Ice cubes for beauty

Shahnaz Husain *

Ice is a term which you’ll get to hear quite often. Ice finds its way to almost everything in our daily schedule from stimulating blood circulation to reducing oiliness, soothing sunburns and laying a refreshing ground-work for makeup, there is no limit to what ice-cubes can do .

No matter what your skin condition, Ice cube is a brilliant option to help rejuvenate your skin, clear acne and increase radiance. Ice cube is an ultimate answer if you are trying to fight a pimple or make your makeup stick to your skin for longer on a busy day.

Not sure how? Read on to see all that you can freeze to make your very own beauty-boosting ice cubes to get supple, attractive and radiant skin .

Aloe Vera ice cubes

Aloe vera is known as "nature's beauty secret" . These aloe vera ice cubes not only cool and soothe the skin, but also heal sunburnt skin . Take one bottle of natural aloe vera gel that's inside an aloe vera plant . Choose an aloe plant with mature leaves growing near the base of the plant.

If there are no leaves growing at the root of the plant, then it is not ready for harvesting.Pour the gel into an ice cube tray. Fill each reservoir of the ice cube tray three-quarters of the way with aloe gel.

You can pour 2-3 drops of essential oil in each section and let it freeze in natural way for few hours .You can also add marigold flowers to enhance cooling as marigold is a natural anti-oxidant and can heal burns and other skin irritations .

If you are purchasing aloe vera gel from the market then select natural aloe vera gel that contains close to 100 per cent aloe vera with no added preservatives. Some brands have added ingredients, which may interfere with the freezing process and you may not get desired results. Basil and aloe vera calming combo in the icy goodness is also a great remedy for sunburn.

Take few basil leaves in a cup of water and grind them. Add 2 tablespoon of natural aloe vera gel and mix. Keep the mixture in an ice-cube tray and let it freeze for few hours and use it as per your convenience in once or twice in a month by rubbing them directly over your face and neck areas till you feel numb and the cube melts.

The regular use of Aloe Vera cubes on the skin will help fight infections, soothe sunburns, skin eruptions, black spots and even acne.

Rose Water ice cubes

This is an amazing technique to give an instant and immediate glow to your skin. Mix together 1 cup of concentrated rose water with 1 cup of water and add in rose petals in ice cube tray. For extra cooling effects, you can add in peppermint essential oil or rose essential oil for an extra rosy glow. Freeze and your rose ice cubes are ready!

When ready for your facial treatment, boil some water and pour into a large bowl. Place your face over the steaming bowl with a towel over your head for max five minutes or till you feel convenient with the steam. Next, grab one of your rose ice blocks and gently roll the ice all over your face and neck. Finish off with a spritz of rosewater .

Alternatively, mix together 1/2 cup rose water and 1/2 cup witch hazel. Stir them well and put in a Jar. Pour the mixture into each of the ice cube tray and allow it to freeze for a few hours, and your rose ice cubes are ready . Take rose petals preferably pink or red from garden or flower market whichever is convenient to you . You won’t need the stems or leaves, just the petals.

Next, give them a good rinse and transfer into a large pot. Add just enough water to cover all of the rose petals. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the petals have lost all of their colors or even longer so the petal starts to almost brew.

Remove the petals out of the rose water pot and transfer the remaining liquid into a jar. Pour over ice cube trays and stick them in the freezer. You can use when you require . You can also boil rose petals & freeze that water and use it when you feel so .Doing this helps refresh and soften your skin.

Rosewater is excellent for managing the skin's pH balance and gets rid of the excess oil. It also soothes the skin and any other inflammations, leaving it hydrated and nourished.

Green Tea Ice Cubes

This popular beverage is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce the rashes and scars, fight ageing, kill bacteria, repair sun damage, and soothe irritated skin. This tea is also known for its antibacterial activity which is very helpful in treating acne or pimples.

1. Brew 2 green tea bags in boiling water for 2-3 minutes .Avoid adding too much water to get concentrated solution. Take tea tree essential oil and add 2-3 drops in each section of your ice tray.

2. After it cools down, add your green tea to each section of an ice cube tray and place it the freezer for 2-3hrs or until the solution becomes totally solid .. Please ensure that your ice tray should be totally clean and free from any bacteria. Use these every other day gently moving it on your skin, especially around the eye/neck areas.How to Use these:

After using a cleanser, take one of the ice cube and hold it on to the pimple for a while. You will realise that it numbs the area. Depending on your pimple, you will see the results within a short period of time. This home remedy is really helpful for de-puffing and waking up tired eyes, because of green tea's antioxidant properties

These ice cubes are amazing for they help to reduce the appearance of the pimple and cure the problem naturally. They are astringent and antibacterial and reduce inflammation

Cucumber & Lemon Ice-Cubes

How To Make It?

Blend cucumber and the juice on 1 lemon to make a puree. Add just enough water to blend for desired consistency .Mix it well until smooth. Add a few drops of lemon and pour it evenly an ice-cube tray. Freeze it for a few hours preferably for overnight and apply cold for maximum effect.

Before using, allow the cube sit for 30 seconds or so to soften slightly. Gently rub the cube over your face and neck, using the icy slush to exfoliate. You can sit on your face for 5-10 minutes before rinsing Alternatively Soak the cucumbers in a pitcher of water for few hours preferably over night for best results to flavour the water .

2. Freeze the cucumber water in trays . You can add herbs basil , mint or lemon juice in them for a little extra flavor. Put them in freezer and allow them to settle for overnight to form solid state . You can use them as per your convenience

Milk Ice-Cubes

How To Make It?

Take a 1 cup of full cream milk and add 1 cup of distilled water in it. Pour it in an ice-cube tray and wait and let it freeze overnight for solid cubes.

Rub the cubes gently on face ,neck and open areas around neck and leave it for half an hour and wash it off face clean and fresh water .

Alternatively , You can have following option also

Pour 1 cup milk and 1 cup coconut milk. Mix it well and freeze in ice cube tray for 4-5 hours till it becomes solid.

Pour 1 cup rice water and add in 1 cup of cow milk in a glass jar . Mix it well and pour it into ice cube tray. Freeze it overnight.

Mix together milk and coconut water in equal quantities in a glass jar. Mix it well and pour it into an ice cube tray. Freeze for 4-5 hours preferably overnight for better results

WAYS TO USE MILK ICE CUBES:

You can use this before bedtime. Simple rub one ice cube directly on your face until it is all used up. Let it dry and sleep with it.

You can rub it on your face after face steaming and let it dry. Rinse it off with water.