Stick It Ice Bath Trend: Benefits, Is It Safe, and How To Do It

What is the Stick It Ice Bath Trend?

The "stick it" ice bath is a trend that has become popular on TikTok and Instagram. It involves submerging your face in a bowl of ice water for short periods of time.

People claim benefits like reducing facial swelling, decreasing anxiety, clearing acne, and relieving hangovers. The videos show people calmly "sticking" their faces into ice water for 5-15 seconds at a time.

While this ritual may seem extreme, advocates say the cold water provides a rush of feel-good endorphins along with the health benefits.

Suggested Benefits of Stick It Ice Baths

Here are some of the many purported benefits of trying the stick it challenge:

Relieves Hangovers

Many TikTokers swear by dunking their face in ice water first thing in the morning after a night of drinking. The cold is said to be refreshing and wake you up, providing hangover relief.

Reduces Facial Swelling

The cold constricts blood vessels, helping reduce any puffiness or swelling around the eyes and face that can occur after drinking alcohol, crying, or eating salty foods.

Energizes and Wakes You Up

The shock of cold water triggers the mammalian diving response, releasing stimulating hormones like adrenaline and endorphins.

Improves Skin Issues

Some claim the cold water can help with skin conditions like acne. It constricts pores and may temporarily reduce redness and inflammation.

Boosts Circulation

The stick it challenge is a form of contrast hydrotherapy, alternating between hot and cold. This may give circulation a boost by dilating and constricting blood vessels.

Increases Alertness

The sudden cold exposure activates your sympathetic nervous system, the "fight or flight" response. This can make you feel more awake and focused.

Decreases Anxiety

Advocates say embracing the intense sensations of an ice bath teaches you to stay calm under stress. It may reduce anxiety and depressive thoughts.

Improves Immunity

Some research shows short-term cold exposure may activate your immune system. But more studies are still needed.

Is the Stick It Challenge Safe?

Despite potential benefits, plunging your face in ice water does come with some risks and considerations.

Hypothermia

Prolonged or extreme cold exposure can cause dangerous drops in body temperature leading to hypothermia. But brief, controlled facial immersion is generally safe.

Headaches

Sudden cold water on your face may trigger headaches or brain freeze-like pain for some people prone to migraines.

Sinus Pain

If you have sinus issues, forcefully inhaling icy air up your nose can potentially worsen sinus congestion.

Skin Irritation

For people with certain skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, ice water may irritate the skin rather than soothe it.

Cardiac Stress

The cold shock causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should be cautious.

Talk to your doctor before attempting facial cold therapy if you have any medical conditions or take medication that affects circulation or your heart.

Safety Tips for Trying Stick It

Here are some tips for trying stick it safely:

• Use purified or distilled water to avoid contamination.
• Build up duration gradually from 5 to 15 seconds.
• Only submerge your face up to the cheekbones or tip of the nose.
• Do not fully immerse your whole head or restrict breathing.
• Stop immediately if you feel any numbness, pain, or headache.
• Start slowly if you have respiratory issues, migraine, or hypertension.
• Avoid before or after drinking alcohol, which impairs temperature regulation.
• Check with your doctor first if you have any medical conditions.

How to Do the Stick It Challenge

Ready to test out the stick it ritual? Here is a simple beginners guide:

Fill a Bowl with Ice and Water

Fill a large bowl about halfway with cold water. Add plenty of ice cubes to get the temperature as cold as possible.

Get in Position

Sit or stand in front of the bowl at a comfortable height. Get your face set up right above the bowl.

Take 3 Deep Breaths

Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this breath work 2 more times to oxygenate and prepare.

Submerge for 5-10 Seconds

On your next inhale, lower your face into the icy water up to your cheekbones. Hold for 5-10 seconds.

Exhale and Repeat

Lift your head out of the water, exhale, and take a few normal breaths. Repeat the submersion 3-5 times, building up gradually.

Rinse and Dry Your Face

Rinse off with cool water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Making Facial Cold Therapy a Habit

Here are some tips if you want to add stick it to your daily self-care routine:

• Start slowly - build up from 5 to 15 seconds over weeks.
• Be consistent - set a reminder to do it at the same time daily.
• Focus on your breath - inhale before submerging, exhale after.
• End with gentle moisturizer - avoid irritating products.
• Listen to energetic music - HAVE FUN with it!

The stick it challenge definitely isn't for everyone. But if you're intrigued by the benefits of brief, controlled cold therapy, give it a try using proper safety precautions. You may be surprised at how invigorating it can be!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.