What kind of water should you wash your face with?

The soothing effects of a hot water bath after a long day are undeniable. You don’t need us to tell you that it’s one of the best ways to calm the nerves and be completely at peace, as shortlived as that might be (forgive my cynicism). But have you ever wondered if hot water has a place in your skincare routine as well? Does it have the same soothing effect on your face as it does on your mind and body? In a word—no. But we’ll come to that. 

Some of us have your skincare routine laid down so well we could do it blindfolded. And if you can relate then you already know the importance of cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle face wash. But have you given any thought to what the temperature of the water should be when cleansing? Hot or cold? Most of us take it for granted but the side you turn your faucet to deeply impacts the health of your skin and its ability to absorb the plethora of skincare products you use. But don’t worry, we are going to give you the answer, stay tuned.

As mentionedabove, using steamy water on your face is an absolute no-no. The reason is quite simple—hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils leaving it excessively dry and inflamed, making it extremely sensitive. If you have oily skin, high-temperature water can send it into overdrive leaving you with greasy skin and clogged pores that lead to further breakouts. And that’s not all. Hot water can also trigger a flare-up if you suffer from skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema.  

Should you use cold water?  

Unlike with hot water, there is no one firm answer to this question. While cold water is a much better choice for your skin, it’s not without its disadvantages. On the one hand, using cold water in your skincare routine reduces puffiness, minimises redness, and soothes your skin. It also increases blood flow gives your skin a nourished glow, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed. 

However, it can also cause your pores to constrict making it tough for your skincare to get absorbed. Moreover, cold water doesn’t clean your skin effectively as oils, sebum, and make-up don’t completely dissolve in cold water.  

Lukewarm water is the sweet spot you’re looking for. It is considered to be the golden standard of face washing by the American Academy of Dermatology. Giving you the best of both worlds (hot and cold), lukewarm water ensures your cleanser removes all the impurities from your pores and balances your natural oils.  

Feature image: Unsplash 

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