Is An Ice Roller The Secret To Glowing Skin? And 7 Of The Best To Buy

If you’re suffering from tired, puffy or irritated skin, one of the best solutions may be one of the simplest. Ice rolling may be a big part of every good TikTokker’s skincare routine, but the premise behind it is far from flashy.

While ice rollers can come in plenty of different shapes and sizes and vary from those that use actual ice on the skin to those that use state-of-the-art cryotherapy, all the best ice rollers work by using freezing temperatures to calm, firm, brighten and even tighten the skin.

Read on to discover which of the best ice rollers gets the Vogue vote and why.

Soko Glam

Soko Glam Chasin’ Rabbits Freeze Tag Ice Roller

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: A 2-in-1 product that delivers soothing hydration as well as depuffing and lifting. While the serum contains hyaluronic acid, oats, and antioxidant-rich extracts like caffeine, the in-built ice roller applicator helps deliver it on the skin in a way that feels calming and refreshing.
• Type: serum-ice roller hybrid

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Pros

• added serum for a skincare boost

Cons

• avoid if you prefer to roll on to clean, dry skin

Beauty Pie

Depuffing Face & Eye Roller

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: While this is a great option if you want to cool down redness, tackle puffiness and boost lymphatic drainage (keep it in the fridge for that), another big plus about this cooling metal device is the impressive way it nixes tension. Work around the face, paying particular attention to areas of stress and feel how much lighter and tighter everything feels afterwards.
• Type: metal roller

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Pros

• relieves facial tension and cools
• weighty feel for firm pressure

Cons

• not freezable – does not use ice

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This clever cooling tool uses terahertz, a lab-engineered stone created by Japanese scientists to mimic cryotherapy. As soon as the stone is immersed in cold water or pressed against an ice cube, it becomes icy cold. The ergonomic head is great for precision sculpting and cooling, and the handle is slim, so it fits comfortably in the hand.
• Type: cryotherapy wand

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Pros

• clever technology
• instantaneous cooling

Cons

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you’re serious about making ice rolling a regular part of your skincare routine, it might be worth investing in an option that will stay colder, longer. Because it retains its coldness for longer than other materials, this tool uses aluminium instead of ice or water to cool down the face and depuff and tighten skin. The gentle lymphatic drainage also boosts blood flow to the skin’s surface to brighten.
• Type: Aluminium roller

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Pros

• stays colder for longer
• more robust than other models

Cons

Pacifica

Chill Baby Cooling Cryo Globes

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: If your skin looks tired, puffy and lacking in glow, these cooling globes are designed to bring it back to life. Available in two sizes, the 100 per cent glass globes can be kept in the fridge and used to glide across skin without the need for any skincare to provide slip. As well as taking the heat out of skin, the gentle massage action boosts circulation to encourage better blood flow.
• Type: Glass globes

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Pros

• the circular design allows for a seamless massage action

Cons

• treat carefully to avoid breakage

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: A standout tool in writer and style icon Garance Doré’s skincare collection, this sleek ice wand is just the thing if you’re looking to quickly depuff or reduce redness. The roller itself is made from stainless steel which cools down quickly once kept in the freezer and it has an antimicrobial silicone cover to keep it from getting dirty.
• Type: Stainless steel wand
• Pros: The smaller head makes it easy to sculpt every area including brow bones, underneath cheekbones and around temples with ease
• Cons: If not kept sufficiently cold it can start to absorb the heat from your skin

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you’re new to the concept of ice rolling, you might prefer to start simple with a roller in its most basic form. Encased in a silicone case, the ice is moulded into an easy-to-use shape which allows you to glide it over the contours of your face easily. The cap on top of the lid allows you to top up the water level when it gets low, and the simple design is easy to keep clean. An easy way to soothe, brighten and depuff.
• Type: ice in silicone mould

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Pros

• great for beginners or those looking for no commitment

Cons

• using ice instead of cryo balls or aluminium means it can get a little messy once the ice starts to melt

FAQs

What does ice rolling do for your skin?

“Putting something cold on your face promotes vaso-restriction to your blood vessels, which can help with puffing and swelling,” says facialist Katharine Mackenzie Paterson. “If you have very sensitive skin, putting extreme cold can help to calm down any inflammation because you’re tricking the nerve receptors into decreasing the release of inflammatory substances. It can also help stimulate blood circulation as well”. Facialist and skincare expert Michaella Bolder agrees: “They are a brilliant option for soothing breakouts and reducing redness around the breakout area, de-puffing tired eyes and a great go-to when your skin feels a little sluggish and needs a pick-me-up!”

What’s the best way to start if you’ve not tried it before?

“Ice rolling is a super simple process,” says Bolder. “Start by cleansing the skin, adding a toner or essence, serum and then a moisturiser or facial oil. Always ensure you have a product on the skin that allows the rollers to flow effortlessly without pulling at the skin. Keep your ice rollers or gloves in the fridge, either in their own box or a sandwich bag, for hygiene purposes. Use them straight from the fridge for a few minutes each time, cleaning and replacing them back in the fridge afterwards.”

Any tips on technique?

“Begin with freshly prepped skin with a bit of slip, a hydrating mist, serum or a light layer of moisturiser or oil works perfectly,” says Bolder. “Work down the sides of the neck from below the ears into the clavicle bone 6-8 times. Then glide the globes from the centre of the face outwards, working from the chin, beside the mouth to the ears, underneath the cheekbones to the ears, underneath the eyes to the temples. Then circling the eyes 6-8 times, between the brows to the hairline, centre of the forehead outwards to the hairline in four lines. Repeat each stroke on the face 3-4 times as you work up the face. Finish by draining any excess fluid down the sides of the face into the neck. Keep the pressure light and let the tools do the work.”

How often can you ice roll?

“There’s no reason you can’t do it every day,” says Mackenzie Paterson. “I think it’s nice to do in the morning, as that’s when your lymph can be a bit sluggish, and it helps wake you up a bit. I would definitely recommend doing it before a special occasion too.”

What’s the difference between the different options?

“In most cases, they pretty much do the same job, so I would say it just comes down to preference,” she adds. “I like to hold something in each hand and do both sides of my face at the same time, which is why I like the globes. Your technique may change depending on what you use. If you have a single roller, for example, I would advise starting in the middle of your face and working outwards.”

Anything else to know?

“Be consistent but listen to your skin,” advises Bolder. “If you have broken capillaries or very sensitive skin, limit the frequency and avoid pressing too firmly.” For an extra boost, pair it with your skincare. “Try using your roller with a calming recovery mask. Apply a thick layer of whatever mask you like, then roll over it with your roller to help push the product into your skin and enhance the soothing experience,” says Mackenzie Paterson.

Meet the experts