Benefits of Dunking Your Face in Ice Water: Is It Worth the Cold?

The internet loves a good skincare trend, and lately, it’s been buzzing about dunking your face into an ice bowl. This chilly ritual gained massive traction in early 2025 thanks to fitness influencer Ashton Hall, whose viral TikTok morning routine video racked up nearly 100 million views (and counting) across platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Posted in February Hall’s clip features him plunging his face into ice-cold Saratoga Spring Water and—yes—rubbing a banana peel on his skin. But is this frosty face-dunking trend worth it for your men’s skincare routine? Let’s dive into the science, the buzz, and whether it stacks up against premium products like those from THAROS.

@ashtonhallofficial

Day 191 of the morning routine that changed my life 3:50am to 9:30am Sin lives late at night.. if you’re dealing with a weak mind, bad decisions, or lack of productivity go to sleep early. 4:00am - 8:00am no one’s calling or distracting your productivity.. they are sleep. 8:00pm - 12:00am is the opposite. Just try 30 days.. send this to your partners. It’s time to do better.

♬ original sound - Worthy Supps

What Is the Ice Bowl Trend?

Picture this: a bowl of cold water, a handful of ice cubes, and a quick 10-30 second face dunk. It’s simple, bold, and oddly satisfying to watch. Hall’s video shows him doing it twice, using fancy Saratoga Spring Water. Dubbed an "ice facial," this trend echoes ancient cold therapy practices but exploded in 2025 thanks to social media. For men seeking natural skincare hacks, it’s a low-cost, no-fuss option that promises big results.

Why Men Are Hyping This Trend

Hall’s video didn’t just go viral for its absurdity (though the banana peel bit helped). Men are drawn to ice facials for practical skincare wins that fit a rugged, results-driven lifestyle. Here’s what’s fueling the hype:

• Reduces Puffiness in a Flash
  Late night? No problem. Cold constricts blood vessels, cutting down swelling fast. It’s a quick fix for that sharp, chiseled look.
  
  
• Boosts Circulation for a Rugged Glow
  The shock of cold ramps up blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Post-dunk, you’re left with a natural, healthy shine.
  
  
• Tightens Pores Like a Champ
  Oily skin guys, listen up—ice temporarily shrinks pores, smoothing your complexion. Pair it with a Cleanser like THAROS Purifying Mousse for a deep clean that lasts.
  
  
• Soothes Razor Burn and Redness
  Shaving woes or acne flare-ups? Cold calms inflammation, making it a clutch move for sensitive skin.
  
  
• Wakes You Up, No Coffee Needed
  Beyond skincare, it’s a jolt to the senses—a perfect kickstart for early risers like Hall.

The Science Behind Ice Facials

This isn’t just influencer fluff. Cryotherapy—cold therapy—has legit roots in dermatology. When you dunk your face, the cold triggers the "diving reflex," slowing your heart rate and boosting circulation. Experts like Dr. Michele Green say it reduces inflammation and tightens skin temporarily (source: Business Insider). For men, it’s a natural boost that complements a solid routine featuring skincare products to lock in those gains.

The Banana Peel Twist: Hall’s Viral Quirk

Now, let’s talk about Ashton Hall’s other head-scratcher: rubbing a banana peel on his face at 8:45 a.m. The claim? Banana peels—packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural sugars—brighten skin, fight acne, and reduce wrinkles. Sounds great, right? Not so fast.
Dr. Helen He from Mount Sinai say there’s no solid evidence it works (source: Verywell Health). The nutrients don’t penetrate skin effectively, and any glow is likely just sticky residue. Instead, try THAROS Vitamin C Serum for a proven dose of brightening power—way less messy and backed by science.

How to Do an Ice Facial Right

Inspired by Hall’s icy plunge? Here’s how to nail it:

1. Cleanse First
   Start with a Cleanser like THAROS Purifying Mousse to prep your skin and remove grime.
   
   
2. Set Up the Bowl
   Half-fill a bowl with cold water, add 5-10 ice cubes. Skip the Saratoga Spring Water—tap works fine.
   
   
3. Dunk Away
   Take a breath, submerge for 10-20 seconds, lift, and repeat 3-5 times. Keep it short to avoid irritation.
   
   
4. Hydrate After
   Pat dry and seal in moisture with THAROS Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream. Cold can dry you out—this keeps your skin balanced.
   
   
5. Keep It Weekly
   Once or twice a week is plenty. Overdoing it risks stripping natural oils.

What Guys Are Saying

Hall’s video sparked a frenzy on X, with posts like, “Ice dunking’s my new go-to—face feels alive!” and “Banana peel? Nah, but the ice works.” The consensus? Ice facials deliver a quick refresh, though the banana trick’s more meme than miracle. Effects like tighter pores or less puffiness fade fast—think hours, not days.

Downsides to Watch

Before you raid the freezer, consider this:

• Sensitive Skin Alert: Too long (over 30 seconds) can irritate or redden sensitive skin.
• Temporary Fix: It’s not a cure for deep issues like acne scars.
• Banana Bust: Hall’s peel trick lacks proof and could clog pores if unwashed.
  
  Check with a derm if you’ve got conditions like rosacea.

Is It Worth It?

So, is dunking your face in an ice bowl worth the hype? For a quick, natural skincare boost—yes. It’s cheap, fast, and delivers instant perks like less puffiness and tighter skin. Hall’s viral routine proves it’s a crowd-pleaser, minus the banana peel gimmick. But it’s no replacement for a premium skincare routine. THAROS Essential Routine—cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream—gives you the essential package for long-term skin health.

Final Verdict: Dunk Smart, Skip the Peel

Take the plunge, gents. The ice bowl trend is a solid addition to your men’s skincare playbook—refreshing, effective, and badass in its simplicity. Ditch Hall’s banana peel move for THAROS Vitamin C Serum, and you’ve got a routine worthy of a Greek god. Ready to conquer your day? Grab some ice and start your odyssey with THAROS.