I Tried the Celeb-Approved Fire and Ice Facial—My Skin Has Never Looked Better

Fact checked by Michelle RegaladoReviewed by Morgan Rabach, MD

There's no denying that celebrities have access to the best of the best when it comes to skincare and facial treatments– especially ahead of an event or photoshoot. So, when I was offered an experience for a "red carpet facial," (also known as a fire and ice facial) I jumped at the opportunity. Wondering what a red carpet facial entails? I wasn't quite sure what to expect either, but I knew that it promised glowing results and that the esthetician who would be doing it– Candace Marino, AKA the LA Facialist– was legit, so I would be in good hands.

Read on for my experience and glowing results with the celeb-beloved fire and ice facial as well as input from top dermatologists and the celebrity esthetician who gave me my treatment.

Meet the Expert

• Candace Marino is an esthetician in Los Angeles.

• Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, California.

• Elizabeth Callahan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, Florida.

What Is the Fire and Ice Facial?

As the name implies, the Fire and Ice Facial has components of hot and cold, which also directly correlate to exfoliation and hydration. The brand behind the treatment, iS Clinical, says the facial was "designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin," and adds that it's a celebrity favorite because of its effective benefits.

To be a bit more specific, it's a multi-step treatment that deeply cleanses the skin, utilizing a resurfacing mask, peel, serums, and moisturizers.

Potential Benefits of the Fire and Ice Facial

• Resurfaces and rejuvenates skin

• Reduces hyperpigmentation

• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

• Promotes cell renewal

There is no shortage of the varying types of facials that are available and each is best suited for different results. For instance, if I'm feeling like my pores are particularly clogged and my skin is experiencing breakouts, I would go for a treatment that's heavy on extractions, but if I'm looking for a glow, it's all about exfoliation to rid the skin of dead cells. Depending on the type of facial you get, though, not only will results vary, but so will the recovery time.

For the Fire and Ice Facial in particular– because there's little to no downtime– and results are relatively instantaneous, it makes for the perfect treatment leading up to a special event. That's why celebs and brides alike are drawn to it. In addition to resurfacing the skin, the warming and cooling modalities promote circulation and that overall glow that the facial is known for.

"This is the no-downtime equivalent of a chemical peel," says Marino. "We're exfoliating to allow for dead cell removal, we're increasing circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrient-rich blood cells to the skin which warrants a glow." She adds that, because of the exfoliation, "the skin is able to receive the hydrating benefits that follow the rejuvenating masque, we surge the skin with calming, cooling, hydrating and moisturizing benefits that help the skin retain moisture, which leaves the skin plump, dewy and bouncy."

"The warming phase, utilizing the Intensive Resurfacing Masque, helps to open pores, enhance circulation, and prepare the skin for the rest of the treatment," explains Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Calabasas. "The subsequent cooling phase helps to cool and soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and redness, and promote overall skin rejuvenation." The results: "refined skin texture, reduced blemishes, and improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Guanche.

Best Candidates for a Fire and Ice Facial

Although there are components of heat and exfoliation, the treatment itself is overall quite tolerable. Of course, if you're highly sensitive, it may not be the treatment for you. "Patients with extremely sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea that is flaring may not be the best candidates for the Fire & Ice Facial due to the intensive resurfacing masque," says Dr. Guanche. "It's essential to assess each individual's skin sensitivity and suitability before recommending the treatment." She adds, "This is why it is in the hands of professionals," which makes sense because iS Clinical does have similar products that would allow you to replicate this kind of facial at home, but the professional-grade products that are used in this treatment can only be purchased by experts.

How to Prepare for a Fire and Ice Facial

"Before you have your facial treatment, it is recommended that you avoid using harsh exfoliants, stay clear of potent active ingredients such as Vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and strong retinoids which can increase skin sensitivity, and avoid waxing or hair removal on the face," says Florida-based dermatologist, Elizabeth Callahan, MD.

Marino echoes that, saying it's important to "avoid exfoliation 3 days prior to treatment to allow your skin to maximize the exfoliating benefits from this facial treatment." It's wise to check in with your esthetician ahead of your facial to ensure that you're setting yourself up for success.

What to Expect from a Fire and Ice Facial

I arrived to the Four Seasons in Nashville for my Fire and Ice Facial with a clean face, sans makeup to make the process easier on my esthetician. However, the first step is a thorough cleanse– as in three cleansers are used– so if you were wearing makeup, it's not a big deal.

