No, washing your face with hot water is generally not good because it strips your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier; lukewarm water is recommended by dermatologists to effectively cleanse without causing damage, while cold water can help reduce puffiness. Hot water can worsen skin conditions like rosacea and trigger redness.
Rather than washing your face with hot or cold water, we recommend using lukewarm water. In general, keeping the water temperature lower can help support the integrity of your skin barrier and help prevent dryness after cleansing.
Which Water Temperature Is Best for Washing Your Face? Turn up (or down) the temperature so that it's somewhere in between hot and cold — lukewarm is ideal. Recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, moderately warm water creates the best face washing experience and overall skin health.
Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Improves skin tone and texture
One of the benefits of drinking hot water for skin is that your body flushes out all the toxins from your skin a lot more easily, and this leads to an overall improvement in your complexion and texture.
Things you can try if you have acne
Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse. Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
And most dermatologists agree: lukewarm water is your skin's best friend. Lukewarm water is best. It's warm enough to loosen dirt and oil but cool enough to avoid irritation.
Lukewarm water is the way to go for any skin-related cleansing (including your body). You want some warmth in your water, since as you probably know, heat can help loosen plugs in pores. (This is the reason steamers are so popular with aestheticians.) Warm skin also absorbs your subsequent skincare products better.
Integrating cold water therapy into your skincare routine
Additionally, dunking your face in ice-cold water for short intervals can reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles.
Skipping daily face moisturizer may seem harmless, but it can lead to dryness, oiliness, irritation, and even premature aging over time. Every skin type—oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal—needs hydration to maintain a healthy barrier, balance oil production, and protect against environmental damage.
Best Drinks for Glowing Skin
Staying Hydrated Is What's Important
The idea that drinking warm or hot water in the morning, or at any time, is better or worse than cold water is much more myth than fact. While water itself is essential for life, the temperature matters very little from a scientific perspective.
Studies show that exposure to cold allows for better drainage of lymphatic waste. This process can help reduce puffiness and swelling, particularly around the eyes, leading to a more contoured and youthful appearance.
How acne develops. Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.
To get rid of acne fast, use over-the-counter spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, apply pimple patches, try diluted tea tree oil, or use ice for inflammation, but avoid picking to prevent scarring; for severe or stubborn acne, see a dermatologist for options like cortisone injections or prescription topicals/oral meds.
Once a whitehead begins to form, a warm compress can help release the pus that accumulates under the skin. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water. Apply the warm cloth to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this step three to four times daily until the pimple begins to heal.
Staying hydrated is a big deal for keeping your skin healthy. But hot water can make your skin lose its natural oils and end up dry and sensitive. To replenish the skin's moisture, use lukewarm water for cleansing.
Cold showers improves blood circulation
Over time, this can lead to improved skin tone, reduced puffiness, and healthier blood flow, making cold water shower benefits a must for those looking to boost their circulatory health.
Staying hydrated is important for your body, and drinking water throughout the day can help you achieve that. The best temperature range for water to be absorbed and rehydrate effectively is between 10-22 degrees Celsius (50 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Itching and flaking are two of the most common signs of dry skin on your face as well. This can be an all-over issue, but is often most noticeable near and in the eyebrows. Flakes stick in eyebrow hair, making them stand out – especially if your hair is darker.
7-Day Glowing Skin Challenge
What Helps Brighten Skin?
The 4-2-4 rule is a Korean-inspired deep cleansing method: massage an oil cleanser for 4 minutes to break down makeup/SPF, follow with a water-based cleanser for 2 minutes to remove residue, then rinse with 2 minutes of warm water and 2 minutes of cold water to open and close pores, leaving skin deeply clean but can be irritating for sensitive types, so it's best for deep cleaning or heavy makeup days, not daily.
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