Should I Wash My Face With Hot or Cold Water?

Should I wash my face with hot or cold water? You're not the first person to wonder this. Many people question the best water temperature for cleansing, whether they're optimizing their skincare routine or figuring out how to soothe stressed skin.

It's true, water temperature is important when washing your face. There are benefits to different temperatures, but there's also an ideal temperature that works best for most (spoiler: it's lukewarm).

Here's what to know about cleansing with hot, cold, and warm water, plus face-washing tips that support a healthy-looking complexion.

Key Takeaways

• The ideal water temperature for washing your face tends to be lukewarm, as it's not uncomfortably hot but warm enough for proper cleansing.
• Cold water can feel refreshing and may temporarily reduce the look of puffiness, while hot water might help wash away surface debris.
• Choose a mild face wash, double-cleanse if needed, gently pat your skin dry, then lock in hydration with serum and moisturizer.

What Are the Benefits of Washing With Cold Water?

Some people like to wash their face with cold water. The cooler temperature might temporarily help skin feel firmer and look more awake while addressing the look of puffiness, similar to applying a cold compress to the eyes.¹ It can also be a refreshing step in your face care routine for glowing skin, especially if you’re prone to puffy-looking skin and visible redness.

Like taking a cold shower, it may also offer a refreshing sensation, especially on hot days, in humid climates, or after exercising.

What Are the Benefits of Washing With Hot Water?

As for hot water, the warmer temperature might help soften surface debris. This can make it easier to wash away makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and sweat while prepping your skin for the next steps in your skincare ritual.²

Like taking a bath or soaking your feet at a pedicure appointment, very warm water can offer a comforting feel and a spa-like experience during your routine. That said, wash your face with hot water cautiously. If you have ever wondered, "Why is my face red after washing it?" the answer might be the temperature. Hot water may strip away your skin’s natural oils, which may make you experience dry and tight-feeling skin.³ Make sure it's not scalding, and lower the temp if it ever feels uncomfortable.

The Best Option: Lukewarm Water

Generally speaking, lukewarm water is the best option for washing your face.³ Sometimes called tepid, lukewarm isn't hot or cold. It's slightly warm but not necessarily as warm as, say, a bath.

The definition varies, but some say lukewarm is about the same or just above body temperature, so 98 to 105°F. It should feel comfortable against your skin without being too cool. Using lukewarm water can help loosen surface buildup without stripping, over-drying the skin, or leaving it feeling tight.⁴

Tips for Washing Your Face

Besides using lukewarm water, what's the best way to wash your face? Keep these tips in mind when choosing products and doing your skincare routine^5,6:

• Select a cleanser that suits your skin: Washing with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser can leave skin feeling refreshed and comfortable.
• Consider double-cleansing: If you're wearing makeup or sunscreen, a double-cleanse (first with a water-based cleanser, then with an oil-based cleansing balm) can help leave skin feeling clean and refreshed.
• Don't over-rinse: Rinsing too much or for too long could also contribute to skin discomfort. A few splashes of water should be enough to wash away the cleanser and everything it's picked up from your face.
• Dry gently: Instead of rubbing, gently pat your face dry with a soft towel or clean washcloth.
• Lock in hydration: To avoid skin that feels tight or experiences dryness after washing, hydrate with a lightweight serum featuring skin brightening ingredients and lock it all in with a barrier cream. For extra hydration points, use a Collagen + PDRN mask after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Your Best Face-Washing Practice

Should I wash my face with warm or cold water? For most people, lukewarm water is considered the most balanced option for cleansing: not too hot but not cold, either. This gentle temperature can help soften debris and dissolve products like makeup and sunscreen without being overly harsh or stripping your skin of moisture.

Though tepid water is ideal for most people, experiment with different water temperatures to see what's most comfortable or supportive of your routine.

Clean, Supportive Skincare

Rael has everything you need to build a supportive skincare routine. Inspired by nature, our clean self-care solutions include everything from gentle cleansers, mild exfoliants, and sheet masks to lightweight hydrators, barrier cream, and targeted solutions.

Browse skincare for sensitive skin from Rael today.

 

Sources:

1. Peters F, et al. "Evaluation of the optimal cooling temperature for the face measured by the tissue perfusion during hilotherapy using laser Doppler spectrophotometry." Scientific Reports, 7 May 2021, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89313-1. Accessed on April 30, 2026.
2. Chakraborty A. "Bathing Practices in Dermatology: Uses and Implications for Patient Management." Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 10 Aug. 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10506818/. Accessed on April 30, 2026.
3. Herrero-Fernandez M, et al. "Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function." Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7 Jan. 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8778033/. Accessed on April 30, 2026.
4. Jensen DA, et al. "Quantifying the Effects of Water Temperature, Soap Volume, Lather Time, and Antimicrobial Soap as Variables in the Removal of Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 from Hands." Journal of Food Protection, 1 Jun. 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22097459. Accessed on April 30, 2026.
5. Hawkins S, et al. "Impact of cleanser, water temperature, and rinse time on skin condition." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2014, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(14)00264-3/abstract. Accessed on April 30, 2026.
6. American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Face washing 101." (n.d.), https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101. Accessed on April 30, 2026.