The temperature of the water you use to wash your face and body can have an impact on your daily skincare routine.
While rinsing with cold water occasionally may offer some benefits, washing your face with water that’s too hot or too cold can lead to dryness and irritation.
Experts recommend using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to clean your face twice a day.
What Water Temperature Is Best for Skin Health?
Most dermatologists agree: lukewarm water is best for washing your face—not hot or cold. They also recommend rinsing with lukewarm water and gently patting your face dry with a clean towel.
Although some home remedies and online sources promote using very hot or icy cold water to boost skin health, these extremes often do more harm than good, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Potential Benefits of Cold and Hot Water
While lukewarm water is ideal for daily cleansing, splashing your face with cold water every now and then can have a few perks. Cold water may boost circulation, helping your skin better fight off harmful compounds caused by free radicals, UV rays, and pollution. It can also tighten the skin and give your face a healthy, refreshed glow.
Cold water can help reduce puffiness and inflammation—including the kind caused by acne. There’s also limited evidence that cold water might help cut down on facial oil production, which can benefit people dealing with acne. If you’re going to use cold water, most dermatologists suggest doing so at the end of your cleansing routine.
On the other hand, hot water (above 107.6°F or 42°C) offers little benefit for face or body cleansing—unless it’s for personal comfort. That said, short-term heat therapy may help relieve symptoms of certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (a common form of eczema).
In one study, researchers applied targeted heat (49°C or 120.2°F) to itchy areas for five seconds, which led to significant itch relief that lasted a while. However, since everyone’s skin reacts differently, this method may not work for everyone, and more research is still needed.
Downsides of Cold and Hot Water
Although cold water might offer a few advantages, most skin experts still advise using lukewarm water. Cold water isn’t as effective at removing oil and debris from the skin, which may reduce the effectiveness of your cleanser. It may also irritate sensitive skin and leave product residue behind.
Washing with hot water can be just as irritating—if not more so. Studies show that heat can dry out the skin, increase oil buildup, damage skin cells, and even accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One study found that hot water may constrict the inner lining of the pores, making it harder for oil to escape and increasing the risk of clogged pores. It can also weaken the skin’s protective barrier, making acne breakouts more likely.
Tips for Washing Your Face
How you wash your face—and the water temperature you use—plays a key role in healthy skincare. Harsh cleansing techniques can damage your skin, cause breakouts, or trigger irritation. Yet, research shows that nearly 60% of people don’t fully understand how to wash their face properly.
Here are the steps to follow for a good face-washing routine:
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Start by washing your hands with soap and water
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Splash lukewarm water onto your face
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Apply a small amount of cleanser suitable for your skin type
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Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin
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Focus on oil-prone areas like the T-zone (forehead and nose) and be gentle around the eyes
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Avoid using towels, mesh sponges, or scrubbing tools—they can cause irritation
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Don’t scrub, even if your skin feels dirty or you have acne
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Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the cleanser is gone
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Pat your face dry with a clean towel—don’t rub
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Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration
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Limit face washing to twice a day; you can wash more often if you’ve been sweating, like after a workout