Hot or Cold Water? Which Is The Best For Your Skin

Cleaning your face every day is basic skin care. This removes impurities, including dirt, grime, and bacteria, leaving skin clean and invigorated.

When you're unclear about how many times per day you should wash your face, which products to use, or even what temperature of water to use, things may get confusing. Lukewarm? Hot? Cold?

This article will discuss whether cold or hot water is healthier for your skin, as well as provide you with expert face washing suggestions.

Your skin and cold water

Cleaning with cold water benefits the skin in a variety of ways. One of these potential advantages is acne prevention.

According to Sophia Knapp, a certified cosmetologist, this is because hot water removes the oils that trigger breakouts.

As a result, "it could cause your skin to produce even more." In this scenario, cold water can be very effective at controlling oil levels.

Cold water may also be beneficial for certain skin problems, like rosacea. Hot water dilates blood vessels, making your skin appear redder.

The Advantages of Cold Water

Before you jump into the chilly water, consider these advantages.

According to Knapp, cold water might be especially good for dry or acne-prone skin. "If you have chronically dry skin, hot water might deplete your sebum levels (oils) and aggravate the problem; therefore, cold water is a recommended alternative."

This is good for the skin for a variety of reasons, including minimizing the appearance of pores and depuffing the face.

There are various health benefits to taking cold showers, which are showers with water temperatures below 70°F (21°C).

Improved circulation, more endorphins, and a revved-up metabolism are some of the benefits of cold showers and any sort of hydrotherapy.

Cold water disadvantages

There are certain disadvantages to applying cold water to your face.

"Since cold water tightens your pores, bacteria and debris can become stuck and are more difficult to remove than warm water," explains Knapp.

She suggests first washing your face with lukewarm water to remove any makeup and impurities from the day. "Finally, for a healthy glow, finish with a cold water rinse to tighten pores and stimulate blood circulation."

Cold vs. hot

Still feeling hot and cold about what water temperature to use on your face? This breakdown of the pros and cons of cold water should help.

Washing your face with cold water increases blood flow

According to research, this stems from cold exposure sending blood flow to the exposed area.

In turn, increased blood flow provides the skin with better protection from free radicals, such as pollution, and may give your skin a healthier glow.

Your face may not be as clean

Since excess oils are not dissolved in cold water, your face will not be as clean as it could be. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Anne Beal, MD, MPH, a physician, skin care expert, and CEO/founder of AbsoluteJOI Skincare, adds that a lot of the cleansing ingredients in your skin care products are designed for use with lukewarm water.

Why warm water may be preferable

"Warm water helps plump, which makes your pores appear smaller," adds Beal. "Cold water decreases puffiness."

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should wash your face with lukewarm water.

Beal notes that hot water strips your skin of the protective oils that help retain moisture, so it's the ideal medium temperature for all skin types.

Another advantage of washing your face with warm water is that your skin care products will absorb better.

If you expose your skin to extremes in water temperature, such as moving from hot to cold, capillaries will form beneath your skin.

How frequently should you cleanse your face?

In general, you should wash your face twice a day, in the morning and at night. Cleansing too frequently can actually dry out your skin and cause discomfort.

"We accumulate an alarming amount of bacteria on our pillowcases," notes Knapp, "so a fast cleaning in the morning before your moisturizer is vital."

The morning shower is also crucial, according to Beal, because it helps minimize the puffiness we frequently feel when we first wake up.

Knapp adds that a bedtime wash is vital for removing any makeup and dirt that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day.

Morning or before bed? The final word

The short answer: both. Aim for sometime before bed and after you wake up.

How to Keep Your Face Clean

Be gentle. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing your face with your fingertips and then patting it dry with a soft cloth.

Sweat should be washed away. Beal recommends washing your face after any exertion because sweat can clog pores.

Keep hydrated.  Consume enough water per day to keep your skin hydrated. Experts recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

Use items with caution. The ingredients in a face wash that you should seek are largely dependent on your skin type. According to Beal, most washing solutions containing active ingredients do not stay on your face long enough to be totally effective. "Instead, apply a gentle cleanser to your skin, followed by serums and lotions with antioxidants."

Finally,

Try washing your face in cold water to make a statement with your skin care routine. There are numerous advantages to doing so, including tighter pores, acne prevention, and a more awake appearance.

But, for most skin care needs, lukewarm water should suffice.

You can also consult with a dermatologist or other skin care specialist to discover what is best for your specific skin needs.