Kylie Jenner added a chilly twist to her Golden Globes beauty routine when she shared a makeup-free moment on TikTok that showed her dunking her face into a bowl of ice water. The Kylie Cosmetics founder filmed the entire experience while getting ready for the big night, giving fans a close look at a viral skincare trend that has been taking over social feeds.
In the video, Jenner explained how the icy ritual came into her routine. She said, “So, Ariel got me this,” while pointing to a small breathing ring designed to help her stay underwater longer.
Her longtime makeup artist, Ariel Tejada, could be heard laughing behind the camera as Jenner leaned in and submerged her face. After a few rounds, she came back up smiling, wrapped herself in a towel, and said, “I feel good. I’m done.”
The moment felt relaxed, real, and a little daring, which is part of why the ice water facial trend keeps grabbing attention. Celebrities, influencers, and skincare lovers alike swear that a quick icy plunge can wake up tired skin, reduce puffiness, and leave the face looking tighter before makeup application. But as with many beauty trends, the science is more complicated.
Why the Ice Bath Facial Is Trending in Celebrity Skincare
The ice water facial is simple on paper. You fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes, then dunk your face for short intervals. Fans of the trend say it delivers instant glow, smoother-looking pores, and a refreshed feel that no serum can match. It also fits neatly into a fast-paced celebrity lifestyle where results are expected quickly.
For Kylie Jenner, the timing made sense. Red carpet makeup demands smooth skin and minimal swelling, especially after long flights, late nights, or stress. A cold plunge can feel like a reset button right before glam.
Still, dermatologists remain divided about whether this viral skincare hack is actually good for the skin or just another flashy moment.
What Dermatologists Say About Ice Water Facials
HOLA! reached out to trusted skin experts to break down the benefits and the risks. Their responses showed that there is no single answer that fits everyone.
Julie De la Cruz, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Surgeon at Miami Dermatology and Surgery, shared a more optimistic view of the trend. She explained, “There are several benefits of the ice water facial. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is decreasing inflammation in the skin and de puffing. The short contact exposure to the colder water can help temporarily constrict blood vessels which can decrease the appearance of redness. Not to mention, it definitely wakes you up.”
Her perspective aligns with what many fans of the trend report. Cold exposure can reduce swelling and make the face look less puffy, which is especially appealing before a major event. That quick tightening effect can also make skin appear smoother for a short time.
However, not all experts are convinced. Dr. Tanya Kormeili, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist in Santa Monica, offered a much more cautious take. She said, “The truth is that there is no benefit into dunking your face in a bowl of ice. However, prolonged exposure of ice on your skin can result in pigmentation discoloration and a burn. Cooling the skin gently can help tighten the pore opening and reduce swelling. Cooling helps reduce inflammation, but ice is not cooling but freezing at a rapid rate. If you have rosacea or eczema this can also flare your skin further.”
Her warning highlights an important distinction between gentle cooling and extreme cold. While cool water or chilled tools can soothe the skin, direct ice can be too harsh, especially for sensitive or reactive skin types.
The Science Behind Cold Exposure and Skin Health
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict. This is why ice packs are used on injuries to reduce swelling. On the face, this same effect can temporarily shrink redness and puffiness, which explains the instant glow many people notice.
Once the skin warms back up, blood flow returns, often bringing a healthy flush that can look like radiance. That cycle is what makes ice water facials feel so effective in the short term.
The downside is that freezing temperatures can stress the skin barrier. Repeated or prolonged exposure may lead to broken capillaries, irritation, or even frostbite-like damage in extreme cases. That is why dermatologists emphasize moderation and gentle alternatives.
Should You Try the Ice Water Facial Trend
Kylie Jenner’s TikTok moment made the ice water facial look fun, fast, and glamorous, but it is not a one-size-fits-all skincare solution. For people with normal to oily skin and no underlying conditions, a brief and carefully controlled ice dunk might provide a quick de-puffing boost before a big event.
For anyone with rosacea, eczema, acne, or sensitive skin, experts like Dr. Kormeili recommend skipping the ice altogether and choosing milder cooling methods instead. Chilled jade rollers, cold spoons, or simply splashing the face with cool water can deliver similar benefits without the risk.
The key takeaway from both celebrity trends and expert advice is balance. Viral beauty hacks can be exciting, but long-term skin health depends on gentle care, consistency, and listening to what your skin actually needs.
Kylie Jenner Keeps Beauty Trends in the Spotlight
Whether the ice water facial is a must-try or a pass, Kylie Jenner once again proved how quickly a single video can put a beauty trend back into the spotlight. Her Golden Globes prep offered a rare, bare-faced look at how she gets ready, and it sparked a fresh wave of conversation around skincare science.
As experts continue to study the effects of cold therapy on the skin, the mix of celebrity influence and dermatologist insight gives beauty lovers more information to decide what really works for them. And in a world where trends move fast, that kind of clarity is always refreshing.