Cold water is known to be more hydrating than warm water, so it’s no wonder that washing with cold water tightens skin. When your skin is dehydrated and very tight, the cold water shock can help reduce pain and inflammation. It also flushes out dirt and makeup from the skin pores, which helps keep them cleaner and healthier. Because it has a drying effect on skin, it’s not right for people with oily or acne-prone skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should avoid washing with cold water as it could dry it out. If you’re looking to tighten up your routine, then you might want to consider washing with cold water instead of hot. Here are some other benefits of doing so:
Better for Dry, Sensitive Skin
If your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, then you might find that washing with cold water makes your skin feel tight. If this is the case for you, then you should consider using a more hydrating cleanser. If your skin is normal to oily, then simply using a cleanser should do the trick. However, if you have skin Type 1 or 2, using a cleanser without a toner may not be enough. To check if your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, gently moisten the back of your hand with your mouth for a couple of seconds. If your mouth feels dry or tight, then your skin may be particularly sensitive to water. To treat dry skin, look out for gentle cleansers formulated to clean your skin gently. For sensitive skin, you may want to consider looking into richer Cleansers or even Toning Creams with more ingredients to help with sensitive skin.
Reduces Breakouts
If you’re looking to prevent breakouts, then washing with cold water can help reduce the likelihood of them happening. The cold water shock can actually help the skin produce more pimple-busting ingredients like natural collagen, which can help reduce the number of breakouts you get.
More Hydrating For Oily, acne-prone Skin
Because oily skin needs more hydration than dry skin does, washing with cold water only makes sense. If your skin is oily, then you’re likely acne-prone. Using cold water coupled with a high-quality cleanser should help clear your skin of clogged pores.
Leaves Your Skin Feeling Fresh
As soon as you step out of the shower, your skin should feel refreshed. Not only does it look and feel smoother, but it also smells better too. According to researchers, the scent of cold water is ideal for oily skin as it helps to repel excess oil.
Helps With Allergies and Cosmetics Removal
No matter what your skin type is, it’s likely that you have allergies and/or sensitivities to certain ingredients in household items like dandruff shampoo, dill weed, and carrageenans. Using a cleanser with fewer ingredients should help reduce your chances of developing allergies or sensitivities.
Conclusion
Washing with cold water can help with your skin’s appearance and feel, as well as its health. It helps clean your skin, treats acne and lowers your risk of wrinkles. Although cold water is not right for all skin types, oily or acne-prone skin, it can help with dehydrated and sensitive skin. Research shows that washing with cold water does more than just rinse and repeat. It helps to cleanse and unclog your pores, and it even refreshes your skin. If you’re looking to revamp your routine, consider cold shower instead of hot.
FAQ
Can cold water dry your skin?
Cold water can cause your skin to feel drier, especially if it’s used for an extended period. This is because cold water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and dry. However, this effect is generally temporary, and your skin’s moisture levels should return to normal shortly after washing. To avoid excessive drying, consider using a gentle, hydrating cleanser and moisturizing immediately after washing with cold water.
Does cold water make skin darker?
There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that cold water can make your skin darker. Skin color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in your skin, which is influenced by factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. Cold water may cause temporary redness or a slight color change due to blood vessel constriction, but this effect is temporary and should not be mistaken for a lasting change in skin tone.
Does cold water make skin lighter?
Cold water does not have any inherent skin-lightening properties. As mentioned earlier, skin color is determined by melanin, which is not affected by water temperature. However, cold water can help reduce inflammation and redness, which might give the appearance of slightly lighter skin temporarily. This effect is not permanent and should not be considered a method for lightening your skin.
Which water is best for skin – hot or cold?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal water temperature for your skin depends on several factors, including your skin type and personal preferences. However, it’s generally recommended to use lukewarm water for most skincare purposes. Hot water can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, while excessively cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to redness and discomfort. Lukewarm water is the best compromise, as it can effectively cleanse the skin without causing irritation or dryness.
