Many people believe that washing their face with hot water will open their pores, and that washing their face with cold water will close the pores of their skin, especially those who worry about large or visible pores.
It sounds like an easy fix: just use the right water temperature, and your pores will shrink. But that’s not really how it works.
Pores don’t open or close. They’re tiny openings in your skin that let out oil and sweat, and they don’t have muscles to move.
Hot water can help loosen dirt and oil, which might make pores look cleaner, while cold water can make your skin feel tighter, but neither one actually changes the size of your pores.
Why Do Pores Open and Does Temperature Matter?
Just as cold water is misunderstood, warm water is misunderstood, too.
Many people believe that washing your face with warm or hot water helps “open” your pores so dirt and oil can escape more easily.
The truth is, pores don’t actually open or close; they don’t have muscles to do that.
What warm water really does is soften oil and loosen dirt, which makes it easier to clean your skin more thoroughly.
Lukewarm water is the best option; it’s gentle, helps remove buildup, and keeps your skin’s natural balance intact without causing irritation.
Does Cold Water Close Your Pores?
It’s a common belief that cold water can close or shrink your pores, but that’s not how skin works. Pores don’t have muscles that allow them to open or close.
When you rinse your face with cold water, the skin tightens slightly, giving the illusion that the pores look smaller.
This cooling effect can also calm your skin, reduce puffiness, and leave it feeling refreshed. However, the effect is only temporary; cold water doesn’t actually change the size or structure of your pores.
Over time, consistent cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration are what truly help pores appear smaller and skin look smoother.
Hot vs Cold Water: Pros and Cons
Finding the right water temperature can make a big difference in your skincare routine. Both hot and cold water have their own benefits and drawbacks.
| Water Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hot / Warm Water |
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| Cold Water |
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Should You Choose Hot or Cold Water?
The best approach is to use lukewarm water for most of your skincare routine.
Lukewarm water effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for daily cleansing.
Start with lukewarm water when washing your face or applying cleansers.
This temperature is gentle enough to avoid irritation while still being effective at dissolving impurities and helping your products work properly.
You can finish with a cool-water rinse to close pores and add a refreshing feel.
This combination gives you the cleansing benefits of warmer water, followed by the tightening and soothing effects of cooler water.
Avoid extremely hot water, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Save hot water for occasional steam treatments when you want to open pores for deep cleansing, but don’t make it part of your daily routine.
Enlarged Pores and How to Fix Them
Enlarged pores usually occur due to excess oil, dead skin buildup, or a loss of firmness.
Instead of playing with water temperature, there are a few things you can do daily that will help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
- Follow a consistent skincare routine to maintain healthy, balanced skin.
- Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and buildup without irritating your skin.
- Exfoliate regularly with ingredients like salicylic acid to clear clogged pores and smooth texture.
- Keep your skin moisturized with non-comedogenic products that won’t block pores.
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin, maintain firmness, and prevent pores from stretching.
- Remember, consistent care, not quick temperature fixes, is the key to clear, healthy-looking skin.
The Best Skincare Products to Address Enlarged Pores
These are some of the best skin care products recommended by the dermatologists to help minimize enlarged pores.
1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult-favorite for a reason. Packed with salicylic acid, it works deep within the pores to dissolve oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that cause blockages.
It gently unclogs pores, smooths rough texture, and gives skin a clearer, more even look. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, it’s effective yet gentle enough for daily use.
2. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Clay Mask is a classic choice for anyone struggling with large, oily-looking pores.
Made with Amazonian white clay, it draws out impurities, absorbs excess oil, and detoxifies the skin without over-drying it.
With consistent use, it helps refine skin texture, leaving it smoother, cleaner, and visibly less shiny, ideal for combination and oily skin types.
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a lightweight, water-based serum designed for oily, blemish-prone skin.
It features 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) to brighten skin tone and improve texture, along with 1% zinc PCA to help regulate excess oil and support clearer skin.
Over time, with regular use, it helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, smooths skin, and leaves your complexion looking more even.
4. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a popular daily moisturizer that improves skin texture and firmness.
It features key actives like niacinamide (vitamin B3), amino peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate deeply, smooth fine lines, and promote a more even-looking skin.
Users say it leaves their skin feeling plumper, fresher, and more radiant with consistent use.
5. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane is a gentle, beginner-friendly retinol serum that helps smooth skin texture and reduce fine lines.
The formula blends pure retinol with squalane, a hydrating oil that prevents dryness and irritation.
It promotes faster cell turnover for clearer, fresher-looking skin. Ideal for first-time retinol users and suitable for most skin types.
6. L’oréal Paris Prime Lab up To 24 H Pore Minimizer
L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer is a blur-effect primer designed to smooth skin texture and visibly reduce the appearance of pores.
It’s formulated with a 1% AHA + LHA + BHA complex to help resurface skin and extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours. Suitable for all skin types, it’s non-comedogenic and paraben-free.
7. Vichy Normaderm Phyto Action Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser
Normaderm PhytoAction Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser is a dermatologist-tested face wash designed to target oily and acne-prone skin.
Formulated with salicylic acid, it deeply cleanses to remove dirt, oil, and impurities while helping prevent future breakouts.
The gentle gel texture leaves skin feeling fresh and balanced without over-drying. With consistent use, it promotes clearer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin.
8. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This serum pairs gentle but effective encapsulated retinol with niacinamide and three essential ceramides to help refine skin texture, reduce the look of post-acne marks and visible pores, and support your skin’s barrier.
It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and developed by dermatologists with everyday skin in mind.
9. Epicuran Clarify Polishing Mask
Formulated with bentonite clay and sulfur, it draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil, leaving skin feeling fresh and balanced.
Jojoba beads provide gentle exfoliation, while natural botanicals help calm irritation. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, it promotes a smoother, clearer complexion with regular use.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin isn’t about using hot or cold water tricks; it’s about building simple, healthy habits.
Pores don’t open or close, but you can make them look smaller by keeping your skin clean, using gentle exfoliants, and staying consistent with your routine.
Remember, lukewarm water is best for washing your face because it helps remove dirt without drying your skin.
Combine that with good products and sunscreen, and your skin will stay fresh, smooth, and happy every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Wash My Face?
You should wash their face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
How Can I Make My Pores Look Smaller?
Cleanse gently, exfoliate regularly with ingredients like salicylic acid, moisturize daily, and always use sunscreen to protect your skin and improve its texture.
Do Ice Cubes Really Help Shrink Pores?
Rubbing ice on your face can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce puffiness, but it doesn’t actually shrink pores. The effect fades once your skin warms up again.
