Mini-fridges in this day and age aren’t just to fulfill your bedside cravings for midnight snacks and beverages, it’s now widely used by lots of skincare enthusiasts and professionals. Just as the name applies, a “skin fridge” is a tiny fridge used to store your beloved skincare products. 

The real question lies into whether it is necessary or not -  in short, no. Since all skincare products go through rigorous processing and testing before being sold to the market that makes it just fine being stored at room temperature. 

However, a “skin fridge” can boost a product's ability to reduce inflammation and calm down the skin when it is chilled. So while it may not be a need, it is certainly a nice thing to have, especially if you want to be really organized with your skincare.

Here are the products you should supercharge in your “skin fridge”:

• Eye Creams or Eye Patches 

• Why? The cold temperature boosts its ability to depuff the eyes plus there’s no denying that it definitely feels amazing.

• Products to Try:

• Jan Marini Transformation Eye Cream

• iS Clinical Vitamin C Eye Serum

• Face Masks and Water-based /Aloe-based Moisturizers

• Why? Applying a cold mask can help depuff the skin, decrease redness and swelling more quickly than that of a room temp variety. Further, applying a cold moisturizer helps calm down inflammation and gives temporary relief for any itching/allergies.

• Hot Tip: I always recommend clients to ice their pimples when they have a breakout and this is a similar concept to that. 

• Products to Try:

• PCA Skin Dual Action Redness Relief

• iS Clinical Moisturizing Complex

• Is Clinical Reperative Moisture Emulsion

• Skincare tools like Gua Sha, Rose/Jade Rollers, or metal face rollers

• Why?  Cooler temperature helps to constrict blood vessels, which can decrease puffiness and redness. These skincare tools, although being naturally cold already, can instantly turn your mundane skincare routine to an at-home spa experience when it’s chilled. 

• Products to Try:

• Sorella Apothecary Rose Quartz Sorella Apothecary Stone

• Sorella Apothecary Glacier Ice Globes

• Water-based face mists/toner

• Why? It feels very refreshing, especially during the hot summer days. Products claiming to have soothing, anti-inflammatory products when stored in a cool area are 10x more soothing when it’s cold. 

• Products to Try:

• iS Clinical Copper Mist

• GlyMed CBD-B3 Facial Mist

• Sorella Apothecary Watermelon Mint Hydrating Mist

• Skincare with active ingredients such as: Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin C are more likely to break down when exposed to light or heat.

• Why? Refrigeration can help prolong unstable products' shelf life by providing a more stable environment that is not exposed to heat/light. These items usually need to be stored in  a “cool, dark place”, specifically stored in an area with temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees fahrenheit as it maintains the ideal consistency of these products, while also reducing the risk of bacterial growth, mold and yeast. Also, having it stored in a below room temperature storage helps decrease the risk of accelerated deactivation and oxidation of active ingredients such as that of Vitamin C..J

• Hot Hip: Avoid making your fridge too cold. Ensure that your vitamin c serum is water-based, and not oil-based. 

• Products to Try:

• iS Clinical Super Serum Advance +

• Active Serum

• Jan Marini Research Age Intervention Retinol Cream

• GlyMed Vitamin C Serum

While we are big fans of a “skin fridge,” some skincare products are better left alone at room temperature. These include facial oils, make-up and skincare products that include silicone, wax or clay.  This can even cause certain products to become ineffective, so just stick with chilling products outlined above. 

It is important to note that too much shift in temperature is not good for any skincare product. Fluctuations in temperature can have a negative effect on the consistency and effectiveness of skincare products, so be cautious to keep your “skin fridge” at a stable temperature. 

In conclusion, a skin fridge is not really a necessity. BUT, it is most definitely a luxury that will upgrade your skincare routine. There’s no denying that skincare products chilled in a fridge can add a luxurious sensation when applied on the skin and in the grand scheme of things, it accentuates a product’s role in depuffing the skin and decreasing inflammation. 

After all, who doesn’t love imagining having chilled cucumbers on their eyes when it’s just your chilled eye patches, right?  

Sources:

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/boost-your-skin-barrier-better-complexion

https://www.whowhatwear.com/skincare-fridge-storage/slide3

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/skincare-to-refrigerate