Cleansing your face twice daily can support skin health, but your preferred water temperature could impact the effectiveness of your daily skincare routine

Hot vs. Cold Water: Which Is Better for Your Skin Health?

Cleansing your face twice daily can support skin health, but your preferred water temperature could impact the effectiveness of your daily skincare routine

Your preferred water temperature while washing your face and body could impact the effectiveness of your daily skincare routine.

While occasionally rinsing with cold water may have some benefits, using very hot or cold water to wash your face can lead to dry, irritated skin.

Experts recommend cleansing your face twice a day using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type.

Which Water Temperature Is Better for Skin Health?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using lukewarm water rather than hot or cold water when washing your face. They also recommend rinsing with lukewarm water and patting your face dry.

While various home remedies or online sources may tout using very hot or cold water to improve skin health, these extreme temperatures could do more harm than good, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Skin Benefits of Cold vs. Hot Water

Washing your face in lukewarm water is best for routine skin care, but there are some potential advantages to occasionally using cold water on your face. Cold water can increase blood flow to your face, boosting your skin's protection from free radicals, harmful compounds caused by exposure to UV light and pollution. Cold water may also tighten skin and give it an appearance of a healthier glow.

Cold water can reduce swelling and inflammation, including inflammation common in acne. There is also limited evidence that cold water can reduce your face's oil production, which may be beneficial for people with acne. If you are going to use cold water, most experts suggest doing so after you have completed the cleansing process.

There are almost no benefits to using hot water (above 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 42 degrees Celsius) for washing your face or body—unless it's your preference. However, short-term heat therapy may be useful for treating certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (a common type of eczema). In one study, this therapy was used to relieve itchiness.

Researchers applied warmth (120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius) with a device for five seconds to an area affected by itchiness. This brief application of heat significantly reduced itchiness and provided long-lasting relief. However, effectiveness varied from person to person, so the treatment may not work for everyone. More research is also needed.

Disadvantages of Cold vs. Hot Water

While washing your face with cold water may have some advantages, most experts recommend using warm water for cleansing. Cold water is less effective at removing oil and dirt from your skin, which may cause cleansers to be less effective, allowing bacteria and debris to get trapped in your pores. Cold water may also irritate sensitive skin and leave a residue from your products on your skin.

In one study, researchers asked participants to immerse their hands in water at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes—an exposure similar to a long bath in nearly ice-cold water. They found that cold water can damage your skin barrier and cause dryness, though not as significantly as hot water can.

Washing your face with hot water can be just as, if not more, irritating to your skin than cold water. Research suggests that exposure to hot temperatures can lead to skin dryness, oil buildup, skin damage, and wrinkling.

One study found that hot water can cause skin cells lining your pores to narrow, making washing away sebum (oil) more difficult and potentially resulting in clogged pores. Hot water can also damage your skin barrier and make your skin more prone to breakouts.

Tips for Washing Your Face

How you wash your face—and the temperature of water you choose—is an important part of a healthy skincare routine. Harsh cleansing methods can damage your skin, cause breakouts, or lead to irritation, and 60% of people feel uninformed about proper skin cleansing methods.

Here are steps to take when washing your face:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before starting
• Splash lukewarm water on your face
• Apply a small amount of cleanser formulated for your skin type
• Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin
• Focus on areas where oil may gather, such as your T-Zone (nose and forehead area), and be careful around your eyes
• Avoid using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or any other object to rub in the cleanser, as these can lead to skin irritation
• Avoid scrubbing your skin—even if you feel it is dirty or if you have acne
• Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water until the cleanser is gone
• Pat your skin with a clean towel, leaving your skin slightly damp
• Apply moisturizer while your face is damp to help maintain your skin's hydration
• Limit washing your face to twice a day; you may need to wash your face additional times if you have been sweating, such as after a workout

A Quick Review

Regularly washing your face is an important part of a healthy skincare routine. Using lukewarm water and choosing a cleanser suited for your skin type can help maintain your skin health.

Cleansing with hot or cold water can result in dry, irritated skin and weaken your skin barrier. Talk to a dermatologist if you have questions on the best cleansing routine for your specific skin care needs or conditions.

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Sherri Gordon