Should I Wash My Face in Hot or Cold Water?

It may feel nice to splash some hot water on your face, especially if it’s chilly out, but the practice isn’t so great for your skin. In fact, no one should use hot water to wash their face, says Chanel Janae, licensed esthetician and founder of celebrity-favorite skin care brand Arcona — it’s simply too damaging. “Using hot water strips the skin’s protective oils, which we need, no matter your skin type,” she says. “Once the moisture barrier is compromised, dryness and inflammation can occur. Hot water also negatively impacts skin conditions, such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. It can also cause flushing and redness.” What’s more, extreme temperatures can lead to broken capillaries. 

Now that the use of hot water is off the table, Janae says your optimal water temperature for washing your face may depend on your skin type. Nearly all skin types can benefit from washing with lukewarm water. “Lukewarm water helps soften and expand the skin helping to loosen plugs in the pores,” she explains. “It also allows for better absorption of any subsequent skin care products that follow and helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.”

Those with more sensitive skin, however, might want to turn down the temperature a bit for calming benefits. “Slightly cooler water can feel refreshing and reduce the appearance of puffiness,” Janae says. “Since cooler water helps the capillaries to constrict, a cooler water rinse can help bring down the appearance of redness.” “Cooler” doesn’t mean “ice cold,” though. You’re unlikely to hurt your skin with very cold water, but doesn’t it just sound uncomfortable?