The Mammalian Diving Reflex: The Science Behind Cold Therapy for Skin & Stress

Ever splashed cold water on your face and felt instantly calmer and more awake? That reaction isn’t just in your head—it’s a biological response called the mammalian diving reflex. First described in aquatic mammals, this reflex also exists in humans and helps explain why face-focused cold therapy can support calmer skin, reduced puffiness, and a healthy glow while easing stress (Panneton, 2013).

At its core, the diving reflex is an oxygen-conserving survival program. When your face meets cold water, your body temporarily changes how it distributes blood and uses energy—prioritizing the brain and heart and dialing down unnecessary expenditure. For skincare and wellness, that same cascade can translate to less visible stress in the face and a more balanced look and feel (Gooden, 1994).

What Is the Mammalian Diving Reflex?

The diving reflex is triggered most strongly when the face is immersed in cold water (or exposed to sufficiently cold stimuli). Three hallmark responses occur together:

• Bradycardia — a measurable slowing of heart rate (often reported around 10–25% in humans) to conserve oxygen (Foster & Sheel, 2005).
• Peripheral vasoconstriction — temporary narrowing of surface vessels in skin and extremities to redirect blood toward vital organs (Panneton, 2013).
• Blood redistribution/“blood shift” — especially evident in diving mammals at depth; the chest and central organs are protected (Gooden, 1994).

Crucially, this reflex is most reliably triggered by facial cold exposure rather than cooling other body parts (Wikipédia).

How Cold Exposure Calms the Body

Facial cold activates trigeminal receptors and vagal pathways that shift the autonomic nervous system toward “rest-and-digest.” In humans, diving-reflex activation is associated with a heart-rate drop and autonomic adjustments that conserve oxygen and promote physiological calm (Foster & Sheel, 2005; Panneton, 2013). This aligns with modern neurophysiology showing vagal mechanisms can reduce arousal and support emotional regulation (Porges, 2007).

Visible Benefits for Skin

• De-puff & refine: Vasoconstriction helps reduce morning puffiness and the look of enlarged pores; the reperfusion phase afterward supports a fresher, more even tone (Foster & Sheel, 2005).
• Calmer-looking complexion: Lower perceived stress and autonomic calm can translate into less redness-prone, more comfortable skin (Porges, 2007).
• Healthy glow: The cold-then-warm cycle supports microcirculation for a brighter, well-rested look (Panneton, 2013).

Note: If you have conditions like rosacea, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or cardiovascular disease, talk to your clinician before experimenting with cold exposure.

Wellness Benefits Beyond the Skin

The diving reflex doesn’t just change the skin, it impacts the mind. By slowing the heart and stimulating vagal pathways, short bouts of facial cold can feel like a natural “reset” for anxiety and mental overload (Porges, 2007). This helps explain why cold plunges, ice facials, and contrast therapy are trending for mood and focus, not just aesthetics.

How to Try It (Gently & Safely)

1. Start mild: Use water at a controlled cool temperature (not extreme cold) or apply a cooled compress on the face for 10–30 seconds.
2. Breathe slowly: Inhale through the nose, exhale long to encourage vagal calm.
3. Alternate with warmth: A brief warm phase can enhance comfort and microcirculation post-cold (Panneton, 2013).
4. Moisturize afterward: Seal in hydration to support the skin barrier.

Frosteam: Make the Science a Daily Ritual

Frosteam translates this biology into a controlled, spa-like routine at home:

• Hot nano-ionic steam to hydrate deeply and improve serum absorption.
• Cold therapy plate to safely evoke the face-focused diving response—helping reduce puffiness and tighten the look of pores.
• Aromatherapy to support relaxation while you care for your skin.

Frosteam doesn’t claim to stop aging - it helps your skin handle it: less visible stress, a smoother look, and a healthier glow, day after day.

Keep Reading

• Cold Therapy & Collagen: A Skin-Firming Secret Backed by Science
• Serums + Steam: The Glow Duo You Didn’t Know You Needed
• Clinically Proven Skincare: How Frosteam Brings Dermatology Home

1. Foster, G. E., & Sheel, A. W. (2005). The human diving response: Its function, mechanisms, and control. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 15(1), 3–12. PubMed • DOI
2. Gooden, B. A. (1994). Mechanism of the human diving response. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science, 29(1), 6–16. Springer
3. Panneton, W. M. (2013). The mammalian diving response: An enigmatic reflex to preserve life? Physiology (Bethesda), 28(5), 284–297. PMC • DOI
4. Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116–143. DOI
5. Wikipédia. (s.d.). Réflexe d’immersion chez les mammifères. Récupéré le 16 août 2025, à partir de https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9flexe_d%27immersion_chez_les_mammif%C3%A8res