Cold showers can potentially help with acne, but certainly not in the extreme, cure-all way as is often portrayed online. Cool temperatures constrict blood vessels, which can reduce swelling, inflammation, and overall redness, explains board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD.
The cooling effect of the water can soothe the skin, potentially reducing redness and swelling associated with acne. While these benefits are often discussed in skincare circles, it's important to note that scientific research specifically linking cold showers to acne improvement is limited.
If you deal with acne you should shower and wash your face daily or a couple of times a day. This will help with breakouts. It also depends on your personal preference. If you feel better with a daily showering routine, go for it.
In time, using cold water exclusively may result in an increase in breakouts and pimples, especially if you already have acne-prone skin. Dr. Colbert explains that for those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions like rosacea, icy cold water could also cause a mild flare-up.
Because ice has anti-inflammatory effects, icing acne cysts may help decrease the redness and inflammation associated with the outbreak. Additionally, ice water on your face may help slow the activity of oil-producing pores.
“Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and healthy bacteria,” Grous explains, “which plays a major role in keeping moisture in—and the bad stuff out. And because dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, hot water can worsen preexisting acne or cause a breakout.”
Take it slow: Start with 30 seconds of cold water. Work up to a minute and progress until you take a cold shower for two to three minutes. Alternate hot and cold: UCLA Health athletic trainers often recommend a contrast shower post-workout.
“Acne tends to worsen or become more difficult to treat in the winter. This is primarily because of excessive skin drying,” he says. If one of the most common skin problems is also one of your biggest winter woes, read on for tips to maintain healthy, clear skin.
For those with painful, cystic acne, ice can help to numb the area while reducing redness. Whiteheads can be brought to a head with a warm compress—it'll hasten the healing process too.
How acne develops. Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.
Do it at night so that your skin has time to recover from potential inflammation. Your skin will have the best chance at a quick recovery if it's cleaned, prepped, and left untouched overnight. Even better, pop your pimple after a shower, when the skin is freshly cleaned, and the additional heat has helped soften it.
Washing Too Often Can Worsen Acne
Washing your face too much can be just as bad (or even worse) than not doing it at all. Scrubbing hard is to be avoided too. You can easily strip away all of the good oils your skin needs to stay healthy, leaving you with dry, red, flaky, and irritated skin.
In a clinical trial, researchers found that taking a cold shower for up to five minutes once or twice daily can help relieve symptoms of depression. Cold showers can also help clear your mind and combat overwhelm by decreasing your heart rate.
Getting into a cold shower is never a pleasant experience, but there are a few health benefits you may gain from braving the experience. Cold showers can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.
What Is The Challenge? Take a cold shower each morning for a minimum of 30-seconds for 7-days. Ideally, the water will be around 60°F (15°C) or less.
It's not necessary to wash your face with a cleanser every morning. Rinsing with lukewarm water will likely be sufficient. However, depending on your skin condition and your nighttime skincare routine, it can be beneficial to wash it with a suitable cleanser.
Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.
Acne treatment needs time to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts. If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take two to three months or longer to see clearing.