Here in Arizona, we’re no strangers to 3-digit temperatures that can start as early as May. How do we cope? Many of us take a cue from the desert gila monster and hide out during the hottest parts of the afternoon. Others slather on sunscreen and meet the heat head-on. We humbly suggest a third option that’s much more fun: chilling out with the latest cooling treatments and products designed to keep you feeling cool and looking your most beautiful.
Ice Rolling
An updated alternative to that old favorite, the freezable drugstore gel mask, ice rolling is a remarkably simple option for combatting puffiness and redness before you even leave the house. Store the handheld device, which looks a bit like a back massager, in your fridge for an instant improvement. As you gently roll the device over your face, it goes to work constricting blood vessels for less redness, decreased puffiness, and even a bit of a lift in sagging areas. The ice roller is also a great, chemical-free option for treating the discomfort associated with insect bites, fevers, and muscle aches.
Cooling Moisturizers
Skin’s needs change with the seasons, and, for most of us, heavy, thick moisturizers just won’t do for summer. Lighter lotions, gels, and oils are far more comfortable, and many of them come with the added bonus of cooling ingredients, such as mint and cucumber. With options to suit every part of the body and every price point from drugstore steals to high-end splurges, there’s no reason not to treat yourself to a tingle this summer.
CoolSculpting®
Their latest crop of TV commercials is getting everyone talking, but CoolSculpting has actually been around for a few years now. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved medical device that destroys fat cells by simply freezing them. Although it may seem too good to be true, the science behind CoolSculpting is sound. Fat freezes at a higher temperature than other tissue, which makes it easy to target without harming the skin or muscle. According to the website of Body by Skin Spectrum, a Tucson dermatology practice, CoolSculpting can effectively reduce fat on the abdomen, hips, and thighs and under the chin. The procedure is noninvasive and doesn’t require any kind of recovery or lifestyle adjustments.
Cryotherapy
The therapeutic properties of liquid nitrogen have long been known in the medical community. Topical cryotherapy is actually common in dermatology and gynecology practices, where it’s used to freeze off unwanted lesions. But whole-body cryotherapy (sometimes called WBC) is a relatively new iteration of this technology. During WBC, you either stand or sit in a specialized cryotherapy chamber for just a few minutes. During this time, the chamber fills with icy air that quickly cools your body, easing inflammation and releasing a burst of feel-good endorphins. Fans of the treatment say the endorphin rush lasts for days. It can help with sore muscles and joints, too, which is why it’s a common therapy for athletes. Cryotherapy chambers are designed to ensure you breathe healthy “room air” during the treatment while your body gets the nitrogen. Sensitive areas, such as your hands and feet, stay covered.
No matter what option you choose, the important thing this summer is to keep cool while looking hot!
Thank you to Skin Spectrum for sponsoring this post.
