"Cold water tightens the skin's pores, which doesn't allow the natural secretion of sebum and acne-causing bacteria," says Neil Sadick, MD, of Sadick Dermatology.
Drawbacks of cold water for skin
In time, using cold water exclusively may result in an increase in breakouts and pimples, especially if you already have acne-prone skin. Dr. Colbert explains that for those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions like rosacea, icy cold water could also cause a mild flare-up.
To this, we say, yes! Lukewarm water is advisable to wash your face with, but cold water has its benefits, too. Cold water tightens the appearance of your skin, so it may make you look renewed and refreshed. It also helps boost your circulation, which can help give your skin a healthier appearance, albeit temporarily.
Washing your face with cold water may help treat excessively oily or acne-prone skin by combating the over-production of sebum.
“Warm water is always best as hot can strip the skin of its natural oils and cold does not allow the pores to open to remove dirt,” says Dr.
Ice cold water can be similarly a little too harsh for the skin- it can cause irritation and in some cases, even rosacea flare-ups.
Acne happens when there is too much sebum (oil) on the skin. Although a hot shower removes sebum, the removal also triggers the body to produce more sebum after the shower. If you suffer from acne, it is advisable to take cold showers to help sebum control and prevent new breakouts.
That being said, you should try to avoid cleansing your skin with too much cold water because it does not effectively clean out the skin. Cold water tightens up your pores, which can trap bacteria and dirt into the skin.
Open pores: Warm water can help in reducing open pores in acne prone skin.
Cold water is what really helps do the trick." Cold water tighten your pores as it promotes blood circulation and makes your skin look better overall, says Dr. Solomon.
Use cold water regularly to wash your face as it will slow down the aging process and helps to fill out the wrinkles on your face. - It also helps you get rid of the harmful effects of sun's rays, as cold water tightens and protects the pores that gets opened up when the skin is exposed to sun's harmful rays.
Benefits. While ice alone may not cure a pimple, it can decrease swelling and redness, making the pimple less noticeable. Ice also has a numbing effect, which can offer temporary pain relief for severely inflamed pimples.
“Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and healthy bacteria,” Grous explains, “which plays a major role in keeping moisture in—and the bad stuff out. And because dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, hot water can worsen preexisting acne or cause a breakout.”
Brightens your complexion
Who needs top-of-the-line highlighter when an ice cube can give you the same glow for free? Icing constricts the blood vessels is your face, which can lessen the appearance of pores and wrinkles and make you look lighter, brighter and more radiant overall.
Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.
According to dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, ice cannot affect the opening or closing of skin pores.
Those with sensitive and dry skin should avoid following this beauty hack as it can worsen skin dryness or even lead to irritation and redness. You shouldn't be dipping your face into cold water for too long or it can lead to skin irritation.
"There are many benefits to applying ice water to the skin such as decreasing inflammation and reducing puffiness, also improving the appearance of the skin tone, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and improving superficial wrinkles."
Detoxifies the body and prevents acne
Try to develop a habit of consuming warm water early in the morning and late at night daily. Warm water can increase your body temperature and make you sweat. This helps get rid of the toxins and impurities from the body and thus prevents the growth of acne.
Taking a cold shower first thing in the morning has more benefits than just acting as a wakeup call. In fact, washing your face with cold water may help your skin look more youthful. Cold water works similarly to an astringent, toning your skin and making it look refreshed and younger.
According to Agarwal, the combination of green tea and lemon is a potent blend to address acne. “Simply boil few green tea leaves in some water and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Strain and drink it hot,” she recommends.