Putting ice on an acne breakout may help calm redness, lower inflammation, and ease pain. This can help manage a breakout and reduce the appearance of pimples. However, ice is unlikely to treat the underlying cause of acne and is not a long-term solution.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million people each year. Typically, if you have acne, you will notice red, inflamed pimples on your face. Some people will also get deeper nodules and cysts that are painful or tender to the touch.
Ice can be very effective at alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. It may also reduce redness. Putting ice on your acne causes vasoconstriction, which is when blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow to the area. This effect helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Limitations
Icing acne does not treat the underlying cause of the breakout. So, while ice can manage the appearance, pain, and sometimes size of pimples, you will still need to treat your acne with an over-the-counter medication or a prescription from a dermatologist (a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats skin conditions).
Effective acne treatments may include:
- Salicylic acid: This ingredient penetrates your pores and dissolves the dead skin cells and oil (sebum) that lead to acne.
- Adapalene: This medication and the medications below work by drying up oil, killing bacteria, and causing the top layer of your skin to peel (removing dead skin cells).
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Sulfur
- Resorcinol
Because using ice on acne is not typically a prescribed treatment, there is limited research on how to safely use it. But some dermatologists recommend the following steps:
- Make sure your face is clean and dry.
- Wrap the ice or ice pack in a clean washcloth and apply it to your acne.
- Leave it in place no longer than three to four minutes.
- Repeat this process several times a day to reduce swelling and inflammation.
If you want to bring the pimple to a head, you can also use a warm compress. Soak a clean cloth in hot water. Once it has cooled slightly, apply it to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day. However, avoid popping the pimple, as this can worsen inflammation and redness and spread bacteria.
Topical medications like adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid are more effective when the pimple is at the skin’s surface.
The greatest risk from using ice on your acne is the damage it could potentially cause to your skin. Putting ice directly on your face, leaving it on for too long, or using it on sensitive skin can all cause issues and irritate your skin.
Also, prolonged use of ice on your face could lead to frostbite or cold urticaria (hives or swelling in response to cold). If you have vascular disease, Raynaud’s disease, diabetes, or smoke, you are at a greater risk of injury. For this reason, you should limit the amount of time you put ice on your face and make sure you have wrapped the ice pack in a clean, soft cloth.
Talk with a dermatologist before experimenting with a home remedy for acne. Trying too many different methods at once or switching your acne treatment too soon can make acne worse.
Here are some home remedies to discuss with your dermatologist:
- Tea tree oil: Researchers have found that this oil, which has antimicrobial capabilities, may improve mild to moderate acne in some people.
- Jojoba oil: In an older study, people reported a 54% improvement in acne after using a clay mask containing jojoba oil two to three times a week for six weeks.
- Green tea: Green tea has compounds that can affect oil production and reduce acne. One study found that people who used a green tea extract on their skin reported up to an 89% reduction of acne after eight weeks of use.
- Aloe vera: This plant is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, and it may have a slight effect on acne. One study found that aloe vera, when used with ultrasound and soft masks, reduced the number of bumps and lesions participants had.
- Stress management: Stress can sometimes worsen acne. Practicing stress relief techniques like deep breathing and yoga may help prevent future breakouts or keep from aggravating existing ones.
If your acne is not improving after several weeks of at-home and over-the-counter acne treatments, you should see a dermatologist. They can assess your acne, determine the type, and create a treatment plan to help it improve. You should also see a dermatologist if you notice:
- Dark spots or hyperpigmentation
- Painful, extremely red, or cyst-like acne
- Scars from your acne
- Emotional stress caused by your acne
- Worsening acne that is not improving
- A sudden breakout with no explanation
Using ice on acne can help calm redness and reduce inflammation. It may also reduce the pain and the size of your pimples. However, ice will not treat the underlying cause of acne.
It’s important to practice caution when using ice on your face. Avoid putting the ice directly on your skin and limit the amount of time you ice your acne. Being too aggressive with your use of ice can damage your skin. Talk to a dermatologist about how best to use ice on acne. They can also advise on the best treatment option for your type of acne.
