Cooling tools
Simple ways to cool the skin quickly: small fans, cooling towels, plain-water or fragrance-free mists, and cool packs wrapped in cloth.
Why it helps
Heat can set off flushing, hives, sweating, and itching, and cooling often eases burning and itch in minutes. They are drug-free and can be used as often as needed.
Look for
- Handheld or desk fans that are quiet and easy to aim at the face or neck
- Cooling towels made of soft, damp-friendly fabric
- Mists with plain water or short, fragrance-free ingredient lists
- Cool or gel packs with a soft cover or thin cloth wrap
- Items that fit in a bag or car for use on the go
Avoid
- Ice or frozen packs placed directly on skin
- Mists with fragrance, menthol, alcohol, or essential oils on irritated skin
- Ice-cold water on sunburned or very inflamed skin
Caution
Always keep a cloth between ice or cold packs and skin, and use them for short periods, because direct cold can injure the skin.
Products
La Roche-Posay
Thermal Spring Water Face Mist
Price: medium price · Face and body
A spray of French thermal spring water for the face and body; the ingredient list is only water.
- Fragrance free
- Oil free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Avène
Thermal Spring Water
Price: medium price · Face and body
An ultra-fine mist of Avène thermal spring water for all skin types, sold in several sizes.
View product Thermal Spring Water (opens in a new tab)Frogg Toggs
Chilly Pad PRO Magnetic Sport Towel
Price: medium price · Other
A brushed microfiber towel that cools when wet and wrung out; has a magnet, loop, and pouch.
- UPF 50+
- Lightweight
JisuLife
Handheld Fan 10 S
Price: higher price · Other
A rechargeable handheld fan with five speed settings, a fixed handle, a safety grille, and a lanyard hole.
View product Handheld Fan 10 S (opens in a new tab)Vornado
Pivot Small Personal Air Circulator
Price: higher price · Other
A six-inch plug-in desk fan with three speeds and a pivoting head to aim the air.
View product Pivot Small Personal Air Circulator (opens in a new tab)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.