Ashton Hall's ice water facials broke the internet. But do they work? An expert chimes in.
Ashton Hall's skincare regimen has generated almost as much buzz as his now-viral elaborate morning routine.
The fitness influencer recently achieved immense internet fame after a Feb. 7 video showcasing his six-hour wellness ritual recirculated across different social media platforms. It has received over 105 million views on TikTok alone.
The Florida native walks viewers through his typical morning, including up to three facials with either ice water or a banana peel. While Hall's skincare routine may seem extreme to many, the application of ice to the face has grown in popularity due to its inexpensive nature.
"Ice facials (or ice plunges) have definitely seen a resurgence in recent years, largely driven by social media," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens of Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery told USA TODAY.
"Influencers and content creators showcasing quick-fix beauty hacks have helped popularize the trend, especially because it’s easy, accessible, and visually engaging. People love the idea of a low-cost way to boost their skin and energy in the morning."
What are the benefits and cons of doing an ice facial?
Adding an ice water facial to your routine can help individuals feel refreshed to face their day. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Aniston are on board with this beauty hack. Experts say it can help tackle inflammation, as well as other perks.
“There can be some temporary benefits to plunging your face into ice water: it may help reduce puffiness, wake up the skin, and create a tightening effect by constricting blood vessels,” Stephens explained. “As long as someone doesn’t have conditions like rosacea or extremely sensitive skin, doing it daily is usually fine—but always in moderation.”
However, according to Stephens, overuse could not only disrupt the skin barrier but also cause redness, broken capillaries, and irritation. Some alternatives for the unorthodox pick-me-up are chilling face masks, using a jade roller, or placing another metal tool in the fridge overnight.
“It offers the cooling benefits but with more control and less shock to the skin,” she added.
Hall also rubs a banana peel on his skin, but as a dermatology resident told Cleveland Clinic in 2022, "there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that rubbing a banana peel on your face is going to help.”
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Does using bottled water matter?
According to his videos, Hall adds his own special component to his ice water facials: Saratoga Spring Water. Primo Brands, the company that owns the blue-bottled beverage, had reportedly seen some rise in its stock due to the online hype.
Various social media users, from McDonald's to celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Miami and media personality Piers Morgan, have participated in the conversation about Hall and his lifestyle by sharing their version of their morning routine, or lack thereof.
Saratoga Water, which has been featured in a number of recreations since the viral moment, got in on the fun. In a March 24 Instagram post, it called the ingredients used in Hall's facials "the pairing we never knew we needed."
Stephens said that using bottled water for your routine is not essential, but it all boils down to preference.
“There’s no significant difference between using bottled or tap water when it comes to skin effects. The benefit is more from the temperature than the type of water. That said, if someone prefers bottled or mineral water for personal reasons, that’s fine too.”
Skip the lemon
Hall also seems to like a squeeze of lemon in his ice water. But is it necessary?
“As for lemon in the water—it’s not something I’d suggest. Lemon juice is acidic and can be irritating if it gets on the skin or into the eyes. I’d skip that part," Stephens noted.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
Amaris Encinas is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at aencinas1@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ashton Hall's morning routine: A dermatologist speaks on ice water facials
