be used on the face? Does facial cryotherapy really work? In this blog, we’ll answer these two questions that are commonly asked along with a few others. Do take a moment to check out our Cryotherapy Facial page which gives you the full lowdown on this treatment at Cryojuvenate in Sevenoaks.
Can cryotherapy be used on the face?
Yes, cryotherapy is safe to use on the face. Cryotherapy on the face has been shown to be beneficial for several conditions. The cold air benefits a range of conditions from acute injuries like a black eye to long term skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It is popular as a non-invasive treatment as it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and stimulates collagen production.
Benefits of facial cryotherapy
- Reduction in redness
- Reduction in inflammation and puffiness
- Helps skin regeneration
- Activates collagen production
- Minimises pores, fine lines and wrinkles
- Delivers more oxygen to the skin
- Stimulates cell turnover – regenerate new skin cells
Facial Cryotherapy – Step-By-Step
Here’s an overview of how a cryotherapy facial might be delivered:
STEP 1 – Consultation
A brief consult to discuss the client’s skincare concerns and any contraindications for the cryotherapy treatment. As well as discuss what the facial cryotherapy treatment is going be like and in what order the treatment will be done.
STEP 2 – Preparing the area for facial cryotherapy
The skin is cleansed removing any makeup, dirt or oil.
STEP 3 – Application of facial cryotherapy
The therapist will set up the device used to the desired temperatures and intensity.
The air is then directed on the clients face, generally starting from the chin and moving up to the forehead.
The air is generally applied in a sweeping motion from the chin up to the forehead. This allows for full coverage of the skin. The device can also be used in specific areas such as on rosacea, acne spots or fine lines and wrinkles.
The duration of the cryotherapy varies depending on the client’s skin types, sensitivity and goals. The cryotherapy is normally around 10 to 15 minutes.
STEP 4 – Cryo Mask
Some cryotherapy facials involve a cryo mask on the face. The mask contains cooling ingredients and is left on the skin for around 10 to 15 minutes. The skin will absorb the cooling ingredients enhancing the treatment.
STEP 5 – Combination Treatments
Cryotherapy can be combined with other treatments such as micro current therapy or LED light therapy. These are normally around 5 to 10 minutes.
STEP 6 – Post-Treatment Care
After the cryotherapy moisturiser or serum is applied to the skin to replenish moisture and improve complexion.
STEP 7 – Follow up
Varying from client to client a series of facials may be recommended to achieve the results the client wants. At home maintenance or skin care routine may be recommended to the client.
What to expect from our Algae facial
At Cryojuvenate the device we use to deliver the cryotherapy is a Mecotec Cryoair, this machine delivers cold air to the skin through a nozzle allowing it to be an effective tool for the facial.
- 2 cleanses and 1 tone
- 7 minutes of cold air each side of the face, in a sweeping motion starting from your chin up to your forehead
- Algae mask which is full of vitamins and minerals to help hydrate your skin
- While the mask sets a shoulder, neck and head massage to relieve tension, promote blood flow and help stimulate the lymphatic system
- Remove mask
- Recovery cream and protection cream including SPF
This video on our YouTube channel gives you an idea what a typical cryotherapy facial with us will look like:
What type of skin can the facial be used on?
Cryotherapy facials can be beneficial to various skin types and conditions. This is due to the cryotherapy improving circulation, stimulated collagen production and reduces inflammation.
- Normal skin
- The cold air helps to maintain the health and vibrancy of normal skin as it tightens pores, refreshes the skin and helps to promote circulation
- Dry
- Sensitive
- The cold air helps to soothe irritation, redness and inflammation. Making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types to help prove relief.
- Oily combination
- Cryotherapy facials help to regulate oil production which helps to tighten pores reducing the appearance of enlarged pores
- Aging skin
- The cold air stimulates collagen which helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity. This help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Acne or hormonal skin
- The cold air helps to reduce inflammation and reduce redness. The cold temperatures constrict the blood vessels which temporarily numbs the nerve endings helping to alleviate the redness and itchiness.
- Dull/ Fatigued skin
- Cryotherapy improves circulation and delivers more oxygen to the skin refreshing the skin.
- Sun Damaged Skin
- Cryotherapy promotes collagen production and enhances skin renewal processes
What are the benefits of combining cryotherapy with a face mask?
