Can Washing Your Face With Hot Water Cause Early Ageing? Dermatologist Weighs In

Social media is full of reels that claim how hot water is a big NO-NO when it comes to your face. Why? The clips state that using hot water on the face may lead to early ageing. Therefore, it promotes washing your face using only cold water. Not just social media, this belief has been promoted by many skincare experts as well. But how much truth is there behind this? Can hot water cause wrinkles on the face? This article will answer this for you.

To understand this better, we reached out to our expert, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.  

Does Washing The Face With Hot Water Cause Ageing?

Dr Passi says that a steaming shower can feel wonderfully relaxing, especially during cold weather. “But there is a persistent skincare question: can washing the face with hot water actually make the skin age faster? The answer needs a little nuance.”

She continues, “Hot water is not going to suddenly create wrinkles overnight. But repeatedly exposing the skin to very hot water can contribute to dryness and irritation, which is certainly not helpful for maintaining healthy-looking skin.”

What does hot water actually do? Shedding light on this, the expert says, “The outer layer of the skin contains lipids and natural oils that help maintain the skin barrier and reduce water loss. Very hot water can strip some of these protective oils from the skin. Dermatology guidance, therefore ,generally recommends warm or lukewarm water rather than hot water, particularly for people with dry or sensitive skin. When the barrier becomes excessively dry, the skin may feel tight, flaky or irritated. Repeated irritation is also undesirable because inflammation and barrier disruption can make the skin appear rougher and more sensitive.”

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Does Hot Water Directly Cause Wrinkles?

Addressing whether hot water can directly lead to wrinkles or not, Dr Passi says, “Not exactly. Ageing is influenced by many factors, including chronological ageing, genetics and cumulative ultraviolet exposure. Hot water should not be presented as a major independent cause of premature ageing.”

The expert further explains, “The more accurate concern is barrier damage and chronic dryness. Dry skin can make fine lines look more prominent because dehydrated skin has a rougher, less supple appearance. Dermatology guidance similarly recommends avoiding hot water because it can dry the skin and contribute to moisture loss. So, the claim that 'hot water causes premature ageing' is an oversimplification.”

“The more scientifically sound message is that habitually very hot water can compromise skin comfort and hydration, making skin look temporarily drier and potentially emphasising existing fine lines,” shares Dr Passi.

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What Is The Ideal Water Temperature To Wash The Face?

Dr Passi says that there is no single ‘magic temperature’ that every person needs to measure with a thermometer. “The practical recommendation is lukewarm to comfortably warm water. Dermatology guidance places a comfortable shower temperature at around 100°F, or approximately 38°C, while emphasising that anything hotter can increase dryness or irritation. The water should feel comfortable rather than steaming hot. If the face becomes red, tight or uncomfortable after cleansing, the water is probably too hot,” says the expert.

Is there an ideal duration for washing your face? “Temperature is only part of the equation. Long, hot showers can increase dryness, while vigorous rubbing can further irritate the skin. Dermatologists generally recommend gentle cleansing followed by moisturiser. Short, warm showers and gentle handling of the skin are preferable, and lukewarm water is sensible for facial cleansing. After washing, the face should be gently patted rather than aggressively rubbed dry. Moisturiser can then be applied while the skin still retains some moisture.”

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Is Cold Water Safe For Your Face?

Dr Passi says cold water is not necessary for healthy skin. “There is plenty of social-media advice claiming that cold water 'closes pores' or provides an anti-ageing effect. Pores do not literally open and close like doors in response to water temperature.”

The expert further explains, “Cold water may feel refreshing and can temporarily reduce the sensation of puffiness, but there is no need to endure uncomfortable temperatures for an anti-ageing benefit.”

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Conclusion

Hot water is not a secret wrinkle-making machine. The real concern is that excessively hot water can strip moisture and compromise the skin barrier, particularly when used frequently or for long periods. For everyday cleansing, lukewarm water (around 38°C or simply comfortably warm) is a sensible choice. And when it comes to preventing premature skin ageing, sunscreen remains far more important than whether the morning face wash is hot or cold.