By now, you’ve probably seen the viral clip – Hailey Bieber dunking her face into a bowl of ice water before the Met Gala. While it might have seemed like an impromptu beauty hack, face dunking is having a serious moment – and it’s not just about achieving that red-carpet glow. So what exactly are the benefits of face dunking?
From beauty experts to neuroscience researchers, ice-water face immersion is being hailed as a quick ritual with surprising benefits – all backed by science. In her book Smarter, wellness educator Emily M. Austen calls it “the best way to reset before a big event or stressful day.” Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner (both of whom have been spotted reading Austen’s book Smarter), and Jennifer Aniston are reportedly converts.
So, what’s behind the cold splash, and why is it becoming everyone’s go-to self-care hack?
What Are The Benefits Of Dunking Your Face In Ice?
Before we answer that, let’s start with what Hailey Bieber likely had in mind – that instant glow. Ice water can help reduce puffiness, calm redness, minimise pores, and tighten skin – all essential steps before applying makeup. The cold temperature boosts circulation, delivering a healthy, radiant flush to the skin, making it appear firmer and more even.
But face dunking isn’t just about skin-deep benefits. According to Emily M. Austen, face dunking can “stimulate the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system,” which is responsible for relaxation and stress regulation. Austen explains that this stimulation can help calm the body, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
But that’s not all. Dunking your face in ice water also triggers the diving reflex – a natural physiological response where the body slows down heart rate and redirects blood flow to vital organs, helping to conserve energy and oxygen in aquatic environments. Austen points out that “this reflex can lead to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to feelings of calm and relaxation.”
What Are The Brain-Boosting Benefits Of Ice Face Dunking?
Cold exposure has also been linked to the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. The shock of cold water isn’t just waking up your skin – it’s firing up your brain. Austen suggests that this type of cold therapy can help improve focus, reduce procrastination, and alleviate anxiety in the moment.
“The practice of dunking your face in ice water may offer a quick way to activate the body’s stress response and reduce anxiety,” Austen notes. Plus, the cold sensation itself offers a form of sensory distraction, helping to pull you out of a heightened state of anxiety and back into the present moment.
How Long Should You Submerge Your Face In Ice Water?
To try face dunking at home, simply fill a clean bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Dunk your face for 10-15 seconds, breathe deeply, and repeat if you’d like. Some people swear by doing this first thing in the morning, while others use it as an energy reset mid-afternoon. If you’re not up for full immersion, an ice roller or chilled face cloth offers a gentler version.
Essentially, if you’re looking for a quick fix to calm your mind, shrink your pores, and channel your inner Hailey Bieber, all you need is a bowl, some ice, and a good splash.
