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Experts believe that temperature-driven technology can take a facial from good to better—we attempt to find out more.

Facials that feel hot or cold on the skin are dermat-approved

Experts believe that temperature-driven technology can take a facial from good to better—we attempt to find out more 

Conventionally, we resort to both warm and cold compresses to subside inflammation, aches or bruises. And, both are equally effective in providing relief, which establishes the relationship between our skin’s response system and extreme temperatures, from a treatment point of view. This explains why dermatologists have recognised the merit of temperature, employing it in the many medi facials they offer. From laser peels to cryotherapy facials, there are several options that make use of heat or chilled waves to tackle common skin concerns. We speak to three skincare professionals to understand why facials espouse different temperatures and how two polar opposite temperatures can affect—and benefit—the skin. 

Hot versus cold 

With the kinds of skin treatments proliferating by leaps and bounds, more and more technological advancements have become a part of facials, giving good old clean-ups an upgrade. You can choose between a cryotherapy facial—also known as ice facial—and a carbon laser peel which involves the emission of heat based on your skin’s requirements. But, how do these contrasting temperatures impact your skin?

Temperatures in a facial play a dynamic role in enhancing skincare treatments, says Dr Harshna Bijlani. Image: Freepik

Temperatures in a facial play a dynamic role in enhancing skincare treatments, says Dr Harshna Bijlani. Image: Freepik

Conventionally, we resort to both warm and cold compresses to subside inflammation, aches or bruises. Image: Pexels

Conventionally, we resort to both warm and cold compresses to subside inflammation, aches or bruises. Image: Pexels

Temperatures in a facial play a dynamic role in enhancing skincare treatments, says Dr Harshna Bijlani, Mumbai-based celebrity aesthetician. “The strategic application of heat and cold temperatures offers a range of benefits for the skin. Heat treatments, such as warm facials help open pores, stimulate blood circulation and promote relaxation, making them valuable for deep cleansing, enhanced product absorption and skin rejuvenation,” explains Bijlani. “On the other hand, cold facials constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin and minimise pores, making such therapies ideal for calming sensitive skin, reducing puffiness and providing an immediate revitalising effect.”

Elaborating upon the distinction between the two, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder of ISAAC Luxe says, “Cryotherapy is a treatment that exposes your skin to below-freezing temperatures; it uses liquid nitrogen to expose your face to frigid temperatures, causing the blood vessels to contract and tighten, so when the skin returns to normal, the blood vessels dilate back quickly. This impulsive gush makes the skin appear glowing and plump. Additionally, people with acne-prone and sensitive skin or those having rosacea are advised to opt for a cold facial.” 

“BOTH TEMPERATURES PROMOTE VASCULAR CIRCULATION AND ENHANCE THE RESULTS OF COMPLEMENTARY SKIN TREATMENTS. AT THE END OF THE DAY, THEY ARE SAFE, AFFORDABLE AND NON-INVASIVE”

Dr Veenapraveen

Similarly, facials that incorporate lasers involve the use of focused light energy, which generates heat. This heat is typically on the hotter side of the spectrum and can vary depending on the type of laser used and the specific treatment, mentions Bijlani. “During a laser facial, a specialised device emits controlled laser energy onto the skin’s surface. This energy is absorbed by targeted areas, generating heat that penetrates the skin’s deeper layers and triggers its natural healing response, leading to the formation of new collagen and the eventual improvement of skin concerns. Thus, laser facials are primarily used for skin resurfacing, rejuvenation and addressing wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, scars and hyperpigmentation.”

How does temperature enhance a facial?

On the surface level, a hot/warm sensation is known to stimulate a sense of relaxation while a more chilled sensation is optimum for puffiness, inflammation and fatigue, which is why we see most celebrities dunk their face into a bowl full of ice as a key step to prep their skin. Facials strategically harness temperature settings to optimise skin health, says Mittal Gupta. “Hot/warm facials improve blood circulation, which is necessary for oxygen and nutrients to flow easily as it renders the skin more permeable. Plus, heat ushers open pores, making it conducive to thorough cleansing and absorption. Cold temperatures promote vasoconstriction, which is the shrinking of the blood vessels; it can soothe and reduce inflammation effectively.” 

