In already freezing temperatures, why would someone strip down and stand in a -167°F chamber?
One word: cryotherapy.
Popularized by Wim Hoff in the early 2000s as part of his eponymous method, cryotherapy is a cold exposure treatment, with beauty and wellness benefits said to be worth the shiver.
Some of those benefits are reduction in swelling and inflammation, pain relief, lowering of stress levels and fatigue. While it may seem counterintuitive, cryotherapy is just as favorable during the winter as in the spring and summer. “During warmer months, it can help reduce swelling and heat-related inflammation, while in colder or darker months, it may support mobility and emotional well-being,” says Greg Ugrin, director of spa and wellness at Aman New York. “It’s especially effective when scheduled in the morning or after travel. The shock of cold can increase alertness, stimulate blood flow, improve circulation and help awaken both body and mind.”
At Aman New York, full-body cryotherapy treatments include a nitrogen-free, full-immersion chamber that delivers subzero temperatures in under four minutes. Guests are instructed to remove all garments with the exception of gloves, socks, underwear, a hat and face mask before heading into a -72°F room where for 20 seconds guests stand before entering a -167°F chamber for three minutes.
Indeed, the bite isn’t as harsh with cryo facials. It’s not an ice box you stick your face in but instead stainless steel freeze tools layered with techniques such as lymphatic drainage, microcurrent, warming radio-frequency and Celluma LED therapy.
Facialist and skin care innovator Georgia Louise likens cryo facials to other tightening treatments like soft wave. “Why is soft wave so effective? Because it’s so hot that the skin contracts, right? So what happens? It tightens. Well, you can also achieve the same with a cool machine because if it’s really, really cool, what’s going to happen? Your skin will tighten,” says Louise. “It’s just another method of tightening, but it’s also brightens the skin.”
Like most treatments, however, the benefits are mostly short-term, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shamsa Kanwa. After cryo, “the skin rewarms, and there is a rebound increase in blood flow that can make the face look brighter for a short time, but that is not the same as long-term collagen remodeling.”
At her atelier, Louise often uses her own temperature-controlled cryo rollers, which stay cold for up to 40 minutes, over a sheet mask. Other times, she’ll turn on her Raja Medical machine to engulf the face in a cool, antibacterial ozone that’s only 68°F. “Because of airflow and evaporation, the skin typically feels about 58 to 65°F, a 4 to 7°F drop in perceived temperature, not true cooling,” says Louise. “This way, we can target the area and work on any inflammation and bruising for post-operative patients.”
As for the midwinter advantages of cryo facials, Louise says, “It’s kind of bizarre, but when you’re outside, your skin can get quite red. The tools are regulated; they are better at calming. They give your skin a boost of energy, help to tighten the pores and bring down redness.”
For anyone eager to face the freeze, here’s a list of cryotherapy treatments to try on your next trip to New York.
