Lately, I've been chilling out. No, not laying on the sofa with a G&T watching Gogglebox, although I've done that too. I'm talking about icing my face - the DIY version of a professional cryotherapy facial that uses very low temperatures to minimise puffiness and maximise glow.
At-home skin-icing, whether simply using ice itself or one of the plethora of ice-roller tools available, has been a hot social-media trend of late. Basically, it causes blood vessels to constrict, helping to calm inflammation, and can drain excess fluid so contours and the under-eye area appear firmer.
Then, as fresh, nutrient-rich blood rushes back to the surface, your skin looks in the pink and perkier. It may also calm angry acne and some anecdotal reports say it helps control oiliness. That said, it's not for thin or sensitive skin, broken capillaries or conditions such as rosacea or eczema.
Although I've long used cold compresses as a panic rescue remedy for post-cry eyes, it wasn't until I heard Ameon's cryo-inspired skincare had winged its way from the States, launching in the UK at Sephora, that I decided to introduce a cooling-off period into my regime.
Ameon was founded by Alina Mehrle, who at 30 was diagnosed with breast cancer. The ravages of eight rounds of chemotherapy left her skin unresponsive to her usual skincare. It was then that she tried having cryotherapy facials, which helped her complexion.
She was so impressed that she spent two years working with scientists to develop a luxury at-home ritual. The first step comes in the shape of the Frozen Essence - actually the shape of little cubes in moulds that you keep in the freezer (£60 for nine).
Designed for use a couple of times a week, they're available in two formulations, Glow Manifesto and Supreme Energy. The first is made from soothing damask rose water, plant extracts, fruit acids and tourmaline, to revitalise dry, stressed-
out skin; the second from verbena leaf water and minerals to tone, smooth and rejuvenate tired, irritated or oilier skin.
Because you shouldn't put ice directly on skin, they're supplied with tiny gauze bags - pop a cube in one before you start the massage. On cleansed skin, work in soft circular motions over your jaw, cheeks, forehead and under-eyes (but not close to the lash line).
You can use them on your neck and décolletage too. Afterwards, let the essence be absorbed. Follow with one of Ameon's serums and its moisturiser (from £85), or your own hydrating skincare. After trying icing, my skin looked noticeably fresher with added radiance. I also found it a great way to lift my mood in the morning or calm down at night.
Getting icy doesn't have to be pricey, though. In fact it can be free if you simply make your own ice cubes - you can also try 'recipes' such as freezing weak, freshly brewed green tea.
Only use one small cube per session, remembering to wrap it in a cloth such as muslin before you place it on the skin (if it feels like it needs some 'slip', apply a gel or serum before you start).
Words of caution: those with dark skin tones should be careful as icing may cause discoloration - talk to a skincare professional if you have any concerns.
And because ice cubes are far colder than tools you chill in the fridge, be gentle and always keep the ice moving (never hold the cube still on one area). A treatment should last no more a few minutes. Try it a couple of times a week and monitor results. If you like what you see, continue to keep your cool.
More from Jan Masters: Five multitasking beauty products that you need in your carry-on
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