Are you still wondering whether cold or warm water is best for washing your face—using hot water in winter and cold water in summer? If so, you're stuck in the temperature-based era and haven't entered the skincare era yet. In reality, the optimal water temperature for washing your face should vary based on your skin type. Below, we'll explain in detail whether cold or warm water is better for cleansing.
Whether to use hot, warm, or cool water for washing your face depends on the individual.
Renowned actress Chen Derong, celebrated for her flawless complexion, shares her skincare secrets in her book The Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin. She recommends: "First, rinse your face with lukewarm water 2-3 times. Lather your cleanser thoroughly, massage it into your skin, then rinse completely with lukewarm water."Guo Qiutong, a member of the China Beauty and Hairdressing Association and the Expert Committee of the China Makeup Art Research and Innovation Center, disagrees with this approach. She believes rinsing with cold water after cleansing is more beneficial for skin care than warm water. She also introduced the following four cleansing methods.
1. The ideal water temperature for cleansing is 30°C.
Whether to use hot, warm, or cold water for washing varies by individual. Generally, those with non-oily or combination skin should use water above 30°C but below body temperature—warm enough to feel comfortably hot to the touch without burning. This temperature not only easily removes surface dust but also opens pores for deeper cleansing.Note that water should not be excessively hot. Temperatures exceeding normal body heat weaken facial blood vessel walls, potentially causing skin to become lax, dry, and prone to wrinkles.
2. Rinse with cold water after cleansing.
When washing, first lather cleanser with warm water, apply to face, and gently massage for 1 minute, focusing on the T-zone.Rinse thoroughly, then finish with cold water. Cold water boosts blood circulation and enhances skin elasticity. This alternating warm-cold method cleanses the skin while promoting superficial blood vessel dilation and contraction, supporting facial skin care. 3. Cold water is not suitable for oily skin.
Cold water causes pores to contract, preventing thorough removal of excess sebum, dust, and makeup residue accumulated on the face. This not only fails to achieve beautifying effects but may trigger or worsen acne and other skin issues.
4. Avoid using basins and damp towels.
It's best not to use basins for washing your face. Water in a basin isn't flowing, so dirt from your face and hands can contaminate it. Using this water for cleansing won't effectively cleanse your skin. Therefore, use running water to wash your face. Wash your hands first, then wash your face.After washing, dry your face with a clean towel. Damp towels can harbor microorganisms, and using one to dry your face negates the cleansing effect. That concludes our discussion on whether cold or warm water is better for washing your face. We hope this information has been helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness! Is Washing Your Face with Your Hands or a Towel Healthier?