Lukewarm is non-negotiable for winter cleansing

Lukewarm water is the only safe choice for cleansing in winter – hot water strips your moisture barrier faster than a cold wind.

In winter, your skin is already fighting dry air, indoor heating, and windburn. Hot water dissolves your natural oils even more aggressively, leaving you tight, flaky, and irritated. Lukewarm (think tepid tap water, not bathwater) is warm enough to dissolve dirt and cleanse without nuking your barrier.

If you’re tempted to crank up the heat because it’s freezing, don’t. Your face is not a dish. A short, gentle rinse with lukewarm water, then pat dry and moisturize immediately. That’s the winter rule.

Your winter skin will thank you when it doesn’t feel like parchment.