How to use ice on injuries and skincare –

Ice is used in various parts of our life. To cool off a drink on a hot day, for that puffy eye when waking up, for an injury. Although he is indicated for several areas, there are controversies about his use – and the period – that is indicated and to what extent he can, in fact, benefit us.

ICE BATH: Ice in sport

The Dutch Win Hofbetter known as “Ice Man” believes that the ice can transform us into “super men” once we control our mind and body to withstand the low temperatures. Holder of more than 20 records in the Guinness Book, he draws the attention of many athletes who are looking for better performance and many curious people around the world who want to know how he did it stay for 1 hour and 52 minutes immersed in a glass cube with ice up to the neck, in New York.

“Research reveals that ice is much more analgesic than anti-inflammatory”

Although this sounds crazy and overkill, ice baths are common among athletes as their bodies are constantly pushed to the limit and the act is the fastest way to lessen the impact of muscle pain. “The issue of ice is very controversial, before we had the practice and it worked with some intercurrences. Afterwards, as ice really has a very high efficiency, several new studies began to appear that say that ice is much more analgesic than anti-inflammatory”, he says. Bianca Vilela physiologist and columnist for .

How to safely use ice after exercise

Fernanda Porphirio, dermatologist at Clínica Vanité points out the risks of ice bath “In an ice bath, sometimes people need to protect their feet and hands, because they are extremities and the vasoconstriction that that bath causes is very intense. So, if you do a very intense vasoconstriction in these extremities, which already has less blood circulation, there may be a lack of oxygenation there. In extreme cases, you can have extremity necrosis, so the ideal is that you protect or even leave your hands outside”.

For those who do not practice sports at professional levels, if you have an injury limited to muscles, the use of cold bandages, to stop the pain, is something recommended by Bianca. “Apply for 10 minutes, stay 20 minutes without the ice and reapply for another 10 minutes. Ice is important in the first six hours after the injury has occurred, to contain the pain”. What happens is that when you have a rupture of some vessels, increasing the temperature in the region, forming an edema (for example when you go to the gym and you can barely walk the next day because of a pain in the calf) and it is important at that moment do not interrupt the inflammatory process, as this edema has its importance to irrigate the site with blood and make the recovery cells work “Ice is used as an analgesic to contain the pain, exaggeration can disrupt the healing cells for the injury”, ends Bianca.

SKIN-ICING: Ice in aesthetics

Skin-icing is one of the techniques used by dermatologists and enthusiasts of homemade recipes for a long time and consists of apply the ice to the face or, if you prefer, immerse your face in a container of ice water for a few seconds, repeating the process a few times, being careful as contact with the ice for a long time on the skin can cause burns

“Skin contact with cold water improves vasoconstriction, which is when blood circulation contracts blood vessels, relieving inflammation and redness of the face, in addition to improving oiliness, reducing swelling and smoothing pores. The result is a more vibrant and illuminated skin”, explains the dermatologist. Dr. Priscila Camara de Camargo, from Clínica Camargo.

How to safely use ice on the skin

Sking-icing can be done daily on the entire face, especially the eye area, due to morning puffiness. Performing the technique before makeup is also indicated, as it helps to increase the durability of products. This ancient trick can also give a boost in your care routine. According to the dermatologist, if you apply a serum to the skin and then apply ice, the vessels are compressed, making the ingredients of the formula penetrate deeper, in addition, other benefits are the smoothing of the pores, an ally in the fight against acne and redness on the skin, softens dark circles and swelling.

It is worth remembering that care should be taken if your skin is sensitive or reactive, as the abrupt change in temperature can cause a reaction. “Before you start, consult your dermatologist and check if it works for your skin”, indicates the doctor.