Skincare experts slap down myth about washing face with hot water

You could be making this grave skincare mistake.

The long-held belief that hot water somehow “opens up” pores is really a myth, dermatologists have revealed as they warn against cleansing the skin with scorching water.

“The truth is, pores do not have muscles, so they cannot physically open or close in response to temperature,” Dr. Hannah Kopelman, who specializes in dermatology, told HuffPost.

“Hot water may temporarily loosen oils and debris on the skin, making pores appear cleaner, but it doesn’t actually change their size.”

While it might feel relaxing, experts warned that hot water can actually aggravate skin conditions in people who have rosacea or eczema, dermatologist Dr. Nicole Lee told HuffPost.

And, dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian told Byrdie, hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, which can cause inflammation and dryness.

Cold water, though, is also not recommended for cleansing. While it can “temporarily constrict blood vessels” to make the skin appear tighter, Kopelman said it won’t “shrink” your pores.

“Cold water can help to soothe inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for conditions like rosacea or after certain dermatological procedures,” she continued. “It can also reduce morning puffiness by constricting blood vessels, giving the skin a refreshed appearance.”

But it does not “cleanse as effectively or allow skin care products to absorb well,” which “could lead to clogged pores and less effective skin care,” she added.

Warm water, however, is the gold standard.

“Lukewarm water is ideal for cleansing as it effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup while preserving the skin’s natural oils, allowing skin care products to absorb better,” Lee said.

Experts have previously recommended nightly face washing to remove the build-up of dirt and pollutants on the skin at the end of the day, although they cautioned to be gentle and not use harsh products to maintain the skin barrier.

“Your skin has a protective barrier made up of oils, also known as the lipid barrier,” dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas previously told Fox News Digital. 

“Washing your face too frequently or using harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to over-drying, increased oil production and skin irritation.”