Cryotherapy, why its an amazing idea for your skin!

 

I have some BIG NEWS!

I am really excited to share a new device with you. I always like to be on the look out for new methods and technologies to bring into my facials. My signature skin methods have had an upgraded with a wonderful new device that can be included in your bespoke treatments.

I’m also very proud of being one of the first to introduce this amazing machine to facials within the UK.

I am talking about cryotherapy with the XCRYO machine, this is next level cryotherapy, Im not talking about just getting the skin cold, Im talking about cellular change through focused rapid skin cooling.

• You might have heard of cryotherapy or cold therapy
• You might have even tried cold showers or swimming
• You may have had a  spa treatment that included alternating between hot and cold facilities to get your blood moving.
• You’ve probably used an ice pack to treat inflammation or an injury at home.

So, in a way, you’ve already used a very basic form of cryotherapy.

 

To be effective, the ice element must be able to reach deep into the skin, which is challenging (almost impossible at home) due to the inconsistent and not cold enough temperature. Professional cryotherapy maintains an even 0-4°C all the time. Which is much colder than you can achieve at home. AND it’s not just about reaching the cold temperature its about how quickly you get the tissue down to that temperature. 

The XCryo machine is a lot more than just getting the skin cold.

Please keep reading to learn why I am so excited about this method.

(Scroll to the bottom for some amazing before and afters) 

 

What is cryotherapy, and how does it work?

For those of you unfamiliar with cryotherapy, let me share some science with you. Cryotherapy is a type of cold therapy that involves a very quick and controlled cooling of tissue. The device uses temperatures ranging from -110ºC to -130ºC (-166ºF to -202ºF) for around three minutes per area. So, your skin cools between 0 and 4°C in seconds, but cryotherapy also cools down the subcutaneous tissue, which is when the magic happens. 

This thermal shock on your skin sends a survival signal to your brain. It’s almost like a cry for help, “hey buddy, I’m frosting.”

Your brain’s orders are very clear! Your body’s circulatory system results in “vasoconstriction” to keep you warm. The colder the temperature, the more your blood vessels narrow. After 2-3 minutes, we stop the cooling, and the area warms up. This has the opposite effect and causes your blood vessels to become wider. That rushes a lot of blood and fresh cellular nutrients to the area.

Because the brain thinks you are getting frosted, it releases feel-good endorphins, stimulates new cell activity to accelerate recovery, produces anti-inflammatory proteins and pumps in tons of oxygen and nutrients to restore, rejuvenate and heal the tissues. 

Here are 8 cool reasons (excuse the pun) why, in my opinion, cryotherapy is amazing 

 

1. Cryotherapy and skin ageing

Any controlled skin damage can stimulate collagen and elastin production. This is the science behind so many treatments like lasers or micro-needling and how they get the tightening effect.

But cryotherapy works slightly differently as there’s no real damage; the brain thinks there is a physical constriction in vessels stimulates so much new cell activity at the site being treated as well as a mental boost! Cryotherapy also helps reduce inflammation, and just for you to know, inflammation ages your skin quicker. So, it is a wonderful preventive treatment.

Since it is so efficient in healing skin cells, I highly recommend it as an invigorating addition to skin rejuvenating treatments.  Think tighter, more elastic, glowy boost with therapeutic cold.

 

2. Improves blood circulation and fluid retention

Let me explain how blood circulation is stimulated. The effect is like temporarily blocking the water exit on a hose; when you reopen it, the pressure is so strong that it takes away all the waste.

The lymphatic system is a little like a dumber truck because it collects residues and toxins and flushes them away.The lymphatic system works better when the blood vessels are less clogged, and both improve with cryotherapy.

It can also improve dark circles and puffiness on your face.

 

3. Reduces puffiness and swelling

RICE has been used for many years, and no, I am not talking about food. RICE. It’s a term I first came across when I studied sport injury massage. It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

Cold therapy is widely known for alleviating or preventing oedema, making it very effective on soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains AND reducing puffiness and swelling! 

