Can I wash my face with cold water in winter?

Many female friends think that washing the face with cold water can help shrink pores. In fact, this is not suitable for all skin types. For example, for oily skin, there is a layer of oil on the face. Cold water stimulates the skin to shrink pores but cannot effectively clean the face. Dust and cosmetic residues remain on the skin, which not only has no effect, but also causes enlarged pores. Sensitive skin becomes red due to the cold winter stimulation, and washing your face with cold water can relieve the symptoms. Overheated water can cause enlarged pores and dry skin, so it is best to cleanse with warm water and then wash your face with cold water.

Water that is too cold (below 20°C) has an astringent effect on the skin, can exercise the skin and invigorate the spirit. However, long-term use of too cold water to cleanse the skin will cause skin blood vessels to constrict, making the skin pale and withered, sebaceous glands and sweat glands to secrete less, lose elasticity, and cause premature aging, which is not good for skin nourishment.

Excessively hot water (above 38°C) can relieve pain and dilate capillaries on the skin, but frequent use can cause the skin to defat, weaken the vitality of blood vessel walls, and cause skin pores to dilate, making the skin more likely to become loose and weak and develop wrinkles.

The appropriate water temperature should be around 34°C, slightly higher than the skin temperature but lower than the body temperature. When you try it with your hand, it should feel warm but not hot. This warm water can not only cleanse the skin, but also has a calming effect on the skin, which is conducive to skin rest and fatigue relief without causing any harm to the skin.

The correct way to wash your face is to use alternating warm and cold water, that is: wash your face with warm water → apply cleanser (facial cleanser or soap, etc.) along the facial muscle texture. The time should not be too long, 3-4 minutes is appropriate → wash off the cleanser with warm water → rinse your face with cold water.

In addition, when washing your face in winter, you should also pay attention to not washing your face for too long or too many times, otherwise it will make your skin dry. It is best to wash your face once in the morning and once in the evening. In winter, the skin's oil secretion will decrease, so do not use a cleanser with strong oil control as it will increase oil secretion. Instead, choose a moisturizing and gentle cleanser. After washing your face, remember to use moisturizing water and cream to moisturize your skin.