Skin care experts debunk the myth of washing your face with hot water

You can make this serious mistake in skin care.

The long-held belief that hot water somehow “opens” pores is actually a myth, dermatologists have discovered as they warn against cleansing skin with scalding water.

“The truth is that pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t physically open or close in response to temperature,” said Dr. Hannah Kopelman, who specializes in dermatology, told HuffPost.

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

While it may feel relaxing, experts warn that hot water can actually worsen skin conditions in people who have rosacea or eczema, said dermatologist Dr. Nicole Lee told HuffPost.

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

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

“Cold water can help 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 fresh look.”

But it doesn’t “cleanse effectively or allow skin care products to absorb well,” which “can lead to clogged pores and less effective skin care,” she added.

Warm water, however, is the gold standard.

“Lump 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,” said Lee.

Experts have previously recommended washing your face at night 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’s barrier.

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

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