Facial Ice Roller Benefits for Women Over 40 (2025)

One of the hottest viral beauty hacks these days is ice rolling for the face—which has amassed nearly 100 million posts and counting on TikTok alone. While beauty influencers in their 20s and 30s post videos raving about how using a facial ice roller minimizes pores and sets their complexions aglow, as it turns out, an icy facial is even more of a boon for us ladies 45 and older. Of course, with most beauty tricks that go viral on social media platforms everything old is new again—and using facial ice rollers for beauty benefits has been around for ages.

@cutlikeagem

Have you tried ice rolling or noticed any of these benefits? #icerollerforface #icerolling #icerollerbenefits #benefitsoficerolling #iceroller #CapCut

♬ Aesthetic – Gaspar

Growing up in the ’80s, I first watched the cult classic Mommie Dearest at 9 years old, and what made the biggest impression—right after Joan Crawford’s deep, deep dislike for wire hangers—was her icy facial. In the opening sequence of the movie (in which Faye Dunaway plays Crawford), the iconic actress washed her face and then rubbed ice cubes against her skin as part of her daily beauty ritual. In fact, in her book My Way of Life Crawford wrote about how she splashed her face with ice-cold water 25 times after washing her face every morning to keep it looking youthful—and you’ve got to admit the iconic actress always looked luminous on the silver screen. But what exactly does adding ice to your face do? Keep scrolling to find out.

Facial ice roller benefits

Read on for all the reasons you should add facial ice rolling to your skincare routine.

Facial ice rolling wakes up dull skin

While traditional cold therapies, like plunging your face into an ice water bowl, can be beneficial, the skin pros we spoke to say they’re far too intense for sensitive or aging skin. “This classic beauty hack is a quick way to wake up the skin and reduce puffiness,” acknowledges Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand.com, a teledermatology platform, and host of the weekly dermatology podcast Derm Club.

One caution: “It can be a shock to the skin barrier, since quick temperature extremes can be too harsh on older skin, leaving it overly dry, or irritated and may lead to broken capillaries,” says Dr. Kopelman. Instead, the dermatologists we spoke to, as well as many TikDoc derms as shown in the videos below, prefer a more moderate approach, such as using a facial ice roller. The reason: The cool tool allows for a more controlled and gentle application, providing benefits without risk of irritation.

@drchizikeji

#icingyourface #iceroller #doctorsoftiktok #skincare #depuffskin #icefacial

♬ original sound – Dr. Chisom Ikeji

@dr.mamina

I think we all have seen ice rollers in just about every single morning routine, but are they actually effective? Icing is great for temporary relief of inflammation and swelling, and it also feels really nice on the skin in the morning! Though the effects aren’t long term it’s low risk and affordable so you really don’t lose anything by including it into your routine. 🎥: @karen 🌸 #icingface #swollenface #faceswelling #skinremedy #skincareroutine #skinhacks #skincare101 #acnescarring #dermatologist #dermreacts #drmamina

♬ original sound – Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD

Facial ice rolling eases puffiness, redness and more

Even better news: For women 45 and over, ice rolling can reduce puffiness, calm redness, and give a firmer look to the skin. “Ice rolling is a quick pick-me-up that’s safe and refreshing for aging skin,” says Dr. Kopelman. “The cold constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and make the skin appear more lifted.” The benefits don’t end there. “Ice rolling promotes a fresh, radiant appearance by boosting circulation,” adds Kristina Collins, MD, a dermatologist at Austin Skin Physicians in Austin, TX and co-founder of Love Foy, a clean skincare line. “As well as encouraging lymphatic drainage, which further helps to firm skin up over time.” What’s more, using a facial ice roller is great for makeup prep: It tightens pores, creating a smoother canvas for flawless application.

The best facial ice rollers

Of course, since ice rolling has become such a viral beauty trend, that means there are plenty of tools to choose from. In fact, the choices are almost overwhelming! If you’re like us, it might lead you to wonder which facial ice roller might be best suited for your skin. “You should vary the tools and techniques based on the area you’re treating,” says Dr. Kopelman. “For example, around the eyes, a small roller or even a cool spoon can be very effective for depuffing without putting too much pressure.” Here, find the best facial ice roller recommendations from our experts.

To firm up skin: Pick a gel roller

A slightly larger roller works better to help lift and firm areas like the jawline or chin. “As a licensed esthetician with over 12 years of experience, I’ve given hundreds of facials and often end treatments with ice rolling,” says Summer Murphy, Licensed Esthetician, and owner of Ritual Skincare by Summer, a skincare spa in San Rafael, CA. “Using a gel roller gives a quick chill to boost circulation, bringing blood flow to the skin’s surface, nourishing skin cells while it creates a firmer appearance, particularly on areas prone to sagging, such as at the jawline and under the chin.” One to try: Revive Soothing Cryo Ice Roller.

To decrease puffiness: Opt for a metal roller

“I usually suggest patients use stainless steel rollers,” says Dr. Kopelman. “They tend to be much less abrasive than direct ice on the skin.” Dr. Collins concurs, recommending The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller, which is also the top pick of many TikTokers. “Since it’s made from aluminum, it stays colder longer,” she says. “Plus it provides a consistent, even cooling effect.” The roller is designed to stay cold longer than plastic or gel options. “With this roller, you can ensure a firm, comfortable grip,” adds Dr. Collins. “This allows for easy application without applying too much pressure, which is ideal for more delicate, mature skin.”

For delicate or sensitive skin: Choose rose quartz or jade roller

The pros say the eye area requires a smaller, gentler approach when it comes to ice rolling. For this delicate spot pick smaller, chilled tools specifically designed for de-puffing, such as ones made from gemstones like rose quartz and jade. One to try: Revlon Reviving Rose Quartz Roller. For the eye area, Molly Rogers, RN, Aesthetic Nurse at Seaside Skin Care, a med spa in San Clemente, CA, suggests using lighter, upward strokes with a rose quartz roller with a smaller head. “Using a chilled rose quartz roller provides a gentler cooling effect, which is great for the under-eye area,” she explains. “These rollers are also better suited for those with sensitive or redness-prone skin.” Tip: To boost the cooling factor, store them in the fridge or freezer overnight before using.

For targeted DIY recipes, grab a silicone mold:

The closest thing to an old-school ice-cube facial is a silicone mold like the bestselling XHJRI Ice Cube Roller, which boasts 4.4 stars with nearly 10,000 reviews on Amazon. To use, simply fill the silicone mold with water and other ingredients of your choosing, then place the mold in the freezer. Once frozen, rub the round block against your face, but be sure to do it over a sink to catch the moisture as the ice melts. “Silicone molds allow users to create ice with ingredients like aloe, cucumber, or green tea for added skin benefits,” says Rogers. “While these ingredients are known for their soothing and hydrating effects, it’s a good idea to test a small area of the skin first, as some may feel intense when frozen.” Though popular on social media, she also cautions that these molds might not be suitable for everyone, as some ingredients can cause irritation when frozen.