Why the ice roller trend could harm your skin
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Experts from Ripe Hair & Beauty have warned against a viral TikTok beauty trend which could result in a skin injury.
Ice rollers have been taking social media by storm after accumulating over 56 million views on TikTok, with prices starting at just £1.07 on TikTok Shop.
Celebrities Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Aniston have championed the unusual TikTok gadget as ‘the best thing for puffy eyes’, with benefits said to include reducing signs of ageing and improving circulation.
But Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, a dermatologist working with Ripe Hair and Beauty, warns users that ice rollers can be dangerous and damage your skin in the following ways:
- “Ice burns occur when your skin comes into direct contact with ice for an extended period of time. Symptoms include redness, numbness and blistering. To prevent ice burns, it’s recommended that you store facial rollers in the fridge only. If you do store it in the freezer, leave it for 15 minutes only and roll it on your hand before your face.”
- “Bacteria that might be present in your freezer or fridge becomes active again as items thaw. So if you store your ice roller in the freezer, it’s possible that any bacteria and dirt could be absorbed into the skin during use. It’s advisable to store facial rollers in a zip lock bag to prevent contamination.”
While it might seem like a low cost beauty hack, the technique has left some users with painful burns (middle video above). One fellow TikTok user commented “I burned my whole face. Not as badly, but my whole face was red and chapped and burned”.
Other comments include “Does the ice roller become dirty” – highlighting the concern for the tool being stored in the freezer/fridge in an environment that is not always 100% sanitary.
Dr. Hamed adds “While ice rolling has gained popularity as a beauty technique, it’s essential to exercise caution. Improper use or failure to maintain cleanliness can make the practice unhygienic, potentially leading to skin irritation or breakouts. Additionally, applying excessively cold temperatures to the skin without proper care could result in ice burns, causing more harm than good. At Ripe Hair & Beauty, we always recommend consulting a professional for safe and effective skincare advice tailored to your unique needs.”
Additional data: Google searches for “ice roller” have increased 50% over the past three months.
