Have you ever wondered why people are willing to enter a chamber where temperatures plummet to -167°F? The answer lies in a process known as cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy has gained popularity, particularly since Wim Hoff introduced it in the early 2000s as part of his wellness method. This cold exposure treatment is believed to offer a range of beauty and wellness benefits worth braving the chill.
Some of the potential benefits of cryotherapy include reduced swelling and inflammation, pain relief, and lower stress levels. While it may sound counterintuitive, this treatment can be beneficial in the chilly winter months just as much as in spring or summer. According to Greg Ugrin, director of spa and wellness at Aman New York, “During warmer months, cryotherapy can help alleviate swelling and heat-related inflammation. In contrast, the colder months might enhance mobility and emotional well-being.” He notes, “Scheduling a session in the morning or after travel can increase alertness, boost blood flow, improve circulation, and awaken your body and mind.”
At Aman New York, clients undergo full-body cryotherapy in a nitrogen-free immersion chamber that reaches subzero temperatures in under four minutes. Before entering a -72°F room, guests are advised to strip down to their gloves, socks, underwear, a hat, and a face mask. They first spend 20 seconds in the warmer chamber before transitioning into the extreme cold of -167°F for three minutes.
For those hesitant about the intense cold, cryo facials offer a more comfortable alternative. Instead of plunging your face into ice, trained specialists use stainless steel cooling tools alongside techniques like lymphatic drainage, microcurrents, warming radio-frequency, and Celluma LED therapy.
Georgia Louise, a facialist and skincare innovator, compares cryo facials to other tightening treatments such as soft wave treatments. “Why is soft wave so effective? It heats the skin, causing it to contract and tighten. Cryotherapy achieves a similar effect with cooling techniques that naturally tighten and brighten the skin,” she explains.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the benefits of these treatments tend to be short-lived. Dr. Shamsa Kanwa, a board-certified dermatologist, notes that after cryotherapy, “the skin rewarms, resulting in a temporary increase in blood flow that may brighten the appearance of your face, but this isn’t the same as long-term collagen remodeling.”
Louise often utilizes her own cryo rollers, which remain cold for up to 40 minutes, typically used over a sheet mask. At times, she employs a Raja Medical machine that envelops the face in a cool, antibacterial ozone at 68°F. “Due to airflow and evaporation, the skin feels about 58 to 65°F, providing a four to seven-degree drop in perceived temperature,” she explains. “This targeted cooling approach is particularly effective in addressing inflammation and bruising in post-operative patients.”
Interestingly, Louise points out a winter advantage: “While it’s unusual, being outdoors can cause skin redness. The controlled tools used in cryo facials can calm the skin, giving it a boost of energy, tightening pores, and reducing redness.”
For anyone interested in exploring cryotherapy, consider adding it to your wellness routine on your next visit to New York.
### Conclusion
Cryotherapy, with its promise of various wellness benefits, can be an exciting addition to your fitness and self-care regimen. By understanding its applications and benefits, you can evaluate whether this innovative cold exposure treatment aligns with your personal wellness goals. Whether it’s to relieve soreness or just try something new, cryotherapy offers a unique way to invigorate both body and mind.
