Skin Health Studios

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Ice Roller Controversy

As a master aesthetician, I must say I am not a fan of a lot of beauty tools out there. There are so many fun modalities and machines I get to work with in the beauty industry, and to tell ya the truth so many of them don’t hold up to my standards.  I’m trusted by thousands of people to be transparent and honest about what I offer so I take that into consideration when I bring on anything in my clinic SkinHealth Studios.

I constantly get asked as a medical aesthetician are: “Does this really work? Will I really see results? How long is it going to be before I actually see a difference?”

My answer is and will always be the same to these questions. Consistency is key and combined with the correct skincare routine, the results can be stellar.

But today in addressing the ice rollers I would say, If you struggle with puffiness, redness, dryness, acne, ice rollers may feel good if you like cold skin but is it life changing - NO.

I do think they can come in handy before an event, after a sunburn, during pregnancy, or to calm redness temporarily.

There are two types you can use Metal Vs. Gel

Typically metal globes stay cold longer so they are ideal for those who feel like they need the extra cold penetration. This being said, metal rollers will send that cold temperature deep into the skin and last for longer amounts of time than a gel roller. If you struggle with very sensitive or reactive skin, starting with a gel roller may benefit you a bit more as they are a bit more gentle on the skin and don’t feel as abrasive.

Now lets talk Shapes:

Globe shaped rollers are great for massage around those hard to reach areas like the eyes and jawline. Flat headed rollers will help to cover larger areas like the cheeks, forehead, and neck. Some rollers even come equipped with different attachment heads for dual usage in these areas.

My Best Tips:

  • Ice rollers are a great tool to use first thing in the morning when you’re feeling extra puffy and need to drain the lymph system, use after you have cleansed and toned your skin, but before putting on moisturizer.

  • Be cautious with your rollers when you remove them from the freezer, especially the metal rollers. You want to let them defrost for 15 minutes or put them under some warm water if they’ve been in the freezer overnight. (Think “A Christmas Story” tongue-on-a- frozen-pole-scene... damp skin plus a frozen roller can be risky.)

  • Sanitize rollers after each use. Many rollers have a detachable head which makes this easier.

  • If you’ve gotten any injections or aggressive laser treatments in the past week, avoid using your ice roller as it can push product into unwanted areas. If you are ever uncertain of these things, just ask your provider.

Final Takeaway is:

I do not use these at home or in my clinic, but I say have fun with them, dont set high expectations for a result-driven; life changing tool. However, it yields a very temporary relief for some.