CryoAesthetic Skincare Breakthrough: Glacial Rx Fights Spots and Redness

I Tried Glacial Rx—The Newest CryoAesthetic Treatment—And My Skin Has Never Looked Better

The best part of waking up is when I finally get to ice roll my face, as it helps de-puff and add that extra radiance I desperately need in the morning. Cold therapy is one of my favorite, albeit cheapest, and most immediately effective parts of my skincare routine. So you can probably imagine I jumped at the chance to try Glacial Rx, a brand new CryoAesthetic treatment (i.e., a cold facial treatment) that promises to illuminate the skin and reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation in the most painless way possible.

After researching the treatment before my first trip to Shafer Clinic, I wondered, How can a device that sounds similar to my cheap ice roller have such an effect on hyperpigmentation and redness? Upon arriving at the clinic in Manhattan, I was greeted by Lucia Miranda LE CME, who would perform the treatment on me. I explained my struggles with hyperpigmentation and how I constantly work to prevent flare-ups (usually heat and sun-related). She assured me that I would not only love the treatment but that this newer technology might be the key to solving my problems once and for all. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about Glacial Rx.

What Is Glacial Rx?

“Glacial Rx is an FDA-cleared CryoAesthetic treatment that uses precision cooling technology to brighten skin, reduce redness and accelerate exfoliation,” Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in NYC, explains. “It is also cleared to remove benign lesions—like solar lentigines and macular seborrheic keratoses.” Dr. Engelman says the treatment uses a newer technology called Cryomodulation, which “harnesses cold to suppress the production of melanin, reduce age spots, and pigmentation.”

Dr. Bruce Katz, director of Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York City, conducts clinical studies on Glacial Rx, and his clinic was the first one in the country to have the treatment. Dr. Katz explained in greater detail how Cryomodulation works: “When people develop hyperpigmentation, there is a mechanism involving tyrosinase, an enzyme that stimulates pigment cells to produce pigment, and the Cryomodulation, the cold technology, stops that event from happening.” Dr. Katz added that the treatment was developed at Harvard by the same scientists who created CoolSculpting.

The Glacial Rx treatment includes three treatment modalities, though it’s noted to be a two-step treatment, the third being a targeted spot treatment.

Benefits of Glacial Rx

Reduces redness and inflammation

Helps with and reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots

Reduces skin dullness

Tightens the skin

“This treatment calms inflammation and leaves the skin bright and glowing,” Dr. Engelman says. “By offering two unique types of skin clearance, skin inflammation, and spot treatment, Glacial Rx works to break the inflammatory cycle to reduce inflammation resulting in calm, clear skin as well as remove benign lesions and dark spots.”

Dr. Katz says additional benefits to Glacial Rx are still being studied. “Aside from treating pigment and inflammation, we are also finding that it works quite well for rosacea,” he shares. “We are also treating psoriasis and looking at how it works on acne.” The benefits of Glacial Rx also go beyond the face: “We are using it on other parts of the body to treat pigment and inflammation,” Dr. Katz adds.

The treatment’s benefits can last up to a year, though further studies on this are needed, according to Dr. Katz. He also says you’ll notice results after one or two treatments. However, Dr. Engleman says, on average, patients will need about three treatments, depending on their goals. For example, I have gone for two treatments so far (one month apart) and have been recommended to have three treatments.

How to Prepare for Glacial Rx

Since I stopped my prescription Retin-A some time ago, there was nothing in my skincare routine that I had to stop before the treatment. However, for those that do, it is recommended that you discontinue any retinoid use 2-3 days prior and that you don’t get any filler or neurotoxins at least two weeks prior to the Glacial Rx treatment.

What to Expect During a Glacial Rx Treatment

Miranda, who performed my first and second treatments, only applied two of the three treatment modalities to my face. The Glacial Rx treatment uses a handheld device with what can be best described as a cold plate, the part your provider glides across your skin.

Miranda began the treatment with the “Gloss” technique, which involves skin cooling followed by dermabrasion. This modality is meant to treat the skin with continuous cooling, with the optional addition of topicals, to illuminate the skin by reducing inflammation and accelerating exfoliation. Dermabrasion tends to be a little harsh on my skin, but with the continuous cooling, it almost felt like nothing.

Afterward, she moved on to the second modality, the “Glide” technique. As Miranda tells me, this method “delivers precision cooling to the skin, resulting in calmer, and brighter looking skin almost immediately. It can be delivered as a standalone treatment or paired with lasers and other treatments to reduce pain, inflammation, and thermal injury.”

The final technique, which I did not need to utilize, is the Focused Freeze Spot Treatment (referred to as Precision Freezing). This technique is a targeted treatment that freezes benign lesions.

The entire treatment took about 45 minutes; it was so soothing and relaxing. As promised, the treatment left my skin bright and glowing, and with the addition of a few post-treatment topicals, I walked away looking like a glazed donut.

Before + After

During the winter months, my melasma/hyperpigmentation tends to calm down, though it is still present in some very harsh lights. However, with Glacial Rx, even after one treatment, I saw a massive difference in the reduction of my melasma and any redness in my skin, and with zero downtime. Other treatments I have done for my hyperpigmentation took a toll on my skin for a few days.

Potential Side Effects

Glacial Rx is safe for all skin types, pain-free, and has minimal to no side effects. Dr. Engleman says there is no downtime with the Gloss and Glide treatments. However, there can be several days of downtime with the spot treatment.

The Cost

The costs of Glacial Rx vary per provider but average around $550 per session. At Shafer Clinic, each of the three modalities has its own cost to allow for tailored treatment. The price is $800 for the Glide technique, $1,500 for Gloss, and $500 for the Focused Freeze Spot Treatment.

Aftercare

Patients are sent home with a branded Glacial Rx packet that includes mandelic pigment corrector serum and molecular barrier recovery cream balm. Dr. Katz also recommends continuing to hold off on using retinoids or harsher ingredients for a week after treatment in case your skin feels sensitive after treatment. Other than that, you can return to your everyday skincare routine. Regarding maintenance, Dr. Katz says you may need one or two touch-up treatments a year, but there is no final data on this yet.

The Final Takeaway

Glacial Rx delivers on its promise of radiant skin, reduced redness, and reduced hyperpigmentation. I wish I had tried this treatment sooner, but nonetheless, I am thrilled with my results. After just two treatments, I see a difference and look forward to my third. I love that this is a 45-minute treatment, so you can easily schedule it during a lunch break. And while Glacial Rx is a little pricey, it is worth it if you’re looking to address hyperpigmentation, redness, or benign lesions effectively and painlessly.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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