Glacial Rx® is one of the most comfortable treatments at R Med+Spa — and one of the most underestimated. While many patients come in for laser treatments, Glacial Rx often becomes a regular part of their skin health routine once they experience it. It addresses real clinical concerns (redness, inflammation, pigmentation) without any downtime, and its results build with consistency.
At R Med+Spa in Durango, Glacial Rx treatments are overseen by board-certified physician Dr. Brian Rike, DO, who tailors each session to your specific skin concerns.
What Is Glacial Rx CryoModulation™?
Glacial Rx is a FDA-cleared Class II medical device that uses CryoModulation™ — precisely controlled cooling applied to the skin surface — to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and improve pigmentation. It is the first and only device of its kind cleared to treat the whole body.
Unlike cryotherapy devices designed to destroy fat cells (like CoolSculpting), Glacial Rx works at the skin level. The cold targets inflammatory cytokines and downregulates melanocytes — the cells responsible for excess pigment production — producing a clearer, calmer, more even complexion over time. It is not a superficial “cooling facial.” It is a medical-grade skin treatment.
Conditions Glacial Rx Treats
Glacial Rx is clinically used to address:
- Redness and rosacea — the cooling effect constricts blood vessels and reduces the inflammatory response that drives persistent redness and flushing
- Melasma and sun spots — by targeting melanocytes and breaking down excess melanin, Glacial Rx lightens areas of discoloration and promotes more even pigment distribution
- General inflammation and reactive skin — effective for acne-prone, eczema-prone, and post-procedure skin
- Uneven skin tone and texture — promotes cellular turnover and collagen production, reducing rough patches and fine lines over time
- Enlarged pores — the cold causes pores to contract, refining skin texture
- Dull complexion — enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, improving radiance
It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin that may not tolerate laser or chemical treatments.
How Glacial Rx Works
The treatment applies a cold vapor to the skin at a precisely controlled temperature. This triggers a sequence of beneficial responses:
- 1Vasoconstriction — blood vessels tighten, reducing redness and puffiness
- 2Melanocyte downregulation — reduces excess pigment production at the cellular level
- 3Inflammatory cytokine reduction — calms the underlying inflammation driving redness and reactive skin conditions
- 4Circulation rebound — once cooling ends, blood flow surges, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells
- 5Lymphatic drainage enhancement — helps flush toxins and reduce fluid retention
- 6Collagen stimulation — mild cold stress promotes collagen remodeling over time
The result is skin that looks calmer, brighter, and more even — with results that accumulate across a series of treatments.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before: Come with a clean face. Skip heavy creams or facial oils the day of your appointment. Let Dr. Rike’s team know about any active skin concerns, sensitivities, or recent procedures.
During: The treatment is comfortable — most patients describe the sensation as cool and relaxing, similar to a cold compress. Sessions typically take 45–60 minutes. No numbing cream is needed.
After: You can return to normal activities immediately. You may notice slight redness or a tingly sensation in the treated area; this is normal and typically resolves within a few hours. Many patients see a visible improvement in radiance and tone immediately after their first session.
Series: Like most skin treatments, Glacial Rx produces the best results with a consistent series. Dr. Rike will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific concerns.
Possible Side Effects
Glacial Rx is well-tolerated, but it is a medical treatment and should be performed by a trained provider:
- Temporary redness — normal response to cooling; typically subsides within a few hours
- Mild swelling or tingling — short-lived and resolves on its own, particularly in more sensitive areas
- Rare: prolonged redness, swelling, or temporary pigmentation changes — discuss your full skin history with Dr. Rike before treatment
- Very rare: cold burns or frostbite from improper device application — this underscores the importance of receiving treatment from a physician-supervised practice with trained staff
Clinical Evidence
In clinical studies, physicians reported improvement in approximately 92% of patients at one-month follow-up. Glacial Rx is also used as a complement to other treatments — including laser procedures, microneedling, and topical skincare — where its anti-inflammatory effect can support healing and enhance product absorption.
Why R Med+Spa for Glacial Rx in Durango
Glacial Rx is available at a number of spas and clinics, but the evaluation behind it matters. At R Med+Spa:
- Physician oversight every session. Dr. Brian Rike, DO reviews your skin concerns before each treatment and adjusts the approach accordingly.
- Medical-grade protocol. We treat Glacial Rx as the medical device it is — not a luxury add-on.
- Combination expertise. Dr. Rike regularly combines Glacial Rx with [Halo hybrid laser](/post/halo-laser-treatments-durango-colorado), [BBL HERO](/post/bbl-hero-way-way-better-then-ipl), and [Clear Silk](/post/bringing-sciton-s-clear-silk-lunchtime-laser-therapy-to-durango) for patients who benefit from a layered approach.
- Serving the Four Corners. Located in Durango, we see patients from Farmington, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and throughout the region.
Book a Glacial Rx Consultation in Durango
Interested in whether Glacial Rx is right for your skin? [Book a free consultation](/book) with Dr. Brian Rike, DO at R Med+Spa, or call/text (970) 501-0610.
_Individual results vary. Medical evaluation required prior to treatment._
