From skincare devotees to wellness influencers, everyone seems to be plunging their face into bowls of ice water these days. Dubbed the “ice water dunk,” this simple yet powerful trend has gone viral on TikTok, with creators like Ashton Hall (@ashtonhallofficial) showing off the icy ritual as part of their morning routine. But what exactly is it, where did it come from, and why are so many people doing it? Let’s dive in.
What Is the Ice Water Dunk?
The ice water dunk is exactly what it sounds like: submerging your face in a bowl of ice-cold water for a short burst of time, usually first thing in the morning. Most versions of the ritual involve filling a clean bowl with cold water and several ice cubes, then dunking your face in for around 10 to 30 seconds at a time, repeating this one to three times.
Some people gently splash their face instead of fully submerging, while others prefer rolling an ice cube over the skin. The key is cold exposure, and it’s not just for shock value. Many users swear by it as a game-changing wellness hack with real physical and mental benefits.
Where It Came From
While the trend has been around in beauty circles for years, it was TikTok creators like Ashton Hall who helped bring it into the spotlight again. Her videos, which often include cold plunges, gua sha, and breathwork, frame the ice water dunk as a quick way to wake up the body and mind. Her calming aesthetic and relatable approach have inspired thousands to try the icy ritual.
Though TikTok gave it mainstream momentum, cold water therapy has deep roots in Korean skincare, cryotherapy, and even Ayurvedic practices, where cold exposure is used to boost circulation and energise the nervous system.
Pros: Mental and Physical
The ice water dunk has two major benefits: physical refreshment and mental reset.
- Mentally, it provides a shock to the system that can immediately improve alertness and mood. Some users say it reduces anxiety and helps with emotional regulation, similar to techniques used in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), where cold exposure is used to shift focus during moments of distress.
- Physically, it can help reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and give the skin a firmer, more lifted appearance. Cold water constricts blood vessels, which can temporarily tone the skin and reduce inflammation.
Physical Perks for Skin
- De-puffing: Especially helpful in the morning, cold water reduces under-eye bags and general facial swelling.
- Tightening: The cold shock causes blood vessels to contract, creating a more sculpted look.
- Boosted circulation: After the initial constriction, your body sends fresh blood to the area, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
- Reduced inflammation: Great for calming redness and acne-prone skin.
How to Try It Safely
Step 1: Fill a clean bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Make sure your skin is clean.
Step 2: Submerge your face for 10 to 30 seconds. Come up for air and repeat 1–3 times as needed.
Step 3: Pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel and follow with your usual skincare routine.
Avoid this trend if you have extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, broken capillaries, or any condition aggravated by cold. Always test with a splash before full submersion.
Like many viral trends, the ice water dunk is simple, accessible, and oddly satisfying. It may not be a miracle fix, but for a quick morning pick-me-up or a soothing self-care moment, it just might be worth the chill.