Could a frozen face be the perfect antidote to the UAE’s scorching climes?

With temperatures in Dubai nudging 50 degrees, getting blasted in the face with dry ice sounds an appealing prospect – and you can do just that at Tao Spa in The Mall, Jumeirah. The CryoFacial uses liquid nitrogen vapours and is said to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, balance the skin tone, stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. Jennifer Aniston, Mandy Moore and Jessica Alba are said to be fans.

Athletes have also used cryotherapy for years to reduce inflammation, through the use of high-tech cold chambers. It’s also used to get rid of warts.

It might not sound all that glamourous when you put it that way, but the benefits, if true, certainly outweigh the negative connotations. Plus, the procedure only takes 10 minutes and ladies don’t even have to take their make-up off, which is a bonus.

The beautician uses a special wand to disperse the subzero air all over the face and neck. The process was strangely soothing, once we’d gotten over our initial fear of frostbite.

The beautician did warn us that we might start to feel a little discomfort about five minutes into the treatment, but it certainly wasn’t unbearable. It was the same sensation as when your cheeks start stinging after a day of skiing.

Once our 10 minutes was up, we emerged feeling like one of Elsa’s Frozen victims. But when we looked in the mirror, we were amazed to see our skin was glowing. We looked like we’d just woken up from a great night’s sleep and chugged a smoothie full of super foods.

Over the next few days, our pores appeared smaller, and our face felt taut and smooth. In the mornings, we weren’t weighed down by baggy eyes or puffy skin.

For best results, it’s recommended you have regular treatments, however at Dhs325 per session, it doesn’t come cheap. But if you have a special occasion coming up or if you’re looking for a creative way to beat the heat, the CryoFacial is just the thing.

Tao Spa, The Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Fri 10am to midnight, Dhs325. Tel: (04) 884 5220. taospa.com