What is contrast therapy - and why is your under-eye the last place to get it?

From Swedish saunas to professional sports rehabilitation, alternating between hot and cold temperatures (also known as Contrast Therapy) is an established technique which is sometimes linked to boosted circulation, improved muscle recovery, stress management, and more. But what’s the science behind it? And could it play a role in your skincare routine?

How does Contrast Therapy work?

Contrast therapy hypothesises that alternating between hot and cold temperatures may create a ‘pumping’ effect in the body, which could have benefits such as aiding muscle recovery in athletes, reducing puffiness, and boosting wellbeing.

Applying heat (such as a hot bath, sauna, hot pack, or warm compress) causes vasodilation, meaning your blood vessels widen, boosting blood flow and helping to relax muscles. Cold temperatures causes the opposite, vasoconstriction – you might apply a cold compress or gel pack if you bump your head or twist an ankle, as it restricts blood flow which can help decrease swelling and numb pain.

Could it elevate my skincare routine?

Absolutely! This idea has been around for years – you might be familiar with placing sliced cucumber, refrigerated spoons or a warm flannel over your eyes. But if you want to know how to help boost circulation without these slightly messy options, you’ll be pleased to know contrast therapy just got a high-tech boost…

For the first time, Shark has built this clinic-inspired thermal therapy for tired eyes into an at-home LED mask. The result? Shark CryoGlow Clinic – a powerful LED mask with the first instant Hot + Cold under-eye therapy.

Dual-Temp Revive mode alternates InstaChill and InstaHeat, helping boost circulation to relax and brighten under-eyes. InstaChill Technology uses cryo therapy to instantly cool, depuff and awaken tired eyes.

When used alongside the mask’s anti-ageing LED mode, Dual-Temp Revive mode is proven to brighten, soothe and relax tired under-eyes*.

So it’s goodbye cucumber slices, hello instant hot + cold therapy at the touch of a button!

*Anti-ageing mode with under-eye cooling and heating - Results from 12-week study with 59 subjects and 1x/day use of pre-programmed 6-minute routine. Individual results may vary.