Does Cold Water Dry Out Skin?
Many ask: does cold water dry out the skin?
The answer depends on where on the body and what skin type you have.
When it comes to cold water’s effects on the skin, it’s important to consider the different effects it has on the face versus the body and the scalp.
For the face, cold water can strip natural oils, causing irritation and dryness, especially if you have sensitive skin.
For the body, cold water generally does not remove beneficial oils from areas like the legs and arms.
For the scalp and hair specifically, unlike hot water, the cold temperature does not dry out the protective sebum layer. As a result, cold water may actually strengthen hair over time by preserving those natural oils.
Overall, cold water impacts areas of the body differently.
Read on to understand cold water’s varying effects to determine what temperatures are ideal for your unique skin needs.
When Cold Water Aggravates the Skin
While constricting pores, cold water can also trap dirt and oil inside them. This blocked debris can provoke breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin types.
Additionally, icy cold water may irritate sensitive skin, worsening conditions like rosacea. This dehydration may lead to inflammation, redness, and discomfort for those not suited for frequent cold washing.
Finding the right balance of water temperature for your face is key to avoiding this drying effect that provokes irritation.
The key is being gentle and strategic with cold water instead of prolonged, harsh exposure. Quick cold splashes before nourishing products can benefit skin rather than solely icy temps, which displease sensitive complexions. Find what your skin can handle for that healthy glow.
How Cold Water and Hot Water Affect the Skin
When you splash cold water on, it causes blood vessels to contract. This reaction can reduce swelling and puffiness, making your skin look more vibrant. Cold water also keeps your skin’s natural oils balanced, preventing over-drying or excessive oiliness.
In comparison, hot water opens up your skin’s pores. While this can be good for cleaning, it might strip away natural oils. This can leave your skin dry and, sometimes, irritated.
So, hot water can be harsher on your skin than cold water.
Benefits of Cold Water for the Skin
There are also benefits of using cold water on your skin:
- Temporarily Tightens Skin and enhances Firmness: It might help tighten skin. This can result in a smoother, more toned appearance.
- Boosts Blood Circulation: Cold water can improve blood flow. This makes skin look brighter and healthier.
- Maintains Natural Oils: Quick splashes can preserve beneficial skin oils.
- Soothes Inflammation: It’s known to calm down inflammation.
- Reduces Puffiness: Cold water can lessen swelling and puffiness.
- Alleviates Stress: It can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
1. Temporarily Tightens Skin & Enhances Firmness
Splashing skin with cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, making the skin temporarily tighter. This can smoothen skin’s appearance in the short term but won’t shrink pores in the long term.
Board-certified dermatologist David Colbert, MD, explains that cold water makes blood vessels constrict, temporarily reducing puffiness. This can curb morning puffiness when it’s common. However, vessels may soon dilate again, so the effects of cold water may not last. Cold water’s pore-shrinking abilities can also act as an astringent. This helps pores appear less visible while keeping the skin’s natural oils locked in.
Tip: After cleansing, splash your face with cold water or hold a cold, wet washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Pat dry and apply the rest of your skincare routine. Doing this before applying makeup can help achieve a smooth, flawless base.
2. Boosts Blood Circulation
When skin is exposed to cold and then warms up again, vessels contract and dilate, stimulating circulation. This briefly delivers nutrients and oxygen for a healthy glow but may not significantly benefit long-term skin health.
Tip: End your regular shower with 30 seconds of cool water to stimulate blood flow. Then, gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser to trap the moisture. Doing this can leave skin looking more radiant.
3. Maintains Natural Oils
Hot water strips skin oils more than cold. Quick, limited cold exposure can better preserve beneficial lipids versus hot washes. However, lengthy icy contact disturbs the delicate facial skin barrier for some, draining moisture. Finding one’s ideal cold rinse duration lets the skin balance and maintain sebum without the drying risk of overdoing the chilling temps.
Tip: When washing your face, finish with a quick cold water rinse. This seals in moisture without removing too many natural oils, helping to prevent both dryness and greasiness.
4. Soothes Inflammation
Cold water can calm inflamed, irritated skin by reducing redness. It acts as a natural vasoconstrictor, which can be especially helpful for sensitive or acne-prone skin. However, for some, warm water may be more soothing.
Tip: After cleansing, gently press a cold compress or chilled cotton pad on inflamed areas for a few minutes. The cold constricts blood vessels to curb redness and irritation quickly. Do this as needed whenever your skin feels hot or aggravated.
Tip: After applying serum/essence and before moisturiser, use an ice roller or frozen spoon to gently roll over areas prone to sagging, like cheeks, jawline, and neck. This can make skin feel tighter and more lifted for an immediate contouring effect before makeup.
Tip: If you have easily irritated skin, try rinsing with lukewarm water and then splashing your face with cold water at the end of your routine. For some, gradually easing into the cold temperature is more tolerable than sudden icy water. See what works best for your skin.
5. Deflates Puffiness
Cold water constricts blood vessels, diminishing under eye puffiness and bags, leaving eyes looking more refreshed. Cold compresses or chilled spoons placed on the eyes can also reduce puffiness.
Tip: Keep gel eye masks or metal spoons in the fridge. When eyes look puffy, apply cold compresses or spoons for 5-10 minutes to constrict vessels and relieve swelling before makeup. You can even store your eye cream in the fridge to really perk up tired eyes!
6. It Can Alleviate Stress
Splashing the face with cold water signals the body to take deep breaths, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. The cold sensation jolts the mind into the present moment, washing away negative thoughts. Just 30 seconds of cold water can leave you feeling mentally refreshed.
According to Dermatologist Michele Green, MD, “Cold showers wake up your skin receptors, which causes increased activity to the brain.” Source.
Tip: When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a “cold water break.” Cup some cold water in your hands and repeatedly splash your face for 30 seconds. Then, take some deep breaths as you feel your body relax. This can help hit the mental reset button.
How Long to Take a Cold Shower For?
Double Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, FAAD, says a 2-15 minute cold shower can be energising, especially after exercise when capillaries are dilated, and heat leaves through the skin.
The cold water constricts the widened blood vessels, so blood stays more central, creating an invigorating, jolt-like feeling.
However, extremely cold showers can worsen circulatory conditions like Raynaud’s Syndrome, which makes extremities turn blue.
So avoid lengthy or very cold showers if recovering from cold exposure or activities. The key is moderation for safety and benefits.
What is the Right Water Temperature for the Face?
Room temperature or slightly warm water between 68–72°F.
This does not disturb the skin’s normal physiology, unlike extreme cold or hot.
While cold water may provide some benefits when briefly splashed on the skin, as seen above, it’s best to cleanse with lukewarm water first to remove impurities.
Then, if desired, end with a quick cold water rinse. The combination allows thorough cleaning followed by cold water’s cooling and constricting effects.
So in summary, room temperature and neutral water are the gentlest for regular facial cleansing. But a touch of cold at the end of one’s routine may impart some benefits without over-stripping or irritating the complexion.
Cold Splash or Pass?
Cold water can help the skin in some ways but can also cause issues, depending on the skin type and area.
Coldness may boost blood flow, temporarily tighten, calm, and reduce puffiness. However, it can irritate sensitive skin if used too much.
Overall, quick cold splashes followed by moisturisers work best for most people.
Pay attention to what your skin needs – warm water suits delicate facial skin the best, while brisk cold is okay for tougher body areas.
Finding the right temperature and time for your skin keeps it looking healthy and feeling happy.
The key is balance – avoid icy coldness and use cold water in moderation.
