CLAIM:
Washing your face with lukewarm water is better for cleansing, while cold water feels refreshing and helps reduce puffiness, but isn’t effective at removing oil and dirt from the skin.
FACT:
Very hot or very cold water can irritate the skin and is not ideal for face washing. Experts recommend using lukewarm water, around 36–38°C, which effectively cleanses dirt and oil without damaging the skin. While ice water may feel refreshing, it has no proven skincare benefits, and pores do not actually open or close; they dilate and contract.
Many of us start our mornings with either a splash of cold water to wake up or warm water that feels relaxing, but which is actually better for your skin?
In a viral Instagram reel, Dr Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon, reacts to a video where a girl asks, “Cold water or hot water for face wash? Hot water feels nice, but it’s the worst thing you can do for your skin.”
Dr Vora settles the debate by explaining, “There are a lot of people who say that you should only wash your face with cold water. But personally, I like hot water. Now, hot doesn't mean very hot. Very hot water will strip off your natural oils, weaken your skin barrier, and make your dryness or acne worse.”
He adds, “Cold water is refreshing and helps with puffiness, but it’s not great at breaking down oil and dirt on your skin. And no, pores don’t open and close. That’s a total myth.”
The ideal solution, according to Dr Vora, lies in the middle. “Lukewarm water, around 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, is best for daily face washing. It cleans effectively without harming your skin. After that, you can rinse your face with cold water to soothe your skin and reduce redness.”
The reel has sparked conversations about skincare myths and the importance of maintaining a balanced cleansing routine.
Celebrity face wash trends
Many celebrities have popularised the trend of using ice water on their faces for glowing skin. Katrina Kaif, for instance, once showcased her ice water facial routine, while Kendall Jenner likes to start her day with skin icing after her morning tea. While these routines may seem appealing, understanding the science behind water temperature for cleansing is important.
Washing your face daily is a basic skincare practice that removes dirt, debris, and bacteria, leaving skin clean and refreshed. Confusion often arises around how often to wash the face, which products to use, and what water temperature is ideal—lukewarm, hot, or cold.
Benefits of cold and hot water
For routine skincare, washing the face with lukewarm water is considered best. Lukewarm water effectively removes oil and dirt without harming the skin barrier.
Cold water also has potential benefits when used occasionally. It can increase blood flow to the face and may reduce swelling and inflammation, and potentially lower oil production, which could benefit acne-prone individuals.
There are almost no benefits to using hot water above 42 degrees Celsius (107.6°F) for washing the face or body, unless it is a personal preference. However, short-term heat therapy may be useful for certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema.
In one study, researchers applied warmth of 49 degrees Celsius (120°F) with a device for five seconds to areas affected by itchiness. This brief application significantly reduced itchiness and provided long-lasting relief. Effectiveness varied between individuals, and more research is needed, but this demonstrates that heat can have targeted therapeutic benefits even if regular hot water washing does not.
This suggests that while everyday hot water exposure may damage the skin barrier and worsen dryness, controlled, brief heat application can be a non-pharmacological option to manage specific skin conditions like itch or eczema.
The risks and limitations of cold and hot water
While cold water may feel refreshing, it is less effective at removing oil and dirt, which can leave residues and allow bacteria to accumulate in pores. It can also irritate sensitive skin and may not be suitable for prolonged exposure.
A 2022 study shows that hot water can strip natural oils, damage the skin barrier, increase oil buildup, and contribute to wrinkles. It can also make it harder to remove sebum, potentially clogging pores and worsening breakouts.
The same study, evaluating the effects of water temperature on skin barrier function, found that hot water exposure significantly increased transepidermal water loss, pH, and erythema, while cold water had milder effects. The study concluded that “long and continuous water exposure damages skin barrier function, with hot water being even more harmful. It would be advisable to use cold or lukewarm water for handwashing and avoid hot water. Knowing the proper temperature for hand washing might be an important measure to prevent flares in patients with previous inflammatory skin diseases on their hands.”
Also, the trendy facial icing is generally safe but may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with thin or sensitive skin may experience irritation and redness. People with broken capillaries should also avoid ice, as it can worsen their condition. Additionally, those recovering from cosmetic procedures such as surgery, lasers, or chemical peels should avoid facial icing, allowing their skin to heal naturally instead.
The right way to wash your face: Expert advice
Dr Rashmi Sarkar, Director-Professor at the Department of Dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi, explains that very hot water should be avoided for face washing. “Hot water doesn’t cause acne, but very hot water can obviously cause small scalds or redness on the face. It’s like having small burns, so we don’t recommend it,” she says.
Regarding cold water, Dr Sarkar notes that it can be refreshing and helps reduce puffiness. “Cold water is soothing and definitely removes puffiness. But for cleansing oils and dirt, normal temperature water is fine. It doesn’t have to be extremely cold or hot,” she explains. She adds that during winters, people with oily skin may benefit from lukewarm water, around 36–38 degrees Celsius, which is effective for cleansing without damaging the skin.
On the trend of ice water facials, Dr Sarkar is cautious. “There isn’t enough evidence to show any added benefits of dipping your face in ice water. It’s primarily refreshing, which is why beauty parlours often use it. Beyond that, we cannot claim any real skincare advantage,” she says.
When asked about the common belief that pores open and close, Dr Sarkar clarifies, “That’s a myth. Pores don’t actually open or close. Sometimes, they may appear more visible or dilated, but that doesn’t mean they are opening.”
On the ideal water temperature for daily face washing, she recommends lukewarm water. “Using lukewarm water, around 36–38 degrees Celsius, is a good choice for cleansing daily as it effectively removes dirt and oil without harming the skin. But even normal temperature water is acceptable for regular washing. The main point is that it doesn’t need to be extremely hot or cold. Lukewarm water is particularly useful if you are trying to remove extra oil or makeup,” she adds.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.