Marino outlines the steps of the facial below with nods to the brand's products that you can purchase should you want to recreate a similar treatment at home. The Cleansing Complex is already one of my faves and post-treatment, I stocked up on a few others that I loved the feeling of during my facial.

• Step 1: To start, triple cleanse with the following three cleansers: Cleanse with Cream Cleanser ($48), followed by a second cleanse with Cleansing Complex ($48), followed by the third cleanse with Warming Honey Cleanser ($48) (steam is optional here).

• Step 2: Apply the Intensive Resurfacing Masque (the "Fire" of the facial). Apply a thin layer evenly over the treated area, leaving on for 3-4 minutes. Gently remove with a cool, damp towel.

• Step 3: Neutralize the skin using Cleansing Complex, applied with damepened fingertips.

• Step 4: Perform extractions (if needed).

• Step 5: Apply Rejuvenating Masque (the "Ice" of the facial) by hand or a facial brush. Gently massage onto the face. Option to massage with ice globes or using a gua sha during this step.

• Step 6: While the Rejuvenating Masque remains on the skin, option to perform hand and arm massage before removing the masque.

• Step 7: Once the masque is removed with a towel; Massage the face, neck, and decollete using Massage Silk.

• Step 8: Conclude the treatment with the application of iS Clinical skincare in the following order: Youth Eye Complex ($115), Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ ($95), Hydra-Cool Serum ($99), Reparative Moisture Emulsion ($105), Extreme Protect SPF 30 ($80).

Byrdie Tip

This particular rejuvenating mask is also good for soothing redness and irritation, which makes it a perfect treatment after lasers or on sunburned skin.

I have pretty textbook combination skin, so a more oily T-zone with dryness everywhere else and found the treatment easy to tolerate. Marino checked on me as I sat with the Resurfacing Masque on to ask how it was feeling and although there was some tingling, it didn't feel uncomfortable or like a true burning or "fire" sensation at all. Surprisingly (and much welcomed), the mask formula had a warm, spicy scent (like cinnamon and clove) that I liken to the smell of a Michael's crafts store during the months of October and November– niche, I know– but if you know...you know. Marino referred to it as "Thanksgiving dinner," which is probably a more relatable reference.

After the Resurfacing Masque was cleaned off and the Rejuvenating Masque was applied, Marino went to town with what I can only describe as the best facial massage of my life. I knew that I'd be leaving that treatment room not only with glowing skin– courtesy of the facial– but with a snatched, sculpted face thanks to her handiwork.

Once the treatment was done, I took a look at myself and could not believe the glass skin effect that had been achieved. I was shocked as I had arrived with a dull, lackluster complexion not even an hour earlier. In that moment, it made total sense why this is a go-to for celebs because in just 50 minutes, I had red carpet-worthy skin. And that gorgeous glow lasted for at least five days after. (Plus, it won me over as an iS Clinical skincare devotee– weeks later I'm still using much of the same routine that was used during my facial).

How Often to Get a Fire and Ice Facial

"For best results, it is recommended to have in-office facial treatments like this one every four to six weeks," says Dr. Callahan. She explains that it's largely dependent on your skin type and concerns, but points out that "it’s not recommended to undergo this treatment too often as it can irritate or sensitize the skin."

Side Effects

Even though a peel is utilized, the products aren't overly harsh, so don't expect to be red for days after. I was only slightly red immediately post-treatment and that completely subsided within minutes. Because it's an exfoliation treatment, there's always a slight chance for irritation, especially if you're sensitive or if you used a harsh exfoliant ahead of your facial (other things such as waxing before your treatment can impact results, too.) So, if you do experience any adverse effects such as extended irritation or redness, it would be smart to consult with the esthetician who performed your treatment and then ultimately a dermatologist.

Cost

The price will vary depending on your location and the expert you go to, but be warned, as a "celebrity" treatment, it can be pretty pricey. Another one of our writers went to the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills where a Fire and Ice Facial cost $235.

The Final Takeaway

If you're looking for a quick and efficient treatment with essentially no downtime, this is the treatment for you. Although it's pricey, there's no denying that it's super effective and can get you glowing before a special event. Plus it's suitable for most skin types and is tolerated well by many.

To try the Fire and Ice Facial yourself, head to iSClinical.com and type in your location to see where the nearest professional is. You can also Google “Fire and Ice Facial iS Clinical” along with your city to see if it’s available near you.

Read the original article on Byrdie.