What Temperature Water Should I Wash My Face With?

A skin care myth you’ve probably once heard is to always wash your skin with hot water, as the heat opens your pores and allows dirt and other impurities to be washed away. However, the truth is… hot water can actually rob your skin of moisture and good natural oils.

The problem with using hot water.

In most cases, washing your face with hot water can result to dry skin. Although it can make your skin feel softer immediately afterwards, the effect will disappear as soon as your skin temperature resets back to normal. Using hot water can also cause skin sensitivity and interfere with your skin’s protective barrier causing it to dry out your skin.

The problem with using cold water.

When it comes to washing your face, for many people it all comes down to the appearance of your skin afterwards. Although washing your face with cold water can help reduce the look of puffiness in your skin, you should avoid washing your face with just cold water only. Washing with cold water on occasion or when you want a refreshing pick-me-up for your skin is great, but it’s not ideal for effectively removing all of the dirt and impurities.

Quick tip: If you have oily skin, washing with cool water every once in a while can actually help slow down your oil production!

So what temperature water is best for your skin?

The most beneficial temperature to wash your skin is lukewarm water. Washing with lukewarm water for a short period of time can help remove the dirt and impurities from your skin, along with balancing your natural oils. So when you’re wash your face in the morning, after a workout, or before bed, heat the water to a nice warm temperature. It will be easier on your face, and as an added bonus you won’t have to wait for the water to heat up – you can better your skin and conserve!

The same rule generally applies to your whole body as well. That means that long, hot showers can rob your skin of a significant amount of moisture, leaving it dry and depleted. Instead, opt for a warm shower. If you are someone who would prefer hotter shower , keep your showers brief and moisturize after every shower with our Coconut Body Oil or Palo Santo Body Butter.

Try avoiding water that is too hot.

In some cases, this means that you should try to avoid hot tubs, if you can. The chemicals and chlorine that come along with pools like this are often harsh and can badly irritate your skin. When you take this one step further and add heat, your skin is left damaged and begging for moisture. If you’re at the gym and looking for a way to relax, maybe jump in the sauna. Try to make sure you don’t stay in longer than 20 minutes and hop in the shower afterwards to wash off all the toxins and chemicals your body has just sweated out.

Don’t get rid of the heat, just limit the use.

Not all heat is bad for your skin, just excessive use of hot water. Heat is actually great for opening up your pores, just in the right time and place! The best ways are through infra red saunas or steam rooms.

If you don’t have access to one of those then you can do one of our favorite tricks and make your own steam tent!

Here’s how to make your own steam tent: 

1. Bring a pot of filtered water to a boil and remove from heat.
2. Look over the pot (but be sure not to get too close—about a 16 inches away will do).
3. Place a towel over your head.
4. Relax and breathe in the steam.
5. After about five minutes, remove the towel from your head and wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.

You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to help you relax.

Making your own steam tent is a great way to get all the benefits of heat without stripping your face of the beneficial oils that keep it glowing bright and beautiful.

The following post What Temperature Water Should I Wash My Face With? was first published on Annmarie Skin Care.