Using an algae face mask in conjunction with facial cryotherapy can provide complementary benefits and enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
The mask contains alginate which helps to strengthen the skin, reduce redness and irritation as well as deep moisturisation. It also contains aloe which is high in vitamins, minerals and amino acids which helps to soothe inflammation as well as skin regeneration and wound healing.
Benefits of an Aloe algae mask
- Deep moisturisation
- Reduction in redness
- Reduction in irritation
- Soothes inflammation
- Helps skin regeneration
- Increases elasticity and tautness of the skin
Benefits of a Hyaluronic mask
- The hyaluronic mask can be used on all skin types but is good for dry and mature skin.
- The hyaluronic acid within the mask helps to hydrate skin, which helps to smooth and reduce wrinkles as well as protecting the skin against loss of elasticity.
- Hyaluronic acid has been proven to help bind and retain water molecules which helps to improve skin moisturisation, elasticity, skin hydration, stimulate collagen as well as skin tightness and reduction in wrinkles (Al-Halaseh et al., 2022)
Do I have to take the facial to get the cryotherapy?
No, you can have just the cryotherapy on the face.
This is the localised cryotherapy which a treatment is 10 minutes long. The only difference from a normal localised treatment and facial cryotherapy is we will change the nozzle on the machine to one that is suitable for the face.
What conditions could facial cryotherapy help with?
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Eczema
- Topical steroid withdrawal
- Psoriasis
- Puffy inflamed skin
- Bruising (black eyes)
- Sun damaged skin
How does cold therapy benefit the skin?
The cold air increases the blood flow to the face which soothes inflammation and speeds up cell regeneration. The new blood flow carries oxygen, nutrients and proteins to the skin which helps to remove toxins and helps to repair. The cold also stimulates collagen production which firms and plumps the skin.
Cryotherapy has been found effective in improving skins conditions by reducing the redness present in these conditions. Research found the biggest effect was noticed after 10 sessions of cryotherapy (Tlish, M.M, et al., 2018).
A study has found cryotherapy may help to relieve symptoms of itching in patients with mild to moderate eczema (Lee, Eun Hye, et al., 2021). This study also showed results were experienced from straight after the treatment was provided as well as a reduction of itchiness 1, 2 and 8 weeks after the treatment.
Shamsadini et al., 2005 found that localised cryotherapy helped to improve and, in some cases, resolve areas affected by psoriasis. The conclusion from this study showed cryotherapy an effective treatment for psoriasis as its an easy, safe and pain free treatment compared to other treatment out there.
As cryotherapy has been proven to reduce redness, itching, and swelling this help people with acne, topical steroid withdrawal, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema to manage and improve their symptoms.
While studies show evidence to support the benefits of cold therapy for the skin, further research needs to be completed to understand the long-term effects of facial cryotherapy. Individual responses to cold therapy can vary so its recommend to consult with a qualified skincare professional.
Introductory offer for facial cryotherapy
If you’re a new client or an existing who hasn’t yet experienced our skin-boosting cryotherapy facial (there are two to choose from), you’re in for a treat! We’re offering an exclusive introductory special for you to enjoy this rejuvenating treatment. Take advantage of this opportunity to indulge in our luxurious facial and discover the benefits of cryotherapy for your skin.
Visit our Special Offers page for more great offers or get booked in here.
Luxury Cryotherapy Facial with Algae Face Mask (60 minutes)
60 minutes of pure bliss. Unplug, unwind and let our qualified therapists indulge you with the ultimate pampering treatment: our luxury cryotherapy facial with algae mask.
A deeply nourishing algae face mask, scalp and neck massage and state-of-the-art cryotherapy on the face are all part of this luxurious ritual. All products used are made from natural ingredients and free from yucky parabonds or synthetic ingredients. This treatment offers the perfect amount of opulence to make it a really special gift for somebody you love.
Cryotherapy Express Facial (25 minutes)
Slow you down? We wouldn’t dream of it! The Cryo Express Facial Sevenoaks is a 25 minute complexion booster that won’t take you away from your busy day. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or to use more regularly if treating a skin condition. We’re open 7 days a week, including some late nights, so it couldn’t be easier or more convenient to pop this treatment into your schedule.
Read more blogs about facial cryotherapy
