Celebrities who never seem to age are a hot topic in our office. Lately, one name keeps coming up: “How has Pharrell Williams looked 25 since he was actually 25?” a coworker wondered. “He’s basically the real-life Dorian Gray.”

While genetics play a role—and men’s skin, being thicker than women’s, often shows fewer visible signs of aging early on—it’s safe to assume Williams follows a rigorous skincare routine to maintain his ageless glow. After all, he founded Humanrace, a skincare brand focused on nourishing skin during relaxation and “stress-testing” it to build resilience.

### What is contrast therapy?
For Williams, stress-testing often means contrast therapy—a fancy term for alternating between hot and cold treatments. This could involve anything from an infrared sauna session followed by a cold plunge to a warm facial massage paired with an ice roller. The idea is to shock the skin and body with rapid temperature shifts, which is said to boost blood flow, circulation, and healing.

### The benefits of ice baths
We know ice reduces swelling and pain in injuries, so it makes sense that applying cold to the skin could have similar perks. Advocates claim it can de-puff eyes, tighten pores, enhance radiance, and even slow signs of aging. The best part? It’s easy—just grab some ice.

As for full-body ice baths and cold plunges, the logic holds. Research suggests regular cold exposure may help with chronic inflammation, lower cholesterol by activating brown fat, and improve stress regulation. While wellness trends also tout benefits like immune boosts, calorie burning, and mood improvement, most evidence is anecdotal. Still, if there’s a chance it keeps you looking young, why not try it?

At Milan’s Four Seasons this spring, the Humanrace Reborn Pop-Up offered the “Total Experience”—so, of course, I gave it a go.

### The contrast therapy experience
Meeting with dermatologist Elena Jones, a longtime friend of Williams, I had plenty of questions. But after the treatment—sauna and ice bath contrast therapy followed by a facial—I had my answer.

The first part was split into two steps: 10 minutes in an infrared sauna with red LED light, then a three-minute plunge into an ice bath (32–50°F).

Let me be clear—this isn’t for the timid. Before stepping in, I wore special shoes to protect my feet and help redirect blood flow to the heart. (Blood circulates from the heart to arteries, capillaries, veins, and back.) The goal? Kickstart that cycle.The purpose is to re-oxygenate and nourish tissues, including those in the heart, while also detoxifying the body.

To handle the increased circulation, controlled breathing is key. You’ve probably heard of Wim Hof—I was told to focus on my body to calm my shocked nervous system by taking deep breaths as I stepped into the icy water. The goal? To stay submerged for a full three minutes before moving on to the facial.

What happens to the body in an ice bath?
Getting into an ice bath might seem tough, but the real challenge is staying in for the full three minutes. The sudden cold triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, often causing shortness of breath and a racing heart—both of which I definitely experienced.

But this is where the magic happens—the temperature shock energizes both body and mind, offering immediate and lasting benefits. As the body adjusts, heart rate and blood pressure drop, shifting into a relaxed state.

You don’t need an ice bath to get these effects—a cold shower works too. Either way, the temperature shock forces relaxation. The biggest impact comes when you step out—your hands and feet may feel numb as blood flow was temporarily reduced. After about 40 minutes, circulation returns, leaving you energized and in a better mood.

Contrast therapy for the skin
Next was my rejuvenating facial, expertly applied by Jones herself. It started with cleansing and the brand’s 7D Hyaluronic Acid, followed by Williams’ favorite Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator—a triple-action treatment with 8% glycolic acid to remove dead skin and revive the complexion.

Jones then used contrast therapy, gliding two ice rollers over my face to halt exfoliation and reduce puffiness instantly. The treatment wrapped up with a 30-minute oxygenating mask while my body was massaged with a peptide and bakuchiol-infused cream.

Did I come out looking as timeless as Williams? Hard to say—but I definitely felt renewed, refreshed, and uplifted. Or, as the ever-youthful artist might put it: Happy.