COLD VS WARM WATER: Which is better for your skin?
If you’re obsessed with taking care of your skin, you may already have a skincare routine. However, if you’re not seeing the results that you may have been looking for, you might be using the wrong water temperature. Using cold or warm water has different effects on certain types of skin.
Before we delve into which is better, let’s establish what are the effects of cold and warm water temperatures on your skin:
The effects of cold water
Shrinking pores is cold water’s primary superpower.
This water temperature can work as a natural astringent or toner. It helps pores look less visible. Meanwhile, it locks the skin’s natural oils. Experts also explained that splashing with cold water cause small blood vessels to constrict.
It reduces puffiness which tends to be a common woe for many, especially in the mornings. However, this depuffing effect may not last very long as blood vessels dilate again soon after.
Cold water can also improve blood circulation, help the skin to wake up, and give it a healthy glow. The improved blood flow, then, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The effects of warm water
Warm water helps plump the skin, making pores appear smaller. It can become the perfect middle ground for all skin types. Another benefit of washing your face with warm water includes allowing for better absorption of skincare products.
Despite the benefits of warm water on your skin, it also has many drawbacks. That’s why I personally do not recommend warm water for skincare. It strips of necessary natural oils, especially the protective ones that help hold in moisture.
This can be incredibly unpleasant, especially if you already have dry or oily skin. Oily skin can respond to having its natural oils stripped by creating even more oil. This, then, leaves skin excessively shiny. Or worse, it can cause an unwanted breakout.
Warm showers can feel relaxing and cold showers can feel refreshing. However, that doesn’t mean it would treat your skin like an angel. So, why don’t we dive ahead into the age-old question: which is better for your skin?
In general, washing your face twice per day is ideal — morning and night. Washing too much can actually dry the skin and cause irritation. We collect an alarming amount of bacteria due to the pillowcases that we use, the phone that we put close to our faces, and the occasional rubbing of the face.
A quick cleans in the morning before moisturizing is important. That daytime wash also helps reduce the puffiness we often have when we wake up. That nighttime wash, on the other hand, remains essential for getting any makeup and debris that you collected during the day off your skin.
A few tips for keeping your face clean includes the following.
- Be gentle. Experts recommend using your fingertips to wash your facec and pat dry with a soft towel after.
- Wash away sweat. Experts also recommend you to wash the face after any workout since sweat can clog pores.
- Stay hydrated. Keeping your skin hydrated. So, consume enough water per day.
- Use skincare products wisely. Make sure you look for a face wash that depends entirely on your skin type. So, use a gentle cleanser on your skin. Them, use serums and moisturizers with active ingredients that you need. Of course, this includes salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C among others.
For most skincare needs, use lukewarm water first as a way to remove any makeup and pollutants from the day. Then, end with cold water to rinse, tighten pores, and promote blood circulation for a healthy glow.
