Warm water opens pores, while cold water shrinks them. Whether your skin will benefit from one action or the other really depends on your skin type. If you have chronically dry skin, warm or hot water may end up stripping the skin of too much of its natural oils, making it difficult for it to stay hydrated and plump.
The bottom line
If you want to make a splash with your skin care routine, try washing your face in cold water. There are many benefits to this, such as tightened pores, acne prevention, and a face that looks more awake. For most skin care needs, though, you should look to using lukewarm water.
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.
Most people think using steam or hot water to wash your face helps because it opens your pores, but in reality, that's just a myth. Pores are nothing more than tiny openings in your skin. They don't have muscles, and that means they can't open or close [source: Vinakmens].
Hot showers help with blemishes
Hot showers can help open up the pores of the skin, which allows you to clean out the trapped dirt and oil.
Since hot showers open up your pores, it only makes sense that cold showers tighten your pores. So which is better: hot or cold? It's all about your individual needs. If you're prone to dry skin, a cold shower will help you retain natural oils in your hair and keep your skin hydrated.
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.
Results: There are 3 major clinical causes of enlarged facial pores, namely high sebum excretion, decreased elasticity around pores, and increased hair follicle volume. In addition, chronic recurrent acne, sex hormones, and skin care regimen can affect pore size.
Can Warm Water Open Your Pores? Using warm water to “open” your pores is technically impossible. Your pores aren't muscles, so they can't voluntarily open and contract regardless of water temperature. “There is nothing that can physically make the pores smaller or bigger,” says Dr.
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.
There isn't anything out there that's going to shrink pores instantly, but you can cleanse your pores to remove any dirt that can be making them more noticeable. You can cover your face with makeup to get a temporary impact, but oftentimes this will only clog your pores even more.
Rubbing an ice cube over your pores for 10 to 15 seconds can help to tighten the skin and close up the pores, making them appear smaller. You should only do this on clean, freshly-washed skin. Use baking soda. Make a paste from one tablespoon of baking soda and a little water.
Salt water naturally absorbs bacteria in the skin. It also tightens the skin to reduce pores, and sucks pore-clogging oil and toxins out of the skin. Eventually, this action helps to reduce breakouts and you get clear and glowing skin.
All pores in the skin are open. Due to their appearance, large pores or visible pores are referred to as “open pores.” Pores can't be closed. However, you can improve their appearance and make them less visible.
On the other hand, if you have oily skin, constricting the pores with cold water may help to control excess oil so that your complexion doesn't get quite so shiny so quickly.
Well, there you have it, the pore myths are finally debunked! Ice doesn't shrink pores and heat doesn't open pores.
First up is one falsehood we hear over and over again in our viral video series Go To Bed With Me: do pores really open and close? You can steam your face, splash it with ice-cold water, or cover it in a warm compress—but your pores still won't open or close. They never have and they never will.
Those with very dry skin or eczema will find that water-cleansing helps to retain the skin's natural moisture. However, persons with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin might need soap or liquid cleanser to dissolve excess oil which often clogs pores and causes breakouts.
The Bottom Line: Acne-prone skin is clearest when it is in balance, which means it is not overly dry or irritated. To be on the safe side, use warm water when you can. If you prefer it, cool or cold water should be perfectly fine as well.
You shouldn't be dipping your face into cold water for too long or it can lead to skin irritation. If you feel itching or redness after the first use, make sure you discontinue it right away. If your skin condition worsens after following this beauty hack, consult your dermatologist immediately and get it treated.