According to analysts at Goldman Sachs, $24 billion dollars a year is spent on skin care products alone. In India, sales of anti-ageing creams are growing by 40% a year while Brazil has more “Avon Ladies” (900,000) than it has men and women in its army and navy. T

he beauty industry all together is an estimated $160 billion dollar a year business.

What none of the beauty industry giants will tell you is that there is a nearly-free alternative to expensive skin creams that is more effective at stopping wrinkles, evening skin tone, and repairing skin. It is a treatment that you can do every day, right in your own home. So what is this miracle remedy? Ice.

All you have to do is take a few ice cubes in a thin hand towel or cloth. As the ice begins to melt, apply it to your skin evenly for 2-3 minutes until your skin is cold to the touch.

You can use this treatment in the mornings after a shower, or at night just before bed. The best times to use the treatment are just after you have washed your face, and before you apply any other skin cleansers or makeup.

Here are the ways that skin icing can improve the appearance of your skin:

1. Smoother Skin
Icing your skin causes the skin to contract, making it look smoother.

2. Tightens Pores
Icing your skin causes pores to constrict, making them easier to clean out. Icing your skin before applying your makeup helps foundation look smoother and flawless.

3. Improves Circulation
Ice constricts the blood vessels in your skin, and as a result, less blood goes to the surface of the skin. The body then responds by gradually sending an increased flow of warm blood to the area. This process strengthens blood vessels over time.

4. Reduces Appearance of Puffy Eyes
Icing your skin will also reduce puffiness under your eyes by reducing swelling.

5. Irons out Wrinkles
Because of the tightening of the skin, reduction in pore size, and improved circulation, skin icing can ease the signs of wrinkles. Skin icing can also prevent the appearance of new wrinkles.

6. Blemish Prevention
Rubbing ice on a blemish or a pimple can help reduce swelling and the redness. Using ice cubes at the first sign of a pimple will reduce inflammation. All you have to do is hold the ice on a blemish or pimple for a few seconds or until the area feels a little numb. Ice the blemishes every other night.