Dr. Alexander Landfield
Board-Certified Neurologist & Medical Director
Cold therapy has surged in popularity as a wellness practice, and at Rani Beauty Clinic in Renton, WA, Dr. Landfield evaluates these trends through the lens of scientific evidence to help patients understand what cold exposure can and cannot do for their skin and overall health.
The basic physiological response to cold exposure involves vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels near the skin surface, followed by vasodilation, the opening of those vessels, when the cold stimulus is removed. This vascular cycling acts as a pump for blood circulation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin while promoting efficient waste removal. The temporary boost in circulation is responsible for the healthy glow that many people notice after cold exposure.
Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue, the metabolically active fat that generates heat through a process called non-shivering thermogenesis. Brown fat activation increases metabolic rate and has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced systemic inflammation. Since insulin resistance and chronic inflammation both contribute to skin aging, this metabolic benefit may have indirect skin health implications.
Norepinephrine release during cold exposure is one of the most well-documented acute effects. This neurotransmitter and hormone increases alertness, focus, and mood while also having anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effect of norepinephrine may help reduce the chronic inflammation that drives skin aging and exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions.
Cold water immersion has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in clinical studies. Regular cold exposure practitioners demonstrate lower levels of interleukin-6 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. For skin health, this chronic reduction in systemic inflammation may help protect collagen, reduce redness, and improve conditions like rosacea and eczema, though specific dermatological studies are still limited.
The relationship between cold exposure and collagen is less clear. While reduced inflammation indirectly protects existing collagen from degradation, there is no strong evidence that cold therapy stimulates new collagen production. Patients seeking collagen stimulation should rely on proven treatments like RF microneedling, Sofwave, and retinoids rather than cold therapy alone.
In the aesthetic context, cryotherapy has specific applications. Localized cryotherapy can reduce post-treatment swelling and inflammation following injectable procedures. The vasoconstrictive effect reduces bruising when applied immediately before or after injection. Cool compresses and targeted cryotherapy are standard components of post-treatment care for many aesthetic procedures.
At Rani Beauty Clinic, we use cooling technology as part of several treatment protocols. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser system incorporates a Dynamic Cooling Device that delivers cryogen spray to protect the skin surface during laser treatment. This cooling enables more effective treatment with greater patient comfort.
For patients interested in incorporating cold therapy into their wellness routine, we recommend a measured approach. Brief cold showers of thirty seconds to two minutes provide the circulatory and neurochemical benefits without the risks of extended extreme cold exposure. Ice baths of fifty to fifty-nine degrees for two to five minutes offer more intense benefits for those who have built tolerance gradually.
Contraindications for cold therapy include Raynaud's disease, cold urticaria, cardiovascular disease, and uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with these conditions should avoid cold immersion and consult their physician before any cold exposure practice.
The Pacific Northwest climate provides natural cold exposure opportunities during much of the year. However, intentional cold therapy practices provide more controlled, consistent exposure than simply being cold, and the intentional nature of the practice engages different psychological and neurological pathways.
At Rani Beauty Clinic, cold therapy is viewed as a complementary wellness practice that may support overall health and skin condition, while proven aesthetic treatments remain the primary tools for visible skin improvement.
