Skin can quickly show the effects of stress, short nights, or a little too much indulgence. And in the morning, puffiness often shows up in ways coffee can’t fix. Luckily, there’s a simple, free trick that can make your face look more refreshed in under a minute, one my grandmother swore by. All you need is a bowl of ice water and about 30 seconds.
Grandma’s “Wake Up Your Face” Trick
Dunking your face into ice water doesn’t sound fun at first. But try it every morning for a week, and the difference becomes hard to ignore. A quick 30-second dip can help reduce puffiness and make your skin look more awake, tighter, and instantly revived, like a fast reset before you start the day.
This little ritual has also made its way into celebrity routines. Hailey Bieber, for example, has shared similar cold-water steps as part of her morning prep. It’s especially handy on days when makeup needs to sit well or when you’re heading to an important event: the cold can give your skin a smoother, fresher-looking base.
To take it one step further, skincare expert Renée Rouleau has suggested adding a small amount of witch hazel for its soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. For some people, that can boost the calming effect and help reduce the look of puffiness.
TikTok Says Matcha Causes Hair Loss, Should You Stop Drinking It?
Why Ice Water Can Help?
Puffiness and redness often come from inflammation and dilated blood vessels. Cold temperatures can temporarily constrict those vessels, which may visibly reduce swelling and tone down the look of redness. That’s why your face can appear more “snatched” and awake almost immediately after the dip. Then, as the skin gradually warms back up, circulation returns and many people notice a natural-looking flush, an easy, healthy “glow” that doesn’t rely on tools, serums, or makeup tricks.
Cold water can also make pores appear smaller for a short time and may help the skin look smoother overall. It doesn’t actually change pore size permanently, but it can reduce that shiny, enlarged-pore look for a while, especially around the T-zone. The result is a complexion that looks more even and feels a bit more “firm” right away, perfect when you want your skin to look fresh fast, whether you’re going bare-faced or putting on makeup.
