A cryo facial specifically targets the face with extreme cold exposure to reduce the inflammatory symptoms of acne and help prevent the overproduction of sebum, but there is also research showing that Whole Body Cryotherapy can also be used as an effective treatment for the skin.
When cryotherapy is applied to the face, the effects are often noticeable immediately, and with consistent treatment, the benefits for acne sufferers can be long term.
IS CRYOTHERAPY EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING ACNE?
Applying cryotherapy treatment to the face has many benefits for the skin and is a good way of reducing acne. The face is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time which boosts collagen production in the skin.
This causes the pores to tighten, which reduces their size so that it is harder for impurities to build up and form blackheads, pimples or acne.
The cold temperature also causes the blood vessels in the face to contract. Once the skin returns to its normal temperature, the vessels dilate, stimulating blood flow to the face and producing skin oxygenation.
This flow of oxygen and blood to the face can improve skin radiance, give the face a brighter complexion and also reduce inflammation resulting from blocked pores and acne.
Exposure of the skin to extreme cold may also decrease sebum production from the sebaceous glands, which helps to reduce acne, and it can stimulate lymphatic drainage as well.
CRYOTHERAPY FOR ACNE: HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE
During a cryo facial for acne treatment, the practitioner uses a machine to pump liquid nitrogen onto your face. There are several steps to the procedure that will be performed in this order:
- Firstly, the practitioner will ensure that your face is properly cleaned and then dried. Sometimes they will use steam on your face as well and may perform a lymphatic drainage massage.
- Next, to protect the eyes during the procedure, they’ll provide you with goggles to wear and will probably ask that any jewellery is removed before the treatment begins.
- The practitioner will now begin to apply the liquid nitrogen to the face from a hose which will feel extremely cold but shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Many people actually enjoy the feeling as it creates a rejuvenating sensation.
- This part of the cryotherapy session will last no more than three minutes.
- For the final part of the session, the practitioner will rub some serum or moisturizer into the skin to prevent it from becoming dry. The session will then be complete.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT
Like most forms of cryotherapy treatment, a cryo facial doesn’t last long as it’s designed to be a rapid procedure so that the skin can withstand the extremely low temperatures. As soon as it’s complete, you’ll be able to leave when you’re ready.
Most people will notice immediate results as blood and oxygen rushes back to the face once its normal temperature is restored. The inflammation and redness associated with acne should start to reduce straight away, and over the next few days, the pores should begin to clear.
To get the most benefits out of this type of acne treatment, you should arrange a session every 3 to 5 weeks. If the sessions happen this regularly, then most people notice a vast improvement in their skin complexion and the symptoms of acne are also usually greatly reduced.
THE BENEFITS OF CRYOTHERAPY FOR ACNE
STIMULATES BLOOD FLOW
By exposing the face to freezing temperatures, cryotherapy causes vasoconstriction, which moves blood cells and oxygen towards the heart.
Once the normal temperature of the face is restored, this blood and oxygen rushes back in, flushing out toxins and reducing the redness and inflammation caused by acne.
REDUCES THE PRODUCTION OF SEBUM
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands overproduce an oily substance known as sebum. This then mixes with dead cells in the skin, which blocks pores and creates pimples. Cryo facials may reduce the production of sebum and lead to reduced acne symptoms.
HELPS TO TREAT SKIN CONDITIONS
As well as being an effective treatment for acne cryotherapy can also be used to treat other conditions that have a similar appearance, such as a skin condition called atopic dermatitis. Whole Body Cryotherapy has been shown to be beneficial for treating this.
THE CONVENIENCE OF THE TREATMENT
Unlike other treatments that a dermatologist may offer for acne, cryotherapy is very quick and efficient, and the actual procedure only lasts for three minutes.
CRYOTHERAPY FOR ACNE: WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
So far, scientific studies into the effectiveness of cryotherapy for the treatment of acne are fairly limited, and the benefits are mainly based on anecdotal evidence and the experiences of acne sufferers and practitioners.
There has been some research conducted on the sebaceous glands of mice which demonstrated a reduction in the production of sebum, which causes acne. These trials have not yet been reproduced using humans, but the signs from this study are positive.
CRYOTHERAPY FOR ACNE: IS IT BEST FOR YOU?
If you suffer from acne, then cryotherapy is a good choice for treatment as it’s a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t damage or irritate the skin.
Other methods used to treat the condition, such as microdermabrasion, can lead to further inflammation of the skin and lead to unpleasant side effects like rawness and itchiness.
By encouraging the flow of blood to the face, cryotherapy actually reduces these symptoms, and side effects are rare.
FAQS
HOW LONG DOES CRYOTHERAPY FACIAL LAST?
A cryo facial is a quick procedure that can effectively treat the symptoms of acne in a lot less time than other more invasive treatments used for the condition. The application of liquid nitrogen only lasts for 3 minutes, and the entire process should only take around 15 minutes.
CAN I WEAR MAKEUP AFTER CRYOTHERAPY?
You don’t need to treat your skin any differently after cryotherapy, and you can wear makeup on your face after the treatment has finished.
CAN CRYOTHERAPY BURN YOUR SKIN?
Cryotherapy will not cause any burning of the skin as the treatment only lasts for 3 minutes, which can be easily tolerated. Burning would only occur if the skin was exposed to freezing temperatures for longer than this.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS FROM CRYOTHERAPY?
Most people will notice the results of cryotherapy immediately after they leave the session, as the inflammatory symptoms of acne should subside, and the skin should appear more firm.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cryotherapy can be very beneficial in treating acne as it encourages blood and oxygen to flow back into the face once the skin returns to its normal temperature. This not only reduces the symptoms of acne but also has several other benefits for the appearance and health of the skin.
It’s a quick and efficient procedure that is non-invasive, meaning there is less chance of irritation and side effects are very rare. This makes it an ideal choice for those suffering from acne, and frequent sessions are recommended to make the benefits long-lasting.