Cold temperatures promote vasoconstriction, which is the shrinking of the blood vessels; it can soothe and reduce inflammation effectively, explains Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta. Image: Freepik

Cold temperatures promote vasoconstriction, which is the shrinking of the blood vessels; it can soothe and reduce inflammation effectively, explains Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta. Image: Freepik

Temperature-controlled medi facial ensures maximised output with augmented adherence to its deliverables, which otherwise may not be possible manually, or even mechanically. Image: Pexels

Temperature-controlled medi facial ensures maximised output with augmented adherence to its deliverables, which otherwise may not be possible manually, or even mechanically. Image: Pexels

Dr Veenapraveen, consulting dermatologist with Kaya Clinic, summarises that hot and cold temperatures, by virtue of their nature, have a converse effect on the skin. “For instance, if hot temperatures open up the pores to decongest and unclog them, cold temperatures shrink the size of the pores for a tighter and more even appearance.” While a laser facial utilises a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, in the case of an ice facial the temperature drops to as low as -4 to -11 degrees Celsius. As a result, a temperature-controlled medi facial ensures maximised output with augmented adherence to its deliverables, which otherwise may not be possible manually, or even mechanically, in the absence of hot or cold temperatures. 

What’s best suited for you?

Choosing the right facial for yourself demands an evaluation of many active factors such as your skin type, present skin concerns, history of your skin, and the outcome you wish to achieve [from the facial]—the temperature, thereby, becomes a passive factor. For instance, if you walk into a clinic with blemishes, congestion and blackheads or whiteheads, a dermatologist is likely to recommend a carbon laser peel that deep-cleanses and unclogs your pores by means of detoxification—that the treatment involves some heat release is just a part of the game. The same rule applies in the case of ice facials or cryotherapy treatments.

Choosing the right facial for yourself demands an evaluation of many active factors such as your skin type, present skin concerns, history of your skin, and the outcome you wish to achieve [from the facial]—the temperature, thereby, becomes a passive factor. Image: Freepik

Choosing the right facial for yourself demands an evaluation of many active factors such as your skin type, present skin concerns, history of your skin, and the outcome you wish to achieve [from the facial]—the temperature, thereby, becomes a passive factor. Image: Freepik

According to Bijlani, individuals with combination skin might benefit from using warm treatments on dry areas to enhance moisture absorption, and cold treatments on oily areas to reduce excess oil. For sensitive, inflamed or irritated skin, a cold facial passes as the best choice, considering it barely involves any side-effects with respect to redness, irritation or any reactions. For oily and extremely congested skin, starting with a deep-cleansing facial that includes a laser or radiofrequency step can improve pore health and make the skin more receptive to ingredients. “Various lasers which fall into this category of treatments can be used to treat different types of pigmentation too; some heating technologies are even used for facelifting and collagen stimulation,” cites Veenapraveen. “A combination of warm and cold therapies can be used to address both signs of ageing and enlarged pores,” says Bijlani. 

Veenapraveen believes that adding a temperature technology can drive a treatment from good to better. “When alternated, both temperatures promote vascular circulation and enhance the results of complementary skin treatments. At the end of the day, they are safe, affordable and non-invasive,” says the skincare expert. “Consulting with a skincare professional, particularly if you have existing skin conditions or allergies, can help you choose the right temperature-based treatments that align with your skin’s needs and goals,” advises Bijlani.

Also Read: Are medi-facials better than in-salon skin treatments?

Also Read: Have active-based skincare routines spelt the end for facials?

Also Read: Advances in technology have revamped facials—here’s what you need to know


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