The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in lukewarm water. It's the perfect middle ground for all skin types, as Beal explains that hot water strips your skin of the protective oils that help hold in moisture.
“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. Del Campo. Dr.
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.
Rinsing your face with hot water too frequently may strip away these oils, causing your skin to dry out. This can worsen acne because dry skin can clog your pores, and it can also “trick” your skin into overproducing oil, which also clogs your pores. Washing with cold water avoids this problem entirely.
While a cold compress can minimize inflammation and make pimples less noticeable or painful, it will not remove the contents inside a pimple.
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.
Reduces the occurrence of acne and acne scars
If this sounds like something that happens to you, a lot, then you ought to try drinking hot water every single day. It helps cleanse your system, including your pores, thereby reducing the chances of acne. This little trick will help clear out your skin in no time.
“For acne-prone skin, cold water regulates sebum [or skin oil] production, which can in turn minimize pore size and prevent breakouts. Those with sensitive skin also benefit from washing their face with cold water because hot water will dry out your skin by stripping the oil levels needed to retain moisture.”
When your pores tighten up, bacteria and dirt can get trapped, and overtime, this can cause blackheads and acne breakouts. 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.
Using the right temperature of water to wash your skin
Hot water dissolves accumulated oil easily than cold water and, therefore, it is the most recommended. This makes it easy to remove all the excess oils on the skin.
Cold water closes pores, which tightens the skin. It is also gentler on your hair and prevents hair fall.
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.
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.
Improved Complexion. Drinking enough water can help you combat a variety of skin issues including psoriasis and eczema. It does this by helping your digestive system flush out toxins from the body. This, in turn, will improve your complexion for healthy and glowing skin.
Sometimes, makeup products can aggravate breakouts. Switching to natural makeup products or those designed to let the pores breathe may help reduce breakouts from makeup. It is also important to remove all makeup each night and clean any makeup brushes or tools regularly.
While warm water will not actually open up your pores, it can help clean out the gunk, grime and sebum that has accumulated inside.
Use therapeutic hot water sparingly.
While it's an attractive and inviting way to let loose, be careful not to overdo it. When done in excess, they can age your skin faster.
Washing your face several times a day can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. What to do instead: Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You'll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat.
In general, you should be cleansing your face at least twice a day. “You should wash your face both morning and night because the skin creates sebum and oil throughout the day,” says Saya Obayah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist located in Austin, Texas.