Cryotherapy for Skin: What It Can Really Do (and What It Can’t)
You’ve probably seen people raving about cryotherapy for better skin – but does it really work? Here’s what you need to know about the real, science-backed benefits of cryotherapy, what’s still up for debate, and what just won’t help.
What Cryotherapy Can Actually Do for Your Skin (Backed by Science!)
Let’s start with the real benefits of cryotherapy for your skin that have been proven by research.
1. Reduces Acne
Cryotherapy can reduce swelling and redness, helping to calm acne flare-ups. A small study on targeted cryotherapy for acne found it improved acne in just four weeks, and people were happy with the results.
2. Removes Warts and Skin Tags
Cryotherapy works by freezing warts and skin tags so they fall off. It’s safe, quick, and doesn’t leave much scarring. A review from 2020 says it’s very effective for these problems.
3. Treats Certain Skin Cancers
Cryotherapy can also treat some types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It freezes and destroys the cancer cells. A long-term study showed a 99% cure rate for certain skin cancers using cryotherapy.
4. Soothes Eczema Flare-Ups
Whole-body cryotherapy has been shown to help calm itching and redness in people with eczema. One small study on whole-body cryotherapy for atopic dermatitis found that it helped reduce itching and improved skin moisture levels after a few weeks of treatment.
5. Flattens Keloid and Raised Scars
Cryotherapy can be used to shrink keloids, which are thick, raised scars that grow bigger than the original wound. Freezing the scar tissue helps it flatten out over time. A study on cryotherapy for keloids found that about 73% of treated scars became flat and less noticeable.
6. Removes Sun Damage Spots (Keratoses)
Cryotherapy is often used to remove actinic keratoses, which are rough, sun-damaged patches of skin that can sometimes turn into skin cancer. Cryotherapy freezes these spots so they peel away and new, healthier skin grows back. A clinical guide confirms that cryotherapy is a standard treatment for these sun-related skin spots.
7. Treats Verrucas (Plantar Warts)
Cryotherapy is often used to treat verrucas, which are warts that appear on the soles of your feet. It works by freezing the wart so it eventually falls off. A systematic review found that cryotherapy does help, but it might not be as effective as some other treatments. It’s still a common option if you want to try a freezing approach.
What Cryotherapy Might Help With – But Needs More Research
Here’s a quick look at some skin issues where cryotherapy has been tried, but there just isn’t enough solid proof that it really works.
1. Melasma
Cryotherapy has been tested for melasma, which causes dark patches on your skin. But the results haven’t been great so far. One study found that cryotherapy wasn’t as effective as other treatments and could cause redness and swelling.
2. Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Some people say cryotherapy might help smooth out wrinkles by boosting collagen, which is the protein that keeps your skin firm. But there’s not enough good research to be sure this really works.
3. Stretch Marks and Loose Skin
Cryotherapy has been tried for stretch marks and to tighten loose skin, but there isn’t any strong proof that it helps much.
4. Cellulite
Cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells, might help a bit with cellulite. Some studies say it can smooth things out a little, but the results vary a lot from person to person (study).
What Cryotherapy Won’t Do for Your Skin
Cryotherapy isn’t a magic fix for everything. Here’s where it just doesn’t work:
- Getting rid of moles or suspicious skin growths – Moles should always be checked by a doctor before any treatment, and cryotherapy usually isn’t the answer.
- Treating deep wrinkles – Cryotherapy isn’t strong enough to smooth out deep lines in your skin.
- Fading old or severe stretch marks – There’s no proof it can help with these.
Cryotherapy for the Face: Should You Try It?
Cryotherapy for the face – often called cryofacials – has become a popular trend. You’ve probably seen videos of people using cold rollers or getting chilly treatments at a spa. But what does the science say?
The science-backed benefits of cryofacials are mostly about calming your skin. Cold temperatures can help reduce puffiness and redness by making blood vessels constrict. Some people also find their skin feels tighter and more refreshed afterward.
But there’s still a lot of hype. There isn’t enough strong research yet to show that cryofacials can actually reduce wrinkles, fix sagging skin, or work as a long-term anti-aging treatment. So, while cryofacials can feel nice and might help your skin look a bit brighter right away, don’t expect major changes.
Before You Freeze: What to Know
Before you decide to try cryotherapy, here are a couple of important things to keep in mind:
- Always talk to a skin professional first, especially if you’re thinking about treating something serious like skin cancer. A doctor or dermatologist can help you figure out if cryotherapy is the best option for you.
- Make sure your provider knows what they’re doing. Using freezing treatments the wrong way can hurt your skin or cause scarring, so it’s important to choose an experienced practitioner.
Final Thoughts
Cryotherapy has real, proven benefits for certain skin issues, like warts, some scars, and even some types of skin cancer. But it’s not a magic fix for everything. Now you know what it can help with, what still needs more research, and what it won’t do. If you’re thinking about trying cryotherapy, make sure you’re working with an experienced professional and that you’re using it for the right reasons. Your skin will thank you for it.
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