Buying guide for Best ice rollers
When used correctly, ice and cold compresses have the potential to improve the way you look and feel. It is a well-known beauty trick to apply a cool cloth or even chilled tea bags or cucumber slices to the face and eyes to reduce puffiness. Additionally, using a cold source such as a bag of ice can ease pain and swelling caused by injuries or muscle sprains. The problem is, these methods of ice application can be physically awkward. That’s where an ice roller comes in handy.
An ice roller consists of a roller top and a handle. It’s easy to use on numerous areas of the body. Rollers are made of cold-retaining materials like plastic, encased gel, stone, or metal, so several hours in the refrigerator or freezer is all it takes for these devices to become cold enough to offer aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.
There are many ice rollers to choose from, but don’t lose your cool trying to decide. We put together the facts about ice rollers in this buying guide, and we highlight several of our favorite models for your consideration.
Considerations
An ice roller has many practical applications, from reducing swelling for aesthetic reasons to calming aches and pains. Once you own an ice roller, you will likely find yourself reaching for it often.
Beauty benefits
Everyone experiences puffy eyes and tired-looking facial skin from time to time. This can take a toll on your appearance. Applying gentle cold compression to areas of the face encourages a more alert and refreshed look. Ice rollers are contoured to accomplish this goal. An ice roller can do the following:
Reduce eye puffiness: This common problem can be caused by many factors: lack of sleep, allergies, sickness, eating certain foods, and even hereditary factors. The under-eye area is problematic for many people, but eye puffiness can also occur on the eyelids and corners of the eyes. Applying cold compression is a quick and easy remedy.
Calm facial inflammation: Puffiness isn’t isolated to the eye area. Swelling caused by similar factors and various health conditions can affect the entire face. With an ice roller, you can easily reach all areas of facial swelling. In addition to the cooling benefits, the movement of an ice roller can help stimulate the lymphatic system, further reducing puffiness.
Lessen redness: Broken capillaries, blemishes, and rosacea can result in redness and blotchy skin. An ice roller can help reduce the appearance of redness caused by these common skin issues.
Shrink enlarged pores: Large pores can be quite noticeable. Often, they are accentuated when makeup is applied. The cold of an ice roller can actually cause the skin to constrict, temporarily minimizing the appearance of large pores.
Pain relief
You’ve probably applied an ice compress to an ankle sprain or muscle strain at some point in your life. An ice roller with a large roller top is perfect for such injures. It’s easy to maneuver and less messy than using ice. In addition, an ice roller is a handy tool for various types of pain that are eased with the use of cold therapy. It can do the following:
Minimize swelling from injuries: Ice has long been a recommended remedy for injuries because of its ability to reduce blood flow, which in turn reduces swelling. The shape and size of ice rollers make them perfect for applying cold to injuries on almost any part of the body.
Soothe skin irritations: Sun burns, bug bites, bee stings, and razor burn can all make skin red, irritated, and painful. Running an ice roller over affected areas can have an almost immediate comforting effect.
Relieve pain: As mentioned, the pain from injuries like sprains can be eased by applying cold. That’s because the cold temporarily slows down nerve activity in the affected area. Therefore, using an ice roller for issues such as arthritis, tendonitis, and overworked muscles can help you feel better.
Ease headaches: Headaches are often caused by tension, stress, or tightening of muscles in the neck and shoulders. Rubbing an ice roller over your forehead, temples, or muscles is an alternative treatment to over-the-counter pain relievers for headache pain.
Features
Roller tops
Arguably the most important part of any ice roller is the roller top. This is the portion that retains cold and is used to soothe affected areas. The majority of ice rollers are made with the roller portion attached to the handle. Rollers are round or cylindrical in shape, allowing them to glide smoothly over skin and fit the contours of the face and body. Some roller tops are removable, which is convenient when it comes to cleaning and storing the device.
Materials
The most popular materials for roller tops are stainless steel, plastic or gel-coated plastic, and stone, such as quartz or jade.
