When you're tired after a long day, the idea of splashing your face with hot water to remove makeup might sound tempting.

It’s quick, it feels soothing, and it seems harmless. But is hot water actually effective at breaking down foundation, mascara, or waterproof products?

In this article, we’ll look at how hot water interacts with makeup, what dermatologists recommend, and the best way to cleanse your skin without causing irritation.

Why Shouldn't You Use Hot Water to Remove Makeup

1. Hot Water Strips Your Skin of Natural Oils

Although taking a hot shower or washing your face with hot water might feel relaxing, it can strip your skin of its natural oils. These oils play an essential role in keeping your skin hydrated and protected. When they are removed, your skin becomes vulnerable, dry, and prone to breakouts. Over time, this can lead to irritation and a weakened skin barrier.

2. It Can Cause Premature Aging

Using hot water on your face causes the skin to dry out faster than usual. Without adequate moisture, the skin loses its elasticity, which can lead to the early development of fine lines and wrinkles. Long-term use of hot water on your face can accelerate signs of aging and make your skin appear dull and tired.

3. Hot Water May Lead to Skin Damage

The intense heat from hot water can tighten the skin excessively, leading to cracking and irritation. This repeated exposure can cause visible damage over time, such as redness, itchiness, or even scarring. Instead of soothing your skin, hot water can trigger inflammation, especially if you already have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

4. Hot Water Cannot Remove Waterproof Makeup

Waterproof makeup is designed to resist water, regardless of its temperature. Many people assume that hot water can melt away waterproof formulas, but this is a misconception. The ingredients in waterproof makeup are resistant to breakdown by water alone. Even boiling hot water cannot dissolve them. For proper removal, you need a product specifically formulated to break down these compounds, such as oil-based cleansers or dedicated makeup removers.

What to Use Instead of Hot Water

If you want to keep your makeup removal process safe and effective, consider these tried and tested alternatives:

Use a Gentle Makeup Remover

Makeup removers are formulated to dissolve even the toughest waterproof products. They are designed to break down the chemical bonds in makeup without damaging your skin. You don't need to rub or scrub hard.

Here’s how to use a makeup remover:

• Start by washing your hands to prevent transferring bacteria to your face.

• Apply a small amount of remover to your hand or a cotton pad.

• Gently massage it into your face like a moisturizer.

• Allow it to sit for about five minutes to loosen the makeup.

• Use alcohol-free wipes or cotton pads to wipe off the residue.

• Follow up with your normal skincare routine.

Try Oil-Based Products

If you don’t have a makeup remover on hand, oil-based products are a great alternative. Oils can dissolve makeup efficiently, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes.

How to use oil to remove makeup:

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

• Pour a small amount of oil into your palm or onto a cotton pad.

• Massage it gently onto your face and let it sit for about five minutes.

• Rub in gentle circular motions to lift the makeup.

• Rinse and follow with a gentle cleanser.

Some great oils for makeup removal include:

• Jojoba oil

• Coconut oil

• Olive oil

• Petroleum jelly

Soap and Water (But Use the Right Kind)

Using soap and water can help, but you must be cautious about the type of soap and water temperature.

Here are the guidelines:

• Avoid hot water; use lukewarm water instead.

• Never use bar soap on your face. It can be too harsh, leading to dryness and irritation.

• Choose a mild facial soap like Dove or a gentle foaming cleanser.

• Use a soft washcloth or exfoliating gloves dipped in lukewarm water.

• Scrub gently and avoid the eye area. For eye makeup, use oil or micellar water.

• Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Steam Your Face

Once you’ve removed most of your makeup, steaming your face helps open pores and preps the skin for deeper cleansing.

How to do it:

• Boil water and pour it into a bowl.

• Add a few drops of essential oil, such as mint or lavender.

• Place your face over the steam, keeping a safe distance.

• Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam and let it reach your skin for a few minutes.

This process not only relaxes your face but also makes it easier to remove leftover makeup residue.

Follow Up with a Cleanser

After steaming, use an oil-based or hydrating cleanser to remove any lingering makeup or impurities. Oil-based cleansers work well because they bind with the oils in your makeup, helping everything come off more easily.

Massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Let Cold Water Relax Your Skin

After cleansing, let cold water run over your face for a few minutes. This helps soothe the skin, tighten the pores, and reduce any potential redness caused by cleansing or steaming. Cold water can be very refreshing after a long day and helps bring your skin back to balance.

Use a Toner

Once your skin is clean and refreshed, apply a toner. Toners help return your skin to its natural pH level and soothe any irritation. A good toner can also help calm your skin and prepare it for moisturizing.

Moisturize Your Face

The final step is moisturizing. Apply a hydrating nighttime moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and restore nutrients, leaving your skin soft, supple, and youthful.

Conclusion

While the debate over hot versus cold water for skincare continues, one fact remains clear: hot water is not suitable for makeup removal. It strips the skin of its natural oils, dries it out, and cannot effectively remove most makeup, especially waterproof formulas.

There are many safer and more effective alternatives to hot water. Whether you use a gentle makeup remover, oil-based products, or mild soap with lukewarm water, the goal is to be kind to your skin.

Follow the tips and steps outlined in this guide to keep your skin clean, healthy, and glowing without causing damage. And don’t forget to subscribe for more helpful skincare and beauty hacks.

References:

• Chen, X., Zhu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Adversarial learning with collaborative attention for facial makeup removal. Neurocomputing, 434, 249–260.

• Sun, Z., Chen, Y., & Xiong, S. (2022). SSAT: A symmetric semantic-aware transformer network for makeup transfer and removal. AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 36(2), 2325–2334.

• Mao, J. C., & DeJoseph, L. M. (2012). Latest innovations for tattoo and permanent makeup removal. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics, 20(2), 125–134.