Things I Learned in Seoul: Why Koreans Are Obsessed With Ice for Their Skin

I thought glowing skin came from expensive creams and fancy treatments. Then I went to Seoul and discovered a secret that costs absolutely nothing: ice. Yes, ice. Here’s why this chilly ritual is one of the hottest trends in Korean skincare.

The Secret No One Told Me About
When I booked my trip to Seoul, I was ready for high-tech skincare machines, futuristic treatments, and ingredients I could barely pronounce. And yes, I found all of that.

But the first ritual I learned had nothing to do with expensive devices or products. It was ice. Just plain, simple ice.

My very first morning in Seoul, a medspa technician handed me a single ice cube and said with a smile, “Start here.” At first, I thought it was a joke. I had flown halfway across the world for cutting-edge beauty treatments, and they were giving me something from a freezer.

Then I tried it, and everything changed.

Why Ice Is a Big Deal in Korean Skincare
In Korea, ice facials are everywhere. People keep chilled tools in their freezers next to sheet masks and serums. It is not a trend. It is part of everyday self-care.

Here is what the science says:

1. Tightens pores and calms inflammation
   Cold temperatures cause vasoconstriction, which means blood vessels temporarily shrink. This reduces redness, swelling, and visible pores. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, cold therapy can reduce inflammation by slowing down the release of inflammatory chemicals in the skin.

2. Boosts circulation for a natural glow
   When the skin warms back up after cooling, blood flow increases dramatically. This rush of oxygen and nutrients feeds your skin cells and supports healing. The result is a fresh, lit-from-within glow.

3. Strengthens the skin barrier
   Healthy circulation supports the stratum corneum, the outer layer of skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out. By boosting blood flow, ice facials can improve skin resilience over time.

4. Makes your serums work harder
   Cooling your skin before applying serums or creams can help active ingredients penetrate more effectively. Studies show that slight temperature changes improve how molecules move through the skin, meaning your products work better.

My First Ice Facial in Seoul
Picture this: I was jet-lagged, dehydrated, and my face felt puffy from the long flight. I walked into a Korean medspa expecting advanced machines, but instead, they set me up with a small bowl of ice cubes.

At first, I was skeptical. But as they gently massaged my face with the ice, I felt my skin waking up. In just ten minutes, my reflection completely changed. My face looked firmer, smoother, and more radiant, like I had just had a week of perfect sleep and perfect hydration.

That was the moment I realized that sometimes the simplest rituals are the most powerful.

How to Try It at Home
You do not need to travel to Seoul to experience these benefits. Here is how to recreate the ritual at home:

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly.

2. Wrap an ice cube in a soft, clean cloth or use a chilled facial roller.

3. Gently massage across your face for 1 to 2 minutes, focusing on areas with puffiness like under the eyes or along the jawline.

4. Immediately follow with your favorite serum while your skin is primed to absorb nutrients.

Pro tip: Freeze green tea, cucumber water, or chamomile tea instead of plain water for extra soothing and antioxidant benefits.

The Bigger Lesson From This Ritual
When I first started my skincare journey, I believed beautiful skin required expensive treatments and complex routines. This trip taught me that sometimes beauty starts with the simplest, most natural solutions.

When my husband and I founded CELIVÉ, our mission was to take lessons like this, wisdom from Korean medspas and modern research, and make them accessible to women everywhere. Ice may seem basic, but it represents something powerful: that glowing skin can be achieved without a luxury price tag.

Series Note:
This blog is part of my Things I Learned in Seoul series, where I share real discoveries from my time in the global hub of skincare innovation. Next up, I will reveal the surprising ingredient I found that changed how I think about skin repair forever.