It does not matter whether you have been in the practice of skin care for years or just started tomorrow, there is one thing every one of us knows; washing your face is necessary to keep it healthy.
We wash our faces every day when we take a bath. Even for people who prefer to take a bath occasionally, washing your face seems like an everyday task.
But a question that has confused many people is what should be the temperature of the water to wash your face. Should it be cold as the glaciers or hot as the warm springs? Let’s clear this confusion once and for all.
Hot Water for Face: A Complete No!
If you are someone who enjoys washing the face with almost steaming hot water, first of all, why? Secondly, you should stop doing it right away.
In no way hot water is ever beneficial for the skin, especially the facial skin which is much thinner than the rest of the body.
The facial skin has a layer of natural oil, a natural skin barrier that houses a microbiome. This microbiome and the natural skin barrier is necessary for maintaining good skin health.
Hot water, even moderately hot water, might feel relaxing especially in colder environments but it can be detrimental to your natural skin barrier.
Hot water erodes the skin of the natural oil and disturbs the microbiome. All of this could lead to:
- Extremely dry skin
- Redness
- Increased sensitivity
- Acne breakouts
- Worsening of present conditions like Rosacea or eczema
- Skin inflammation
So it is quite clear that if you want healthy and clean facial skin, steer clear of hot water. So the next option is cold water.
Cold Water for Face: Maybe. Maybe Not
Cold water is clearly not as bad as hot water. We have had mornings when nothing could really wake us up other than a splash of cold water on the face.
There are many benefits of using cold water to wash your face, and for some people, it could be extremely beneficial.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of washing your face with cold water.
Reduced Puffiness
Ice packs on the face reduce the morning puffiness we have. Cold water works in a similar way and helps in reducing puffiness. It really helps in reducing the puffiness around the eyes as well.
Brightens the Skin
As cold water is a constrictor, it can make the skin slightly taut and make it appear brighter. It also increases the blood flow, which may help in increased healing of the skin.
Reduces Redness
Since cold water constricts the blood vessels under the facial skin, it helps in reducing the redness of the face, making it look brighter and healthier. But it is a temporary effect.
Makes You Feel Rejuvenated
Apart from all the visual effects, cold water does make you feel more rejuvenated as it improves blood flow and makes the brain release dopamine which makes people feel good.
So the debate is solved? Cold water is the way to go? Not quite. Despite having many great benefits, there are some problems with washing your face with cold water as well.
Here are all the cons of washing your face with cold water:
Improper Cleaning
Many facial cleansers are not activated properly with cold water. It could lead to improper washing of your face, which can further lead to other issues such as acne, pimples, etc.
Cause Breakouts
Since cold water shrinks the pores where all the sweat, oil, dirt, and bacteria are, it can lead to improper cleaning of the pores. Trapped bacteria in oil and sweat results in a breakout that can cause a mental breakdown.
Skin Sensitivity
Some people are sensitive to cold water. Upon contact, their skin shows signs of inflammation such as redness, itchiness, etc. So cold water is a no-no for them.
Interferes with Your Sleep
People clean their faces before going to bed. Using cold water before going to bed can interfere with their sleep cycle as cold water invigorates the body, and increases blood flow and activity.
Lukewarm Water: The Best Option
Finally, we come to the conclusion of the article and find the answer to the question; Not cold or hot water, but lukewarm water is the best option for most people.
Lukewarm water sits in the middle, neither cold nor hot. So it does not have the negative aspects of hot water, and it also lacks the extreme effects of cold water as well.
Lukewarm temperature is what most dermatologists recommend as it is perfect for people with any skin type. Use a gentle face wash and wash your face properly. Here’s a guide that will help you understand the best way to wash your face.
Lukewarm water works perfectly with all cleansers, does not interfere with your sleep cycle, causes no irritation, and does not shrink your pore. So now you know what the temperature of the water should be to wash your face. Take care of your skin.
Also, read: What’s the best way to face your face?