Science Behind cryotherapy in swelling 

Swelling occurs as vessels dilate to bring more blood to the area. This blood also becomes “watery” to help a huge army of white cells to move faster to protect the area against infection. It constricts the vessels reducing bleeding, lymph flow, and blood cells, lessening swelling. It also releases anti-inflammatory molecules. 

Any facial puffiness? Come and be the first to try my new cryotherapy machine!

 

4. Helps reduce inflammation in skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea and acne.

In all these skin issues internal inflammation is the root cause. During cryotherapy, your blood is loaded with antioxidants. We know the benefits of ingesting antioxidants and how it can reduce inflammation within the body.

It helps to reduce the effects of free radicals and inflammation, essential for those with sensitive skin externally, some of the clinical studies I have seen on this are really fascinating! (Have a look at the bottom of the page)

Making your lymphatic system and therefore your immune system, stronger can help you fight off inflammatory conditions like eczema, rosacea or acne. Along with the combined impact of extreme cold on the physical site has a profound healing effect. Interestingly most bacteria can’t survive a these consistent very low temperatures. 

 

5. Helps reduce scars

It can be a huge support in the treatment of scars, from surgery to aesthetic procedures. After the treatment, the blood sends oxygen, nutrients, and repairing enzymes to your skin, encouraging new collagen production which will speed the healing process. 

As a bonus, it also helps with swelling and reducing bruising. Cold therapy prevents infection as bacteria cannot survive at these low temperatures, another advantage to be considered.

 

6. Cold therapy helps boost mood and energy

When your brain is in “fixing mode,” because it thinks the tissue is wounded,  it releases loads of substances like endorphins, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These anti-stress hormones make you feel happier, more positive, and even more energetic. This is the perfect solution if your skin looks tired or dull

 

7. Helps injuries and ease muscle tension

OK, so it speeds up muscle repair because it manages to regenerate damaged cells. It also increases the cells’ chances of survival following an injury. If we are thinking of the muscles on the face and neck, these are often tense, at first it might seem counter productive to use cryotherapy to ease muscle tension but the science is there to say it’s really quite amazing. 

It also makes your lymphatic system operate at its maximum potential. This flushes away toxins like lactic acid quickly, reducing tissue damage. During treatment, the skin starts to make new collagen and elastin to repair the tissues, promoting elasticity.

Because your brain is in “I need to fix the damage” mode, your blood becomes enriched with hormones, oxygen, nutrients, and repair enzymes. After treatment, your blood vessels widen, bringing this blood loaded with so many goodies to the muscles and tissues, speeding up the healing process.

So a blast of ice therapy after a face massage can literally be the icing on the cake for facial rejuvenation. 

 

8. Pain relief

Aches in your lower back, neck, shoulders and frankly anywhere on the body are common. If you are experiencing those you might want to consider Cryotherapy. XCryo has different applicators to adapt to any area of your body or face.

Science Behind cryotherapy in pain relief

Nerve pulses send messages to the brain when you are in pain. Cryotherapy slows the transmission of pain signals through the nervous system and blocks “the sensing nerves”. Reduced blood circulation decreases pain mediator production. All of this numbs the troubled area, putting you at ease. So if we are working on some skin needling treatments or IPL which can be quite uncomfortable, a blast of cryo can be a huge benefit to supporting all of the points above as well as reducing discomfort and speeding recover.  

As I said at the beginning, I am really excited to be adding this to my treatments.  It is completely safe and painless; even pregnant women can have it. Some of the before and afters around healing skin issues such as eczema and how it reduces inflamed acne are quite amazing  

The amazing thing is it’s suitable for any skin type and age. If you have more questions about the treatment, please leave them in the comments below. 

If you want to book a consultation to discuss your skin concerns and if cryotherapy might be a great addition with your particular concerns, click HERE or when you book in for your facial let my team know you are interested.