No, boiling water is not ideal for washing your face. While boiled water is safe for consumption during a boil water advisory (as confirmed by this Quora response), it's too hot for your skin.
Why Boiling Water is Harmful for Your Face
Using hot water, including boiled water, strips your skin of its natural oils. These oils are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of your skin type. This is explicitly stated in the reference: "Hot water will cause your skin all kinds of heartaches. For one, hot water strips skin of its natural oils (which you need, no matter what your skin type).". The loss of these oils can lead to dryness, irritation, and other skin problems. Several sources (Reddit discussion on distilled water, Quora responses on water temperature, Healthline article on cold water) recommend lukewarm water as the optimal temperature for facial cleansing. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, should be avoided.
Best Water Temperature for Face Washing
- Lukewarm water: This temperature is generally recommended as it effectively cleanses without stripping away essential oils. Several sources (Quora, Reddit, Well+Good, Kale & Caramel) support the use of lukewarm water.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold water: Extreme temperatures can damage the skin's protective barrier and lead to irritation.
In short, while the purity of boiled water isn't a concern for washing your face, the temperature is detrimental. Opt for lukewarm water for optimal skin health.
