Mythbusters: Does Ice Cure Acne?
Mostly, we think of ice as that stuff that gets in the way of a perfectly good glass of Scotch. But ice as an acne treatment? That’s the word on the Internet these days, as the term “ice facial” has been gaining traction in beauty forums. Our BS meter flashed code red, so we asked Lifebooker’s own acne specialist Julie Pruitt to find out if ice really can stop zits.
Lifebooker: In forums, people say that if they notice a large pimple forming, they ice that spot in several 45-second intervals and notice that it’s much smaller, or even gone altogether, the next day. Can this really occur?
Julie Pruitt: Yes, ice will shrink down the inflammation of a pimple.
LB: But does it actually make pimples go away, or does it just decrease the size by reducing swelling?
JP: It reduces the size but the comedone is still in the pore until extracted.
[Ed. Note: Comedone is the hardened sebum that gets stuck in the pore. “Comedone & Sebum” sounds like an awesome buddy comedy, doesn’t it?]
LB: Does icing your face on a regular basis prevent acne?
JP: Icing won’t prevent acne from forming—especially if the person uses comedogenic products, has a genetic disposition to forming acne, or experiences hormonal acne. The only true way to prevent acne is to exfoliate and use products that go inside the pore to kill bacteria.
LB: What steps should someone take when they see a pimple forming?
JP: Icing is a tool but not the cure-all. It will help reduce inflammation, but if you break out a lot you need to be on a home-care routine to prevent the acne from forming in the first place. I do consider icing an effective method [to reduce swelling], but it can actually burn your skin so it is only recommended to ice for one to two minutes.
There you have it. No, an ice facial won’t cure acne. But it will minimize the damage if you need to show your face in public. In a pinch, a cold can of Diet Coke works, too. (Speaking from experience, of course.)
Want to get your acne under control without sticking your head in the freezer? Book an acne facial with Julie Pruitt in San Francisco.
