Washing your face is an essential daily ritual for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. However, a common question that comes up in your facial care routine is: is it better to use cold or hot water? It's not just a matter of personal preference, but of knowing how temperature affects your skin.
Learn the pros and cons of each skin care option so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you.
BENEFITS OF COLD WATER FOR YOUR SKIN
REDUCES INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
Cold water is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and puffiness . This is especially helpful in the morning, when many people wake up with a swollen face. Applying cold water can help reduce that puffiness, providing a more refreshed and awake appearance .
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION
When the skin comes into contact with cold water, the blood vessels constrict and then dilate, which can improve blood circulation in the face. Better circulation can result in a healthier, more vibrant skin tone.
CLOSE THE PORES
Cold water can help close pores after cleansing. Not only can this make pores look smaller , but it can also help prevent dirt and bacteria from entering, reducing the risk of acne breakouts.
FEELING OF FRESHNESS AND VITALITY
Cold water provides a refreshing and revitalizing sensation, which can be especially nice on hot days or after a workout.
DISADVANTAGES OF COLD WATER
LOWER CLEANING EFFICIENCY
Cold water may not be as effective at removing excess oil and dirt build-up on the skin, especially if makeup or sunscreen products have been used.
LESS OPENING OF PORES
While closing your pores can be a benefit, it can also be a disadvantage in terms of deep cleansing . Cold water doesn't open your pores as much as hot water, which can make it harder to remove impurities .
BENEFITS OF HOT WATER
OPENING OF THE PORES
Warm water helps open up pores, making it easier to remove dirt , oil , and makeup residue. This can result in a deeper, more effective cleanse.
RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF
Warm water has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. Washing with warm water can be a pleasant way to start or end the day, helping to reduce stress and tension.
IMPROVES ABSORPTION OF FACIAL CARE PRODUCTS
Warm water prepares the skin to better absorb facial care products, such as serums and moisturizers. Open pores allow active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
| To maintain a healthy balance in sebum production and sebaceous gland health, it is recommended to use warm water to wash your face. Warm water is hot enough to effectively clean away excess oil and dirt without completely stripping away the natural oils that protect and keep your skin moisturized. |
DISADVANTAGES OF HOT WATER
- RISK OF DRYNESS AND DEHYDRATION
Hot water can remove natural oils from the skin, causing dryness , dehydration and an imbalance in the microbiota, preventing the proper functioning of its barrier effect. This is especially harmful for people with dry or sensitive skin.
- POTENTIAL FOR IRRITATION
Using water that is too hot can cause redness and irritation , especially on sensitive skin or skin prone to conditions like rosacea.
| Hot water is worse for the skin's immune system, as it helps to remove its natural oils, potentially causing irritation and disrupting the skin's microbiota. While cold water has its drawbacks, especially in terms of cleansing, it does not have as negative an impact on the skin barrier and microbiota as hot water. |
- EXCESSIVE DILATION OF PORES
While opening pores can be beneficial for cleansing, excessive dilation can make the skin more vulnerable to the entry of bacteria and pollutants.
THE PERFECT BALANCE: WARM WATER
The best option is somewhere in between. Warm water has multiple benefits for the health of your skin.
Warm water offers the benefits of both extremes without their major drawbacks. It opens the pores enough to allow for effective cleansing , but not so much as to cause excessive dilation. Additionally, warm water is less likely to cause dryness or irritation compared to hot water.
| Hot water can strip the skin of its natural sebum, causing a cycle of dehydration and overproduction of oil that can lead to problems like oily skin and acne. The added irritation caused by hot water can also make these problems worse. |
Ultimately, the temperature you choose to wash your face can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your skin. While cold water can revitalize and reduce inflammation, warm water can provide a deeper clean and soothe the skin.
The general opinion of dermatologists, as can be seen in various publications, including those of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), is that warm water represents an ideal balance, offering effective cleansing without the risks of dryness and irritation.
Also remember that using gentle cleansing products suitable for your skin type is just as important as the water temperature.
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