- What exactly is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy uses very cold temperature “cryo” to enhance our skin by reducing inflammation and enhancing blood circulation.
How does cryotherapy work?
Cryotherapy often uses liquid nitrogen to suddenly drop the temperature on our skin, which results in the body responding by increasing blood flow to that area to warm it. This increased blood flow, or vasodilation, results in more oxygen supplied to the area, which results in collagen production and reduced inflammation.
- What are the skincare benefits of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy benefits the skin in a variety of ways:
- Increased circulation: The body attempts to warm the skin after cryotherapy cools it and in so doing brings more blood and oxygen which helps to stimulate collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and support healthy skin.
- The cold temperatures of cryotherapy cause pores to constrict leading to smoother skin texture
- Cryotherapy calms the skin with cool temperatures thereby reducing inflammation, swelling and redness
- If applied to the skin after surgery, cryotherapy can help speed up the skin’s ability to repair itself by increasing blood flow to the area attempting to recover
Who can benefitfrom cryotherapy?
Many people can benefit from cryotherapy. Since it reduces redness, swelling and inflammation, an individual with an inflammatory skin condition, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, could benefit from it. The ability of cryotherapy to reduce inflammation is a reason why many athletes are beginning to use it to recover from muscle soreness or pain after injuries. The same could be said for anyone experiencing pain from arthritis. Additionally, anyone looking for improved skin health could benefit from cryotherapy since it increases blood flow and enhances collagen production, which results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
What to expectfrom cryotherapy?
With localized cryotherapy, generally a client will have a device or wand that applies liquid nitrogen to specific areas on the body for a few minutes. Whole body cryotherapy is also becoming popular and during this technique, individuals will enter into a chamber that is very very cold for up to 4 minutes. It is tolerable but can be uncomfortable. After cryotherapy, most clients feel a tightness in their skin and a reflexive glow on their skin. Long term, enhanced collagen production will reduce fine lines and wrinkles and there will be a reduction in skin inflammation.
- What are the side effects of cryotherapy?
Most clients will experience temporary redness and swelling and the skin treated with cryotherapy could look like a bad mosquito bite. The longer the treatment is applied, the more likely it is that an individual also experience some degree of numbness or tingling. There may even be some heightened sensitivity in the area after treatment.
- What’s the aftercare of cryotherapy?
I usually advise my clients to remain hydrated and to apply moisturizer to the area treated regularly to aid in a more speedy recovery. Additionally, I recommend individuals avoid hot showers, saunas, or workouts immediately following the treatment so that your body can normally and more gradually return to its normal temperature. Sunscreen post-therapy is a good idea as your skin could be more sensitive to sun exposure.
How much does cryotherapy cost?
Depends on the type of therapy but in general I would say that whole body cryotherapy will run up to $100 per session while localized treatment runs up to $60 per treatment. Cryofacials generally go up to $100 per treatment.
- Is cryotherapy worth it?
Yes. Cryotherapy has wonderful benefits for skin rejuvenation and can lead to long-term results that include firmer skin, reduced swelling and diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, athletes or individuals with pain secondary to arthritis, are reporting faster recovery times and reduced pain and discomfort.
- How long do cryofacial results last?
Results generally last a few days to a week but if done regularly, such as 1-2 times per week, more long term benefits can be achieved, such as improved skin texture through collagen production.
- What’s the difference between a cryofacial and Botox? Can you do both? If not, which do you prefer?
A cryofacial is a non-invasive treatment that essentially introduces a controlled frost-bite like environment to your skin to force your body to respond by sending more blood to the area to warm it up. When the blood arrives, it brings with it oxygen, which stimulates collagen production, reduces pore size and gives an individual an instant “glow”. Botox is an injection that literally paralyzes muscle temporarily and reduces fine lines and wrinkles for up to 6 months per treatment.
You can definitely use a cryofacial and botox together. I usually recommend getting the botox first and giving it at least 2 weeks before getting a cryofacial.
- Does cryotherapy hurt?
I describe it more as a discomfort than painful experience. The cold air from cryotherapy gets your attention but doesn’t usually cause you to start crying. It can be challenging at times but if you keep your mind focused on the outcomes and the “why”, I think the experience is more tolerable.