Should You Be Cleansing With Hot or Cold Water?

We all know how important cleansing is. It lays the foundation (or takes it off!) for the rest of your skincare regime, prepping skin for the active ingredients in your mask/serum/moisturiser. But have you ever thought about how your skin might be affected by the temperature of the water you're using?

We recently posted this on Instagram, and it certainly started a conversation! https://www.instagram.com/p/BikBB4sHU2f/ It has been drilled into us that using hot water will open pores and cold water will close pores.

WRONG! Pores are not temperature sensitive and as skincare expert Caroline Hirons says; pores are not doors. They do not open & close. Let's look at the facts

Hot, Cold or Lukewarm?

Taking the time to choose the right cleanser for you and your skin type is all well and good, but if you are taking that cleanser off with steaming hot/freezing cold water, you could be causing unnecessary damage.When skin is exposed to extreme temperatures, it can have some frightening effects!

Hot

Removing your cleanser with hot water can cause increased skin sensitivity, drying out skin and stripping its natural and essential oils. Extreme heat can also compromise the protective barrier that ensures skin functions normally, keeping it protected from external aggressors.

Cold

Cold water isn't going to 'tighten' your pores. It may have a slight astringent effect, temporarily constricting skin and reducing puffiness but it's not the right temperature to be cleansing your skin with. Instead, try a splash of cold water (after cleansing with lukewarm water) for a refreshing wake up.

Lukewarm

A lukewarm temperature is going to be subjective to each individual, and we certainly aren't expecting you to stand at the sink with a thermometer every morning & evening! A happy medium between hot & cold “ lukewarm “ will deliver the best results when you are cleansing your skin. We challenge you to cleanse your skin with lukewarm water for a week, see how it helps you get the most from your cleanser!

There are some exceptions

Steam

Heat and steam help to soften sebum, making extractions easier for your professional Aesthetician during a facial or skincare treatment.

Enlarged pores

Reducing the appearance of enlarged pores is purely down to the extraction process and removal of excess sebum. Thorough cleansing and regular chemical exfoliation to keep pores clear, is the most effective way to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores!

Which cleanser should I use?

There are many different types of cleansers; gels, creams, balms and oils. Select a cleanser based on your texture preference and of course your skin type/concerns.A Face the Future favourite for the warmer summer months is SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel cleanser. Beauty Journalist India Knight described using this cleanser as feeling like “going for a swim in the cold sea after months spent in an overheated house. My skin felt incredibly clean and perky. We agree!The combination of glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and renew skin texture, with glycerine to deliver hydration and keep skin supple, makes this multi-tasking cleanser the perfect option for those looking to get the most from their skincare regime.SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel cleanser is ideal for use on combination and oily skin types thanks to its skin-refining and exfoliating properties. It removes impurities, excess oils and makeup whilst healing, soothing, nourishing and hydrating skin. Leaving you with a smooth and radiant complexion.