Is Hot Water Good for the Face?
No, hot water is generally not good for your face. While hot water might seem like it cleanses better, it actually strips your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and sensitivity. This can exacerbate existing skin conditions and make your skin more vulnerable to irritation.
Multiple sources confirm that hot water damages the skin's protective barrier. This barrier is crucial for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors. By removing natural oils, hot water leaves your skin dry, sensitive, and prone to:
- Dryness: The loss of natural oils results in dehydrated skin.
- Sensitivity: The skin becomes more susceptible to irritation and redness.
- Increased Breakouts (in some cases): While some sources suggest hot water removes oil that causes acne, the overall dryness and disruption of the skin barrier can actually worsen acne for many people.
Recommended Water Temperature for Facial Cleansing
Instead of hot water, use lukewarm water for cleansing your face. Lukewarm water effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping away essential oils. Following cleansing, apply a moisturizer to replenish and lock in hydration. Consider moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, which is excellent for moisture retention.
Several sources recommend cold water as a superior alternative to hot water for facial cleansing. Cold water can help tighten pores and reduce inflammation. However, lukewarm water provides a good balance between effective cleansing and skin protection.
Examples of Supporting Evidence:
- Kiehl's: States that washing with hot water is bad for your skin as it strips away natural oils, causing dryness.
- L'Oréal Paris: Recommends cold water over hot water for multiple skin benefits.
- Comfort Zone Skin: Highlights that hot water compromises skin hydration and overall health.
- Dr. Dennis Gross: Advises against excessively hot water, recommending warm water instead for better absorption of skincare products.
