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 increases blood flow
According to research , this stems from cold exposure sending blood flow to the exposed area. In turn, increased blood flow provides the skin with better protection from free radicals, such as pollution, and may give your skin a healthier glow.
The benefits of washing your face with cold water are many. Studies suggest that washing the face with cold water once a day may reduce puffiness, shrink your pores, reduce swelling, and hydrate your skin. It is important to remember that water that's too cold may damage and dry out your skin.
The goldilocks temperature
Although an occasional splash of cold water might benefit your complexion, for the most part you should be aiming to wash your face with lukewarm water. Lukewarm water will work with your cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria from your skin, all without being overly stripping and drying.
All you have to is take a bowl filled with icy water and dip your face in it for a good 30 seconds and with a soft cloth, mildly dab your face. Do it twice or maximum thrice, once in the morning and evening.
Cold water closes pores, which tightens the skin. It is also gentler on your hair and prevents hair fall.
“When our skin is exposed to the cold our facial capillaries constrict and lymph function is boosted, which soothes the skin, reduces redness, and tightens facial tissues,” says Dr Shakir.
While a cold compress can minimize inflammation and make pimples less noticeable or painful, it will not remove the contents inside a pimple.
Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.
Furthermore, the myth of cold water being able to shrink the size of pores has been proven false, since pore size is decided completely by genetics. However, cold -but not too cold- water does still have its benefits for the skin. Cold water causes blood vessels to contract, creating a tightened feeling.
In the event that you wear a significant amount of makeup, consider applying ice to your face each morning before putting on your makeup. If you suffer from acne or similar skin blemishes, ice your face every other night before you go to bed.
Just splashing your face with cold water can reduce the fine lines and wrinkles on your face considerably. * It also helps refresh the skin, and take care of dullness.
Wash With Lukewarm Water: Dermatologists agree that lukewarm water is best for washing your face. But a splash of cold water can be nice first thing in the morning or after washing your face with lukewarm water, dermatologists say.
Hot water also opens your pores, making it easier to clear out the excess oil. When you finish washing your face, splash it with ice cold water. This will close up the pores and tighten the skin, keeping it clear of oil and grime for longer.
You may be using unnecessary products. "Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.
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.
When washing your face, it's best to use lukewarm water (especially if you have acne!), which is gentle on the skin. Water that's too hot is too harsh and can further irritate the skin while cold water is simply, unpleasant....
Don't shower in water that's too hot.
Cold water tightens your pores and reduces the overproduction of sebum and excretion of acne-causing bacteria. In contrast, hot water opens them and does the complete opposite, leaving your skin more prone to irritation.
It can help with collagen production, repair elastin fibres and by stimulating the skin's function could also slow down the ageing process.”
Cold water preserves natural oils and keeps your hair manageable, gives it a healthy shine and loads it up with extra moisture giving it a smoother and shinier look. Cold water helps close the cuticles. Closed cuticles are smoother cuticles which can give your hair some much needed shine.
To ice your face all over, she says about 15 minutes is an appropriate amount of time. You won't overdo it because “you're moving it around so much that you're not concentrating on one specific area.”