Two years ago I bought this $24 ice roller on Amazon and it has become my long-time love. For a while it was buried in the freezer only to resurface recently and I forgot how much I loved it!
I wrote this post a long time ago, but I’m reviving it because if you don’t already have one, I think it’s the most fun and affordable little self-care gift you could buy for yourself––(aren’t we all looking for one of those ?) I think it’s sorely needed as we move into the LAST month of 2020. And I also think we could all use some relief after Thanksgiving. 😂
Ice Roller Benefits
First, the obvious:
What is an ice roller? What does an ice roller do?
An ice roller is more or less what it sounds like: a facial massage device that you roll over your face. Depending on the model, it can be filled with water/gel inside (like mine!) so it can withstand cold temps, or there’s also the stainless steel ice roller to make it SUPER chill. I guess it’s just personal preference – I haven’t tried the stainless steel version!
Store it in the freezer for cold therapy and use it every day as part of your skincare routine, or at least store it in there and pull it out for a spa-like treatment you can do at home.
Short term benefits:
There are many benefits to rolling ice! Basically, an ice roller will help anything that ice or massage will help too. In the comfort of your home and for only $20!
Lymphatic drainage and deflation:
You may have heard of lymphatic massage, and this is the same thing, but much cheaper! It helps increase blood flow, drain fluids and, therefore, deflate the face. This is especially effective on the lower part of the eyes right after you have woken up. (Especially after a few too many martinis the night before.) It really helps you look and feel more awake, and it’s a great way to start or end the day.
Calms and reduces inflammation:
If your skin is really inflamed, either because it’s bad or right after you’ve had a facial, an ice roller is the BEST way to help it heal. The massaging part will stimulate blood flow, soothe the skin and help speed up the recovery process and reduce redness. Rolling ice helps constrict blood vessels and also reduces the appearance of broken capillaries!
Help with headaches:
Many people say that rolling ice on the temples helps relieve headaches. (Again… back to the hangover part, haha!)
Soothes sore muscles:
Ice rollers are beneficial for your face and body! They are great for muscle aches and pains anywhere on your body! Simply apply where you feel pain for cold therapy relief!
Helps products to be more easily absorbed:
This is because ice rollers help stimulate blood flow and therefore, when used at the end of your skincare routine, help products absorb further. (Just make sure you’ve allowed enough time for them to sink in initially, you don’t want your face oil or eye cream spilling all over the roller and wasting it.)
Long-term benefits:
Many say that with regular daily use over time, ice rollers can help reduce wrinkles and prevent aging. (I can’t speak to that honestly, I don’t use mine religiously twice a day.) Basically, I think it’s worth it for the spa experience itself, but I guess time will tell on the anti-aging part, right?
Does it have the same benefits as the Jade roller?
Basically yes. You can also put your jade roller in the freezer! I just don’t think it will stay cold for very long. The jade roller is also smaller, which is why many people like it better because it can also penetrate the smaller parts of the face better. I also have a jade roller from Amazon! (I like to keep it in my makeup bag for when I’m on the go or when I’m too lazy to walk to the freezer. 😂
How do you use an ice roller?
You want to make sure you don’t apply makeup, so do it in the morning and/or at night after applying your products and allow them to absorb FULLY.
Take your ice roller out of the freezer. (You can completely remove the little part of the roller from the handle and just freeze that part, but I’m lazy, so I freeze it all!) Start by rolling your face in sections: start near your nose and work your way out. I like to roll under my eyes, and then let the ice roller sit under them for a few seconds to further de-puff. I roll it up and down and sideways along my cheekbones. I then continue with my forehead, rolling towards the hairline.
Do this until the temperature rises or until you feel relaxed enough! Then you can clean with soap and water, or a wipe, and put it back in the freezer.
I hope it helps you squeeze a few extra minutes of zen into your day!
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