I Tried Glacial Rx—The Latest Cryocosmetic Treatment—and My Skin Has Never Looked Better

The best part of waking up is when I can finally ice my face, as it helps reduce puffiness and gives me that extra glow I desperately need in the morning. Cold therapy is one of my favorite parts of my skincare routine, despite being the cheapest and fastest-acting. So you might imagine I jumped at the chance to try Glacial Rx, a brand new cryocosmetic treatment (aka cold facial) that promises to brighten skin and reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation in the least painful way possible.

After researching treatments before my first visit to the Schaeffer Clinic, I asked myself: How can a device that sounds similar to my cheap ice roller have such a big effect on hyperpigmentation and redness? When I arrived at the clinic in Manhattan, I was greeted by Lucia Miranda LE CME, who would be performing my treatment. I explained to her how I struggle with hyperpigmentation and how I constantly work to prevent breakouts (often linked to heat and sun). She assured me that not only would I love the treatment, but that this new technology could be the key to finally solving my problems. Learn everything you need to know about Glacial Rx below.

What is Glacial Rx?

“Glacial Rx is an FDA-approved CryoAesthetic treatment that uses precision cooling technology to brighten the skin, reduce redness, and speed up exfoliation,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schaeffer Clinic in New York City. “It is also approved for the removal of benign lesions, such as solar lentigo and macular seborrheic keratosis.” Engelman says the treatment uses a new technology called cryoconditioning, which “uses cold to inhibit melanin production, reducing age spots and hyperpigmentation.”

Dr. Bruce Katz, director of Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York City, is conducting clinical trials of Glacial Rx, and his clinic is the first in the U.S. to offer the treatment. Dr. Katz explains in more detail how cryoconditioning works: “When people develop hyperpigmentation, there is a mechanism involving tyrosinase, an enzyme that stimulates pigment cells to produce pigment, and cryoconditioning prevents this from happening.” Katz adds that the treatment was developed at Harvard by the same scientist who invented CoolSculpting.

The Glacial Rx treatment consists of three treatment modalities, although it is a two-phase treatment with the third being a targeted spot treatment.

Benefits of Glacial Rx

Reduces redness and inflammation

Helps and reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots

Reduces dull skin

Tightens skin

“This treatment reduces inflammation and gives the skin a radiant glow,” says Dr. Engelman. “Glacial Rx offers two unique types of skin clearing, dermatitis and spot treatments, and interrupts the inflammatory cycle to reduce inflammation, resulting in calm, clear skin and the elimination of benign lesions and dark spots.”

Dr. Katz says other benefits of Glacial Rx are still being studied. “In addition to treating pigment and inflammation, we’ve found it to be effective for rosacea as well,” he says. “We also treat psoriasis and are studying how it can treat acne.” The benefits of Glacial Rx aren’t limited to the face, either: “We use it on other parts of the body to treat pigmentation and inflammation,” adds Glacial Rx’s Dr. Katz.

Although the benefits of the treatment can last up to a year, according to Dr. Katz, further research is needed. He also says you’ll notice results after one or two treatments. However, Dr. Engman says that patients need about three treatments on average, depending on their goals. For example, I’ve had two treatments so far (one month apart) and was recommended three.

Preparing for Glacial Rx

Since I stopped taking prescription Retin-A a while ago, nothing in my skincare routine needed to be stopped prior to treatment. However, for those who do, it’s recommended to stop using any retinoids 2-3 days beforehand, and not use fillers or neurotoxins for at least two weeks prior to a Glacial Rx treatment.

What to Expect During a Glacial Rx Treatment

Miranda performed my first and second treatments, and she only used two of the three treatments on my face. The Glacial Rx treatment uses a handheld device that can best be described as a cold plate, which is the part your provider glides over your skin.

Miranda started the treatment with the “glow” technique, which involves cooling the skin, followed by microdermabrasion. This method treats the skin with continuous cooling, with the option of additional topical medications, to illuminate the skin by combating inflammation and accelerating exfoliation. Microdermabrasion is usually a little harsh on my skin, but the continuous cooling made it feel like almost nothing happened.

She then moved on to the second method, the “glide” technique. As Miranda told me, this method “delivers precise cooling to the skin, almost instantly resulting in calmer, more radiant skin. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with lasers and other treatments to relieve pain, inflammation, and heat damage.”

The last technique I didn’t have to use was focused freezing therapy (also known as precision cryotherapy). The technique is a targeted treatment that involves freezing benign lesions.

The entire treatment took about 45 minutes; it was so soothing and relaxing. As promised, the treatment left the skin radiant, and with a few follow-up products, I looked like a glazed donut.

Before + After

During the winter months, my melasma/hyperpigmentation calms down, though it still persists in very bright light. However, with Glacial Rx, I noticed a huge improvement in my melasma and skin redness after just one treatment, with no downtime. Other treatments I’ve received for hyperpigmentation caused damage to my skin for a few days.

Possible Side Effects

Glacial Rx is safe for all skin types, painless, and has minimal to no side effects. Dr. Engleman says that Gloss and Glide treatments cause no downtime. However, spot treatments may cause several days of downtime.

Cost

Glacial Rx costs vary by provider, but average about $550 per session. At the Schaeffer Clinic, each of the three modalities has its own cost to provide a customized treatment. The Glide Technique is priced at $800, Gloss is priced at $1,500, and the Focused Freeze Spot Treatment is priced at $500.

Aftercare

Patients receive a branded Glacial Rx take-home package, which includes Almond Pigment Correcting Serum and Molecular Barrier Regenerating Balm. Dr. Katz also recommends that if your skin feels sensitive after treatment, continue to avoid retinoids or irritating ingredients for a week after treatment. Otherwise, you can return to your regular skin care routine. As for care, Dr. Katz says you may need one or two booster treatments per year, but there is no definitive data on this yet.

Final Verdict

Glacial Rx delivers on its promise of making skin glow, reducing redness, and reducing hyperpigmentation. I wish I had tried this treatment sooner, but nonetheless, I am thrilled with my results. After two treatments, I saw a difference and look forward to the third. I like that this treatment is 45 minutes long, so you can easily fit it in during your lunch break. Although Glacial Rx is a bit pricey, it is worth it if you want to effectively and painlessly treat hyperpigmentation, redness, or benign lesions.

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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