Ice globes are a modern avatar of the natural ice cube treatment taking over shelfs across the world, and for good reason. In fact, ice globes are also the secret behind celebrities' flawless skin. "Ice globes are one of the most popular and emerging beauty tools with one spherical end, meant to be frozen to provide a cooling sensation on the skin when used," affirms Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Aesthetic Physician & Founder Isaac.
Like ice cubes, ice globes promote lymphatic drainage and help strengthen skin elasticity but are far less messy. Explaining its unprecedented popularity on skincare influencers' beauty shelves, Dr Gupta adds, "Ice globes offer more optimal usage and accelerate the benefits of incorporating ice into your skincare regime."
How is it different from rubbing ice on your face?
Rubbing ice directly on your face can leave your face highly sensitised and, in extreme cases, also trigger issues like rosacea and inflammation, says Vibhuti Arora, face yoga expert and co-founder House of Beauty. "If you rub ice on your skin for too long, you are at the risk of an Ice burn. Just the way you get a heat burn, you can get an ice burn, which can leave a scar too," she adds. Ice globes are usually at a 1-3 degrees temperature, thus eliminating such risks.
What are the benefits?
So, it's a fact, not a fad, that ice globes help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten the complexion, and give the face a natural lift and that glow. Think of ice globes as dumbbells for the face, tools which make the workout more effective. "Ice globes work on the facial muscles and relax the eye muscles after a long day of excessive screen time," says Arora. It works to even out skin tone, refine pores, and relieve migraine and sinus pain headaches more than a cooling treatment. And, of course, reduce puffiness. "It stimulates circulation and oxygenates the skin, making you look and feel like you've caught more zzz's by firming skin and reducing puffiness," says Arora.
How to make the most of your ice globes?
Freeze the ice globes overnight or for at least 45 mins before using them. Cleanse your face with your preferred cleanser and pat it dry.
According to Dr Gupta, gently massaging with ice globes for 10-15 minutes is the standard procedure for using the globes. You don't need to be a skincare pro to master this technique. It's simple. The rule of the thumb is to massage upward if you seek a firmer skin tone and elasticity and massage it in downward strokes to encourage lymphatic drainage and help to de-puff the skin. Either way, you are a winner.
"For a lymphatic massage, roll the globes down along the forehead, sides of the face, and neck. This will help ease tension, stimulate nerves and release toxins. For a lifting massage, roll the globes upwards along your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead. This will help stimulate blood circulation and oxygenate the skin," adds Arora, known for her result-oriented approach as she combines tools with techniques. You could combine ice globes with sheet masks, serums, and creams as a weekend ritual.
What results should you expect, and in how many days?
If you work out for a day in a month, will you have toned muscles? Consistency is the key to efficacy. Like any facial or beauty tool, it is imperative to be consistent with using the ice globes to see tangible results. You have to give it three weeks. "With the right techniques, you can expect immediate calming and relaxing effects on acne and pimples. But only when it's used every day for 21 days with corrective skincare you can expect improved skin texture, smoothening of fine lines and under-eye dullness reduced," says Arora.