Why Water Temperature Matters In Skincare

The temperature of the water you use during your skincare routine may seem like a minor detail, but it can significantly influence the health and appearance of your skin. Whether you're washing your face, cleansing your body, or rinsing off products, the temperature of the water can affect hydration levels, oil production, inflammation, and the skin’s natural barrier.

While cold or hot water may be occasionally used for specific skin purposes, dermatologists consistently recommend lukewarm water for daily cleansing. The reason? Extremes in temperature can lead to irritation, dryness, and compromised skin function.

Which Temperature Is Healthiest For Your Skin?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), lukewarm water is ideal for cleansing your face and body. Lukewarm water—neither too hot nor too cold—helps dissolve dirt, oil, and residue from skincare products effectively without stripping away the skin’s natural moisture.

Cold or hot water, while appealing for their own reasons, are not recommended as the primary temperature for cleansing. Extreme temperatures can disrupt the skin’s pH, contribute to dryness, and aggravate sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

Skin Effects Of Cold Water Vs. Hot Water

Cold Water Benefits
Occasionally rinsing your face with cold water can offer short-term perks. Cold water stimulates circulation, which may give your complexion a temporary glow. It can also reduce inflammation, making it a potentially soothing option for individuals with acne, puffiness, or skin sensitivity.

Cold water may help:

  • Soothe irritation and redness

  • Temporarily tighten skin

  • Reduce oil production in some cases

  • Calm post-workout or sun-exposed skin

Some evidence also suggests cold water may support antioxidant defense by improving circulation and helping skin recover from environmental stress. However, these effects are mild and not a substitute for proper skincare products.

Hot Water Effects
On the opposite end, hot water may feel comforting, especially in colder months or after a long day, but it often does more harm than good. High temperatures—especially those above 107.6°F (42°C)—can damage the skin’s outer layer, causing dryness, redness, and even long-term sensitivity.

Though hot water has few cosmetic benefits, controlled heat application in dermatology is sometimes used for specific therapeutic purposes, such as relieving chronic itch. For example, one study found that briefly applying a device heated to 120°F (49°C) on itchy skin areas reduced symptoms in some people. However, this practice should not be done without medical guidance.

Drawbacks Of Using Hot Or Cold Water On The Skin

Cold Water Disadvantages
Despite its soothing properties, cold water is not ideal for routine cleansing. Because cold water is less effective at dissolving oil and breaking down dirt or makeup, it may leave impurities behind. This can result in clogged pores, reduced effectiveness of cleansers, and even breakouts for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Additionally, cold water may irritate highly sensitive or dry skin types, especially in colder climates. Prolonged exposure—like ice baths or very cold showers—can damage the skin barrier, though less severely than hot water.

Hot Water Disadvantages
Hot water is one of the most damaging elements in daily skincare. Prolonged use can strip the skin’s natural oils, weaken its barrier function, and increase the risk of inflammation and breakouts. Research suggests that high temperatures can cause cells around the pores to constrict, making it harder for sebum (oil) and dirt to be washed away, which leads to congestion and dullness.

Long-term exposure to hot water may also contribute to:

  • Skin dehydration

  • Flare-ups in rosacea or eczema

  • Premature aging due to damaged proteins and lipids

  • Worsened sensitivity over time

Understanding Your Skin's Barrier

Your skin’s barrier—the outermost layer—is made up of cells and lipids that protect against environmental irritants and help retain moisture. Water temperature directly affects the integrity of this barrier.

Cold water can constrict blood vessels and reduce moisture evaporation, but may not clean thoroughly. Hot water, meanwhile, can dissolve lipids in the barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), irritation, and flare-ups in skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis.

Lukewarm water strikes the perfect balance: it helps remove buildup without harming your skin's natural defenses.

How To Wash Your Face The Right Way

Skincare is not just about the products you use—it’s also about how you apply them. Studies show that more than half of people are unaware of correct cleansing techniques, which can lead to over-washing, dryness, or ineffective routines.

Follow these steps for optimal cleansing:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent transferring bacteria to your face

  2. Wet your face using lukewarm water

  3. Apply a cleanser suitable for your skin type (gel, foam, cream, etc.)

  4. Use fingertips—not cloths or sponges—to gently massage the cleanser into your skin for about 30 seconds

  5. Focus on oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)

  6. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to ensure no residue remains

  7. Pat (don’t rub) your face with a clean towel, leaving it slightly damp

  8. Immediately apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration

  9. Repeat twice daily (morning and evening), or after sweating or exercising

Avoid cleansing more than necessary, as over-washing can damage the skin barrier and trigger breakouts or dryness.

When To Use Cold Or Warm Water Strategically

Though lukewarm water is best for cleansing, there are times when cold or warm water can be used strategically within a routine.

When To Use Cold Water

  • As a final rinse to refresh the skin

  • To reduce post-exercise redness

  • To calm inflamed acne or puffiness under the eyes

  • As a splash after applying serum to "seal" the skin (anecdotal benefit)

When To Use Warm Water

  • To help dissolve oil-based makeup or sunscreen

  • To soften skin before shaving or exfoliation

  • When applying clay masks or deep-cleansing treatments

However, always avoid water at extreme temperatures, especially directly on the face or for prolonged periods.

Tips For Temperature-Safe Skincare

  • Avoid steam facials unless directed by a professional

  • Skip ice water facials unless skin is in good condition

  • Combine the right water temperature with gentle, non-stripping products

  • Look for pH-balanced cleansers to support the acid mantle of your skin

  • If in doubt, lukewarm water is always the safest choice

Consult A Dermatologist For Personalized Advice

Everyone’s skin reacts differently based on their environment, genetics, and product use. If you experience frequent redness, irritation, or sensitivity, consult a dermatologist to create a routine tailored to your skin’s needs. They may recommend specific water temperatures, product types, or routines to help you avoid damage and achieve healthier skin.