Having oily skin comes with its own set of challenges—a constant battle against breakouts, clogged pores and that persistent, shiny “it’s been a long day” glow that even the best powders struggle to control. Acne doesn’t just leave behind pimples—there’s also hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven texture, especially for melanin skin, to contend with. While countless treatments claim to address these issues, one buzz-worthy option has been making waves: cryotherapy. The “cool” treatment promises to tackle acne and could be worth exploring, especially for melanin-rich skin.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to test cryotherapy at the Equinox Hotel. Although primarily known for muscle recovery and pain relief, cryotherapy has recently gained popularity in the skin-care world. Since I’m no stranger to workouts and cold plunge baths, I felt confident that this treatment wouldn’t be much of a challenge for me.
“The extreme cold temperatures also stimulate the production of collagen, which can improve the skin’s appearance by plumping skin and reducing wrinkles,” says Birmingham, AL dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD.
Ahead, I’m sharing my experience with cryotherapy, whether it helped minimize oil production and acne, and if it might be worth trying for yourself.
What is cryotherapy?
Think of it as cold therapy for your skin. This treatment involves exposing the skin to extremely low temperatures for a short period. “The process typically includes a cryo-facial or localized treatment using a device that emits cold air or liquid nitrogen to target specific areas of the skin,” Dr. Hartman explains. He also notes that cryotherapy can improve overall blood flow and skin appearance. “The extreme cold temperatures stimulate collagen production, which can enhance the skin’s appearance by plumping it and reducing wrinkles.”
Before the treatment, I had a facial where the aesthetician used the NuFACE FIX MicroWand ($195) around my lips and eyes. Then, I was taken to a room and provided with a robe, closed-toe slippers, long wool socks, a face mask and mittens to keep my face, feet and hands warm. Mentally preparing myself was essential, as the treatment temperature can drop below -150°F. Dr. Hartman mentions that the cold temperature helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and tighten pores.
During the treatment, I stepped into the cryotherapy chamber and was asked to play a song from Spotify. Once the aesthetician closed the door, I noticed time passed quickly—I didn’t feel the cold on most of my body. I only felt a light, cold breeze on my face, but it wasn’t a lingering sting. After the session, I stepped onto a vibration plate to warm my body. The entire treatment lasted just three minutes. Dr. Hartman notes that your skin “might appear red depending on the intensity of the treatment.”
The Results
In the days following the treatment, I stuck to my regular skin-care routine. I try to limit myself to just three or four products to manage oil production. To boost hydration, I added the Novara Beauty Purifying Cleanser ($48) and Naturium Multi-Peptide Rich Cream ($25) to my routine.
The anti-inflammatory benefits and pore-tightening effects of cryotherapy are definite perks, and it’s gentle enough for melanin-rich skin when performed correctly. That said, results may vary, and consistency is key. If you’re tired of traditional treatments and curious about what cryotherapy can offer, it’s worth giving it a try.
