Celebs who don’t age are a frequent topic around this office. Recently, a certain singer-producer-creative director was top of mind: “How has Pharrell Williams looked 25 years old since he was 25 years old?” one colleague asked. “He is literally the closest character to Dorian Gray that exists today.”

Although genes certainly play a part—and men’s skin is generally thicker than women’s and therefore less immediately prone to many of the visible signs of aging—one can also assume that the Williams must follow some pretty intensive self care practices to maintain his seemingly eternal freshness. Indeed, he is the founder of the skincare brand Humanrace, which is entirely centered around nourishing the skin in times of relaxation and “stress-testing” it regularly to increase its resilience.

What is contrast therapy?

For Williams, stress-testing the skin often involves contrast therapy—a fancy term for the practice of alternating between hot and cold applications. In general, contrast therapy can involve anything from a stint in an infrared sauna followed by a cold plunge to a warm oil face massage followed by an ice roller. Either way, it’s all about subjecting the body and skin to a back-to-back contrast of temperatures. It is said to stimulate blood flow, increase circulation, and promote healing.

The benefits of an ice bath

We all know that applying ice to an injury can help reduce pain and swelling, so it seems logical to assume that applying ice to our skin could have similar benefits. Proponents of using cold therapy on the face say it can help de-puff the eyes, tighten pores, promote a healthy glow, and reduce other visible signs of aging. Best of all, apply cold therapy to the skin is pretty accessible—all you really need is some ice.

When it comes to the overall benefits of ice baths and cold plunges, the thought process is the same. “A few studies give some scientific insight on the health benefits of ice bathing and exposure to cold air,” a recent review that looked at the health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water explains. “These studies suggest that regular cold exposure can be effective in treatment of chronic autoimmune inflammation, reduce hypercholesterolemia by brown adipose tissue activation, and have a positive effect on stress regulation.”

While a lot of pop-wellness content also claims that ice bathing and cold plunging can boost the immune system, increase sex drive, burn calories, ease stress, and treat depression, most of the evidence is anecdotal at best. Still, that doesn’t mean ice bathing isn’t worth a try—especially if there’s the chance of achieving age-defying results. At the Four Seasons in Milan, those who want to experience the star treatment for themselves can visit this spring’s Humanrace Reborn Pop-Up to try the “Total Experience”—so, naturally, I did just that.

The contrast therapy experience

When I arrived to meet with dermatologist Elena Jones, a longtime friend of Williams, I was full of questions about the treatment and contrast therapy in general. But once I experienced the actual treatment—which includes sauna and ice bath contrast therapy followed by a facial—I had a pretty clear answer.