Washing your face is crucial for maintaining facial cleanliness and leaving a good impression on others. Some people prefer using hot water to wash their faces, while others opt for cold water. Of course, there are also those who choose lukewarm water. So, what is the ideal water temperature for washing your face to benefit your skin? Let’s see what dermatologists have to say.
According to a report by “The Huffington Post,” many individuals start by washing their faces with hot water in an attempt to open and cleanse their pores before rinsing with cold water to close the pores. But is it correct to subject the facial skin to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold?
Contrary to common belief, pores do not open or close like windows when exposed to hot or cold water. Dermatologist Hannah Kopelman, who practices in New York, revealed the truth.
Kopelman explained, “The truth is, pores do not have muscles, so they cannot open or close based on temperature. Hot water may temporarily dissolve oil and debris on the skin, making the pores appear cleaner, but it does not actually change their size. On the other hand, cold water may temporarily cause blood vessels to constrict, giving the appearance of tighter skin, but it does not shrink the pores.”
While the size of pores is primarily determined by genetics, there are other factors that can make pores appear more prominent. Sara Hogan, a dermatologist practicing in Washington D.C., pointed out that some individuals have larger sebaceous glands, which may enlarge with age.
Hogan stated, “Hormones also play a role in the activity of sebaceous glands. Aging and sun-related skin damage can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, affecting skin structure. In these cases, pores may appear more pronounced.”
Using hot water to cleanse facial skin may provide a comfortable feeling but it can strip away natural oils. Since these oils help in retaining moisture, exposing the skin to hot water can decrease its ability to retain moisture, making it more sensitive and prone to dryness, redness, and irritation.
Nicole Lee, another dermatologist practicing in New York, warned, “Over time, this could exacerbate conditions such as eczema or rosacea, accelerating skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin.”
However, this does not mean that washing your face with cold water is better. Exposing the skin to hot or cold water can be stressful for the skin unnecessarily.
Lee explained that washing your face with very cold water may feel refreshing and temporarily reduce puffiness, but it may not effectively clean the skin or allow skincare products to be absorbed properly. Over time, this could lead to clogged pores and reduced efficacy of skincare products.
For optimal skin health and to allow facial cleansers to work effectively, dermatologists unanimously agree that using lukewarm water is the best choice.
Lee emphasized, “Lukewarm water is the ideal cleansing method as it effectively removes dirt, oils, and makeup while retaining the skin’s natural oils, allowing skincare products to be better absorbed.”
Regarding whether certain skin types are suitable for washing the face with hot water, the answer is “no.” Some skin types or individuals with certain conditions like rosacea or eczema may be more sensitive to water temperature and could worsen their conditions with hot water.
Kopelman warned, “Hot water can dilate blood vessels, worsening the flushing in individuals with rosacea.”
She emphasized that even if your skin is not sensitive, there are no benefits to washing your face with hot water. She cautioned against using hot water to wash your face regardless of skin type.
She mentioned that while washing with lukewarm water may help individuals with very oily skin dissolve excess oils, it’s crucial to avoid excessively high temperatures as this can trigger increased oil production.
She explained, “While using lukewarm water may have some benefits for oily skin, it’s essential to keep the temperature within a moderate range.”
As for using cold water to wash your face, Kopelman also provided insights.
She mentioned that cold water can help alleviate inflammation or irritated skin, making it a good option for treating rosacea or post-certain dermatological procedures. It can also reduce morning facial puffiness by constricting blood vessels, revitalizing the skin.
However, due to the limited effectiveness of cold water in removing oils and thoroughly cleansing the skin, Kopelman suggested starting with lukewarm water to wash the face and finishing with a splash of cold water if needed to invigorate the skin.
Kopelman ended by urging individuals to establish good skincare habits, emphasizing the importance of hydrating the skin. Supplementing moisture is crucial. Using suitable moisturizers helps maintain the skin barrier intact, preventing excessive oil production.