Washing face is a regular habit but is there benefits of washing face with cold water?
We cleanse our faces every day. It is recommended to wash your face with a mild cleanser twice a day. But are there any strict rules about the right temperature of the water?
One might get confused about how big a deal is when you wash your face with the wrong temperature. Here we aren’t talking about mild changes to the normal room temperature but the contrast of hot and cold. The common belief suggests that cold water is always preferred over hot water, but it entirely depends on your skin type.
Washing your face removes dirt, debris, excess oil, and bacteria from your skin, leaving your skin refreshed and clean. And when you use cold water, it makes a difference.
You might still be in a dilemma about cold water, don’t worry, let us explain the benefits of washing your face with cold water.
Key benefits of washing face with cold water
Some might find hot water more comfortable while cleaning their face. But doctors and dermatologists have been recommending ice facials and cold therapy for facial acne and inflammation for a long time now. And we at The Health Fortune have listed some key benefits of washing face with cold water here.
Shrinks open pores
Some suggest that cold water can shrink your pores. Using cold water to wash your face can help minimize the big open pores of your face.
Cures morning puffiness
Due to a disturbed sleep cycle, our face skin gets puffed, and skin starts swelling under the eyes. Washing your face with cold water in the morning can help soothe this puffiness and regulate the blood flow under the face skin.
Hydrates your skin
When we wash our face with hot water, it opens the face pores. This allows your skin to retain moisture which is excellent for dry skin. But people with oily and acne-prone skin need their skin to breathe. Coldwater while cleansing your face hydrates the skin and removes the excess oils.
Controls sebum production
Sebum is a waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands to maintain the oil and moisture of your skin. Sometimes the sebaceous glands overproduce the oils, which lead to acne and pimples. This can be controlled by using cold water while washing the face. Coldwater prevents the overproduction of sebum. There is no scientific evidence that proves this, so if you face any irritation, do consult your dermatologist.
Heals inflammation
Skin inflammation is the first sign from your body that indicates our poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy diet intake. Our food habits have a significant impact not only on our overall health but significantly on the texture of our skin. You can treat this by using cold water while washing your face. Coldwater heals inflammations and also soothes skin damage and skin burns.
Treats Wrinkles
Wrinkles are signs of aging, and the skin tends to loosen up due to other reasons as well. Premature aging is a sign of stress and loss of collagen from your skin. Hot water is suggested to be one of the causes of the loss of elasticity from face skin. Whereas cold water is directly linked to helping maintain your skin’s elasticity, combat collagen loss, and prevent wrinkles.
All of the above benefits are suggested from the experience of different people and are not particularly backed by any scientific research or proof. The Health Fortune does not preach these benefits and in case of any irritation and discomfort, consult your doctor as all skin types are different.
Disadvantages of Using Cold Water
Some skin types might not find cold water suitable for washing their face.
Here we have listed a few disadvantages
- Using cold water shrinks your pores, and the dirt and debris on your skin surface might get trapped in the pores. This dirt can come out as severe acne. Also, the closed pores will not allow the cleanser or moisturizer to penetrate the surface of your skin.
- In some cases where people have sensitive skin, cold water leaves dry and red skin behind.
This remedy is to wash your face with lukewarm water first after removing your makeup and then cleanse your face with cold water. You can also go for the double cleansing method.
First, use an oil-based cleanser that significantly helps remove all the makeup and dirt from the face while also not stripping your face off of its natural oils. Once you have massaged your face with an oil cleanser, wash it off with lukewarm water. Then, use a foaming, gel, or cream-based cleanser to wash your face. While cleaning your face, you can go for cold water to remove all the dirt this time.
Here are some tips that you must keep in mind while washing your face.
- When considering water temperature, do keep in mind that never use extreme water temperature. It should be either slightly warm or slightly less than the room temperature.
- Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and then in the evening. Use a mild cleanser or foam cleanser to clean the face effectively. Also, use a face wash that suits your skin type as using the unsuitable cleanser will rip your skin off the essential oils and moisture.
- Avoid over-cleansing your face as it will leave your skin dry and red. And if it is necessary to wash your face, don’t forget to apply a moisturizer that goes well with your skin type.
- Avoid using soap on your face as it can be troublesome for the pH level of your skin.
- It might be necessary to exfoliate your skin but avoid overdoing it. If you have sensitive skin, keep this point in mind as over-exfoliating can damage your skin cells.
- Avoid rubbing your face, gently massage your face, and pat dry.
The bottom line is the temperature of the water depends upon your skin type. Analyze your skin type and find the right cleanser for it. Where warm water is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, on the other hand, the benefits of washing your face with cold water are great for acne-prone and sun-damaged skin. Gently massage your skin with your fingertips and avoid rubbing your skin. Use a soft towel to pat dry your face. And voila, your skin is clean and fresh.