- Stainless steel is the gold standard material because it is durable and resistant to rust, and it does a good job retaining cold. Some ice rollers have thin sheets of stainless steel wrapped around plastic; others are solid metal. Specialty designs may have gel or freeze-resistant liquid encased in stainless steel for extended relief. The minor downside of many stainless steel ice rollers is the price, which falls on the high end of the spectrum.
- Plastic ice roller tops are strong, but they don’t tend to stay cold as long as stainless steel rollers. However, an ice roller with a plastic head may cost less. Gel-coated plastic ice rollers are just as they sound: the roller features a soft gel encased in flexible plastic. When placed in the freezer, it becomes firm and retains cold up to several hours. While affordable, durability can be a factor.
- Stone ice rollers are often made of jade or quartz. They are smaller than models made of other types of materials, making them suitable for use on the face. They are also affordable. However, they don’t retain cold very well, so they are best for beauty applications that only require a few minutes of use.
Handles
Ice roller tops are situated on handles. Some rollers, such as those with stone tops, have metal or stone handles. However, the handles of most ice rollers are made of plastic. Pricier models may have contoured handles for a sturdy grip. Some are coated in soft foam or silicone for comfort.
Cases
Some ice rollers come with a case. Cases are commonly made of plastic, nylon, or cardboard. A case is a great bonus feature that comes in handy during travel.
"The use of cold therapy to treat various injuries and health conditions is cryotherapy. “Cryo” comes from the Greek term “kruos,” which means frost or icy cold. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Ice roller prices
Whether your budget is tight or flexible, chances are you can find an ice roller to satisfy you.
Inexpensive
The cost of low-priced rollers ranges from $7 to $12, and there are a variety of options to choose from. Plastic and plastic-coated gel rollers are typically the most affordable options, although some companies offer low-priced jade ice rollers. Some stainless steel models also fall into this price category, but they are usually on the small side. Keep in mind that inexpensive ice rollers may have longevity concerns.
Mid-range
The sweet spot for most customers is between $12 and $20, where a wide variety of durable models are available. At this range, you’ll find models with removable roller tops and coated, contoured handles. These products are available in a nice selection of materials and sizes.
Expensive
If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, we think you’d like the options available in the neighborhood of $20 to $45. Removable roller tops and well-made stainless steel components are standard. Additionally, you’ll find ice rollers with unique designs for specific parts of the body and larger units made for all-over use.
Tips
- Store your ice roller in your refrigerator or freezer so it will always be ready when you need a little cold therapy.
- If you intend to use your new ice roller on larger areas of the body, pay close attention to roller sizes as you shop, and choose a bigger one. A smaller one would work, but you’d have to make many more passes over the affected area.
- Do you suffer from TMJ? Rubbing an ice roller along your jaw when symptoms flare can reduce tension, stiffness, and pain.
- Wash your ice roller after each use with mild soap and water. Dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the fridge or freezer so it’s ready to use when you need it again.
- To be on the safe side, check with your doctor before using an ice roller on an injured area or to calm swelling or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition.
FAQ
Q. Can I use an ice roller to reduce swelling from cosmetic procedures?
A. Absolutely. Applying cold following a variety of cosmetic procedures is often recommended by plastic surgeons to reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Of course, you should check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay for your particular situation and be sure to use it gently on treated areas.
Q. What are the benefits of using an ice roller for neck and back muscle pain?
A. Sore, stiff muscles in your back and neck may be the result in injury, stress, or strain. Because cold slows down blood flow and calms active nerves, using an ice roller over these areas can help. Additionally, the firm but gentle pressure you use acts as a massage, which can loosen tight muscles.
Q. Are ice rollers with plastic gel tops durable?
A. Yes and no. Plastic gel roller tops are designed to be frozen and used time and time again, so they are made of tough materials. However, exposure to sharp objects can cause punctures. If you choose this type of ice roller, be mindful of its limitations, and keep it safe from sharp items that could damage it.
