Fire & Ice Facial in Chicago: Clinical Resurfacing Without the Downtime
The iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial is professional-grade skin renewal, no recovery required .
It has a dramatic name, and the results justify it. The Fire & Ice Facial is a two-phase professional treatment by iS Clinical that uses a potent resurfacing masque followed by an intensely soothing and replenishing masque, creating a controlled, clinical-grade skin renewal experience with no peeling, no significant redness, and no recovery time.
It’s sometimes called the “red carpet facial” because of how consistently it produces polished, camera-ready skin in a single session. But it’s more than a pre-event treatment. Used regularly, it’s a meaningful resurfacing tool that improves texture, reduces congestion, smooths fine lines, and creates lasting clarity in skin tone.
At Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness, the Fire & Ice Facial is administered by trained professionals who understand the clinical science behind the iS Clinical formulations and can customize the protocol for your specific skin type and goals.
The Science Behind The Fire & Ice Facial
The Fire Phase: The first masque contains a concentrated blend of resurfacing agents: glycolic acid, retinol, and resveratrol. Applied to cleansed skin, it creates a gentle warming and tingling sensation as exfoliation begins.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface, accelerating natural cell turnover. Retinol supports collagen synthesis and helps normalize skin cell behavior over time. Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, works to protect skin cells while the resurfacing is underway. Together, these actives deliver meaningful exfoliation that goes well beyond surface buffing.
The warmth patients feel during this phase is the resurfacing process working. It is not irritation, and it is carefully calibrated to be effective without compromising skin integrity.
The Ice Phase: The second masque neutralizes the resurfacing phase and delivers a concentrated package of soothing, hydrating, and brightening compounds. Hyaluronic acid floods the freshly exfoliated skin with moisture. Aloe vera calms any residual warmth. Brightening agents even out tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
The contrast between the two phases is what makes the treatment feel as good as it looks. Most patients leave with skin that is visibly brighter, smoother, and more refined.
What the Fire & Ice Facial Addresses
Surface texture. Glycolic acid exfoliation smooths rough patches, clears dead cell buildup, and creates a noticeably more refined skin surface.
Dull, uneven tone. By accelerating cell turnover and delivering brightening actives, the treatment reveals fresher, more even-toned skin underneath.
Fine lines. The retinol component supports collagen synthesis, and the renewed surface makes fine lines less visible after a single treatment, with cumulative improvement over a series.
Congested or clogged pores. Exfoliation clears the debris that contributes to blackheads and enlarged pore appearance.
Dehydration. The ice phase delivers a meaningful surge of hydration that leaves skin plump and supple rather than stripped.
Pre-event brightness. Because results are immediate and there is zero downtime, many patients schedule this treatment 24 to 48 hours before events, photo shoots, or significant occasions.
Building a Facial Series
While a single Fire & Ice Facial delivers real and visible results, a series of four to six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart produces substantially greater improvement in skin texture, tone, and clarity. Many patients incorporate it into a quarterly or monthly rotation alongside complementary treatments.
Dr. Cheung’s practice is built around personalized treatment planning. If you’re interested in using the Fire & Ice Facial as part of a longer-term skin improvement strategy, your provider can design a protocol that layers it appropriately with other services for compounding results.
What To Expect with the Fire & Ice Facial
A Fire & Ice Facial takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes. After thorough cleansing, your provider applies the resurfacing masque and allows it to work for a controlled period, typically 10 to 20 minutes, adjusted based on your skin’s sensitivity and tolerance. A warming and tingling sensation during this time is normal and expected.
The resurfacing masque is then removed and replaced with the cooling masque, which brings immediate relief and floods the skin with hydration and calming ingredients.
There is no visible peeling, no significant redness, and no downtime. Most patients look better immediately after the treatment than when they arrived.
Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness
Serving Chicago, Willowbrook, Oak Park, Naperville, Hinsdale and the western suburbs.