A while back I came across a youtube video on acne skin care that talked about “freezing” your acne by using an ice cube. I’ve heard of ice being used as an effective remedy at the first signs of a cold sore, but I hadn’t considered that it could also work well for blemishes by inhibiting bacteria replication.
Color me intrigued!
So, I got to thinking, why not use an herb-infused ice cube instead of plain ones made with water to offer even more healing benefits? There’s always a way to bump things up a notch in my book, so let’s talk about how to make and use herbal ice cubes for acne.
In the video below, David describes how to use an ice cube after you wash your face to close your pores, lessen redness, and reduce inflammation. While this isn’t a cure for acne, it will certainly lessen the appearance of blemishes and the redness that comes along with them.
Cool Remedy to Calm Acne Overnight by Using Herbal Ice Cubes
Using an ice cube at the first sign of a blemish can greatly reduce pain and swelling and is one of the least invasive methods to heal a breakout. As the pimple forms, white blood cells will naturally swarm to the area in order to fight off acne-causing bacteria. This reaction causes the redness and swelling that often accompanies acne.
Cystic acne that forms deep within the skin can be especially painful. Applying herb-infused ice to the area can cool localized inflammation and slow down blood flow which can offer temporary pain relief.
The coldness from the ice will also tighten large pores which helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming which is a nice plus!
You can check out his video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7FGM4bnvBk
Preparation Before Using Herbal Ice Cubes for Acne
First, you need to make your herbal ice cubes
To do this, you simply need to choose your favorite herbal tea and steep it until it is quite strong. I like to steep mine overnight and then freeze the infusion during the day. It will be ready when you wish to use the herbal ice cubes before bed. However, if you don’t have time to do this, steep your herbal tea for 20 minutes.
Some of my favorite herbal teas to use on the skin include:
• Green Tea – Anti-oxidant and astringent
• White Tea – Anti-oxidant and soothing
• Black Tea – Astringent
• Peppermint – Cools and reduces redness and inflammation
• Rose Petal – Restores PH balance, reduces redness, and calms inflammation
• Lavender – Soothes irritated skin and kills acne-causing bacteria
• Chamomile – Soothes redness, irritation, and inflammation
Steep overnight (or for 20 minutes in a pinch). When cooled, pour into ice cube trays and freeze for a few hours before use. You can even add 1 drop of your favorite essential oil to each individual cube for added benefits but I find that it’s difficult to emulsify the EO into the tea unless you mix in aloe vera gel first, then add the infused gel the cooled tea.
I recommend gentle essential oils like:
• Chamomile – One of the best EOs for inflammation
• Lavender – Soothes redness, inflammation, and irritation
• Geranium – This is my favorite EO for controlling oily skin
As for stronger oils, I would use tea tree. Be sure to avoid any citrus essential oils as they will aggravate acne and redness.
Second, you will need to get those pores open
You can do this using a number of different methods such as:
• Steaming your face over a basin of hot water with a towel draped overhead and the bowl. Steam your face for 10 minutes.
• Placing a very warm washcloth on your face, ringing it out in hot water, and placing it on the face again. Repeat for 10 minutes.
• Taking a very warm shower and letting the water open the pores.
• Taking a very warm bath for 20-30 minutes.
After you have done one of these things, your pores should be open. Be sure to cleanse the skin thoroughly for at least one minute with your favorite gentle cleanser. This will ensure that all dirt, build-up, and bacteria have been washed away. This is really important because you don’t want to close up that stuff in your pores!
Third, Apply to the Skin
Once the ice cubes are completely frozen and after your pores are open and clean, apply the ice gently to the face in short brushing motions.
I like to use the whole ice cube till it melts completely, but do what feels comfortable for you. You should notice the inflammation of your acne go down considerably when you’re finished. Also note that depending on the sensitivity of your skin, your face may turn a little bit red from the coldness of the herbal ice cube.
This simple remedy should help calm redness and angry looking blemishes while you sleep =)
Have you ever used herbal ice cubes for acne before? Please share your experience in the comments!
For more clear skin related articles look below:
How to Pamper your Face for Clear Skin
The Best Vegan Pore Strips Recipe
Rejuvenating Matcha and Rose Face Mask
Rose Infused Witch Hazel
6 Skincare Tips That Cleared My Acne Naturally
Are Papaya Enzymes the Answer to Banishing Red, Splotchy, Uneven Skin Tone?
Thyme Serum for Acne Free Skin
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