A splash of cold water is the perfect replacement for your morning cup o' joe. But is that ice-freezing water good for your skin and beauty routine? Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Cold water or cold showers are good for the skin since they help maintain moisture, manage sebum levels, refine pores, and improve blood circulation.
- On the other hand, hot water is bad for the skin since it strips away moisture and contributes to irritation.
- Lukewarm or warm water is ideal for skin cleansing and showers, but you can also use cold or cool water.
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Is Cold Water Good for Your Skin?
Yes, cold water can be good for your skin since it helps the skin maintain moisture, refines pores, and boosts blood flow.
But before we can really talk about the benefits of cold water or cold showers, we need to talk about the downsides of hot water.
Why Is Hot Water Bad for Your Skin?
While a hot, steamy shower can feel heavenly on a cold, winter day or on sore, aching limbs, it's not the best for your skin. It's that simple; hot water is bad for your skin!
The debate between hot water and cold water for skincare has been had for quite some time. Of course, everyone has their own preference, and at the end of the day, you do you. But if you want to look out for your skin, it's a good idea to turn the dial down - at least to lukewarm or even cold.
Here's why that is.
Bonus: Why Is My Skin So Wrinkly at a Young Age?
When you wash your face with hot water, the hot water strips your skin of the natural oils and moisture on it. These oils are essential, keeping your skin hydrated and nourished.
This sparks a chain reaction. After the natural oils are stripped from your skin, your skin becomes dry and rough. This also compromises the integrity and function of your skin barrier (your skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is responsible for keeping irritants out and keeping moisture in).
When your skin barrier is compromised and your skin loses moisture, it opens the gates to a slew of other issues. Sensitivity, inflammation, and redness run rampant, which later pave the way to oily skin, clogged pores, and breakouts.
So, we've established that hot water is not the best thing for your face. We recommend using lukewarm or warm water, which helps to remove impurities without stripping moisture. But you could also go with cold water - let's cover that now.
What Are the Benefits of Cold Water for Your Skin?
- Helps your skin retain moisture
- A boost of endorphins
- Tightens skin and pores
- Reduces skin puffiness and eye bags
- Feels calming and soothing - especially on dry skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin types
- Increased blood flow and blood circulation
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Manages oil levels in your T-zone
- Promotes elastin and collagen production
- Allows for better absorption of your skincare routine
Washing your face in cold water is one way to get these benefits. But a cold shower or an ice bath can help even more.
Cold water from head-to-toe can help improve circulation as your body works to manage its core temperatures and generate heat. It can even boost your immune system, promote digestive health, and improve overall well-being.
Is It Better to Wash Your Face With Cold or Hot Water?
At this point, we're hoping you get the idea that it's better to wash your face with cold water than with hot water. Of course, you can still use lukewarm water, but it's best to avoid hot water temperatures entirely.
Cold water reduces puffiness, refines skin, and has a variety of other skin benefits. Whether you want lukewarm water or cooler water is entirely up to you, but be sure to follow these best practices for face washing and skin cleansing!
- For sensitive or irritated skin types, use gentle cleansing practices and delicate exfoliation methods. This will help you avoid unnecessary irritation or redness.
- Use a gentle cleanser like a gel cleanser to purify your skin without stripping away moisture.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel after cleansing.
The Bottom Line
Cold water therapy and cold water exposure have their benefits for skin health and appearance. We hope this blog has given you good insight into the ins and outs of hot water vs cold water for skin cleansing and skin care.
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People Also Ask
What Is Better for Skin, Cold or Hot Water?
Between cold and hot water, cold water is better for the skin. Hot water can strip the skin, while cold water feels soothing and minimizes puffiness. Lukewarm water is best for cleansing the skin, since it effectively removes impurities without stripping away moisture.
Can I Use Cold Water on My Face Every Day?
Yes, you can use cold water on your face every day. A splash of cold water on your face can help reduce puffiness and inflammation, and can even be used to help you wake up in the morning!
Does Cold Tighten Skin?
Cold water can tighten pores and refine skin by temporarily constricting blood vessels and blood flow. This gives your skin a smooth and luminous appearance.
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