Cryoskin: What You Need to Know

Cryoskin is a trio of noninvasive treatments for slimming, toning, and cellulite reduction. Developed in Paris by Pagani, the treatments all harness a type of cold therapy (cryotherapy), using sub-zero cold temperatures to stimulate new collagen production and fat loss.

According to the manufacturer, a clinical trial of 18 subjects, ages 18 and 68, showed "an average loss of 1.64" around the waist, an average weight loss of 8.16 lbs and a 4% overall BMI decrease" after 6 sessions of Cryoskin 4.0. 

While Cryoskin is CE certified in Europe, it has not yet been FDA approved, and more robust clinical trials are needed to prove that it's effective.

CryoSlimming

In this cryolipolysis (fat freezing) body contouring procedure, your provider will use a handheld wand to warm the treated area for two minutes, bringing subcutaneous fat cells toward the surface of the skin. 

The skin is then rapidly cooled down to -10ºF—for 12 minutes, triggering cell death (aka apoptosis), without harming the surrounding tissue.

The thermal shock of the cold can feel uncomfortable, but side effects are usually limited to redness and soreness in the treated area for a few hours after your treatment. 

Over the next two weeks, your lymphatic system naturally flushes the destroyed fat cells through your lymphatic system. You may also feel more thirsty and have to pee more often. 

Related: How to Speed Up Your Lymphatic System Post Body Contouring

This "lunch break treatment" takes about 30 minutes. It’s most commonly performed to reduce belly fat on the abdomen, but it can treat a variety of body areas, including the flanks, thighs, the "banana roll" below the butt. Some providers also use it to reduce a double chin. 

While you may see some improvement after your first session, six CryoSlimming treatments are recommended for the best results. The treatments can be done every 15 days.

You'll see your initial fat reduction results within two to three weeks of your first treatment and optimal results about three months after your last session.

Results are considered permanent, as the destroyed fat cells won’t return. However, if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells in the area can expand.

RealSelf Tip: Cryoskin Slimming is similar to CoolSculpting, as both treatments reduce fat via cryolipolysis. However, CoolSculpting uses paddles that suck in the excess fat, while CryoSlimming uses a wand that your provider moves around in a massage-like motion.

CryoFacial

During a Cryoskin facial treatment, an extremely cold stream of nitrogen vapor is blown onto your face and neck. This 10-minute facial rejuvenation treatment boosts blood flow and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone. 

You can expect some results after a single session—decreased puffiness and inflammation, improved pore size, tighter-looking skin—though these may last for only a few weeks. The treatment can be done every seven days, and 3–5 treatments are recommended for optimal results. 

With repeated sessions, you’re more likely to notice long-term effects in skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and increased elasticity due to the development of new collagen over time. 

RealSelf Tip: The manufacturer recommends abstaining from the facial for three months after having Botox injections. However, doctors on RealSelf say that a cryofacial is a relatively superficial treatment that shouldn't have any bearing on the effects of Botox. Talk with your provider if you've recently had Botox or dermal fillers.

CryoToning Cellulite

The device used for Cryoskin toning for cellulite is similar to that of CryoSlimming—but in this case, there’s no heat involved, just frigid temperatures. The cold causes vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which stimulates blood flow. 

This improves what the manufacturer calls "microcirculation" and accelerates metabolism, which stimulates collagen production. 

Over time, increased collagen can thicken the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite, making dimpled buttocks or thighs look smoother. 

Both CryoToning Cellulite and CryoSlimming are effective on the same spots—legs, buttocks, and abdomen—and there’s no downtime with either treatment. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that neither is a weight-loss treatment. They work best on people who are close to their optimal weight but have a few areas that may be resistant to diet and exercise.

Three to five treatments are recommended for best results, which will last up to five weeks, though you’ll notice the most difference in the first few days post-treatment.

RealSelf Tip: While increased collagen production can help smooth mild cellulite, moderate to severe cellulite needs more intensive treatment to break up the fibrous bands that pull down the skin to create deep dimpling. See the top cellulite treatments, according to RealSelf members and doctors.