Wash your face with cold water or warm water?
Although it may seem like a simple gesture, water temperature directly influences the health of your skin . A poor choice can dry out, sensitize, or even aggravate problems like acne or rosacea.
In this post, you'll discover the best temperature for your skin type , the effects of using hot or cold water on your face , and how to improve your facial routine to prevent damage.
Spoiler : warm water can be your best ally.
👉 Are you interested in natural skincare? You'll love this.
Is it better to wash your face with cold or warm water?
Hot water may seem more relaxing , but it tends to strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, sensitivity, or irritation .
On the other hand, cold water helps tone and refresh , but it doesn't cleanse thoroughly . Also, if you have very dry or reactive skin, very cold water can also be harsh.
The best option is usually warm water , as it balances cleanliness and respect for the skin barrier.
❄️ Effects of cold water on the face
✅ Advantages
🔹 Tones and stimulates circulation
The cold causes immediate vasoconstriction, which activates circulation and provides a natural glow to the face.
🔹 Temporarily closes pores
It doesn't "close" them as such, but it does help them look smaller, leaving a more uniform appearance .
🔹 Refreshes and reduces inflammation
It is ideal for irritated or red skin, as it relieves inflammation and soothes instantly.
🔹 Helps set makeup
Using cold water as the last step of your routine helps your skin feel firmer and ready to keep your makeup on for longer .
❌ Disadvantages
🔹 Does not clean deeply
Cold water does not open pores, so it may not be enough to remove dirt and debris if used alone.
🔹 May cause discomfort or reactivity
In very sensitive skin or with rosacea, the cold can trigger unwanted reactions .
💧Effects of hot water
✅ Advantages
🔹 Slightly opens pores
It helps remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup residue. This opening facilitates deeper cleansing .
🔹 Relax your facial muscles
Heat acts as a natural sedative. Washing with warm water can reduce facial and body stress, creating an immediate feeling of well-being .
🔹 Improves the absorption of cosmetics
By heating the skin, the pores dilate and allow the active ingredients to penetrate better , enhancing the effects of serums and moisturizers.
To maintain a healthy balance in sebum production and the health of your sebaceous glands, it's recommended to use lukewarm water when washing your face. Warm water is hot enough to effectively cleanse away excess oil and dirt without completely stripping away the natural oils that protect and keep your skin moisturized .
❌ Disadvantages
🔹 May irritate sensitive or dry skin
Heat can disrupt the skin barrier, causing dryness, redness, or sensitivity in some skin types.
🔹 Promotes skin dehydration
Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, which can cause moisture loss and tightness.
🔹 Accelerates aging if used excessively
Continued exposure to heat can weaken collagen and elastin, affecting the skin's firmness and elasticity .
🔹 It can weaken the skin's protective barrier
Regular use of hot water can compromise the natural barrier function, increasing vulnerability to bacteria, irritants and external agents .
Hot water is worse for the skin's immune system, as it helps strip away its natural oils, potentially causing irritation and disrupting the skin's microbiota. Although cold water has its drawbacks, especially in terms of cleansing, it doesn't have as negative an impact on the skin barrier and microbiota as hot water.
What water should you use according to your skin type?
✔ Oily or acne-prone skin
→ Ideally, use warm water , as it cleans effectively without drying or stimulating excessive sebum production.
✔ Combination skin
→ You can opt for warm water or alternate between warm and cold, especially in the T-zone where there is more fat.
✔ Dry skin
→ Use lukewarm or slightly warm water . Avoid very hot water, as it can strip away natural oils.
✔ Sensitive skin or rosacea
→ Always use lukewarm, gentle water . Avoid both cold and hot water, which can cause irritation or redness.
✔ Normal skin
→ Warm water is best, although you can occasionally use cold water for toning.
What happens if you wash your face with water that is too hot?
If you use very hot water frequently, you can cause:
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Alteration of the natural pH of the skin
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Wear of the skin barrier
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Sensitivity, redness and flaking
This can accelerate skin aging and worsen conditions such as inflammatory acne or rosacea.
When is it useful to use cold water?
Use cold water on your face in the morning if you need a toning effect or to reduce eye puffiness or soothe your skin after an intense routine .
You can also use it at the end of cleansing to enhance the feeling of freshness.
The perfect balance: warm water
Warm water is the ideal option for most skin types . Why? Because it combines the best of both worlds:
✅ Opens pores just enough to facilitate deep cleansing, without over-dilating them.
✅ It is less aggressive than hot water and does not dry out like cold water.
✅ Helps maintain the skin's natural balance, preventing irritation and dehydration.
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural sebum, causing a cycle of dehydration and oil overproduction that can lead to problems like oily skin and acne. The additional irritation caused by hot water can also worsen these problems. |
Conclusion: cold, hot or warm?
The temperature of the water you use to wash your face directly influences the health of your skin .
🔹 Cold water can tone and reduce inflammation.
🔹 Warm water can offer a deeper, more relaxing cleanse.
🔹 But most dermatologists, including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), recommend warm water as the safest and most balanced option .
Why? Because it cleans effectively without drying, irritating, or disrupting the skin barrier .
And remember:
💧 Water temperature is important, but so are the products you use . Always opt for gentle, natural cleansers tailored to your skin type .
What water do we use at OhMyKoko?
At OhMyKoko we always recommend warm water combined with natural and gentle cleansers .
👉 For example, our sulfate-free gel facial cleanser is perfect for daily use without damaging your skin.
📰 Do you have dry skin and want to take better care of your skin barrier?
Discover how to protect your skin in winter and keep it hydrated without irritation. 👉 Read the full article.
Why choose OhMyKoko?
At OhMyKoko we design products for all skin types, natural, vegan and toxin-free .
We are the first skin activist brand , and we champion cosmetics that care for you and the planet.
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👉 If you haven't already, download our free guide and start your routine with meaning.
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