Skin care

FYI: You're Washing Your Face All Wrong

These rookie mistakes can ruin your skin

by Allie Flinn | 4 COMMENTS

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Your Water is Above THIS Temperature If the temperature of your water is above 100 degrees when it hits your face, you're stripping away the natural oils that protect your skin. Hot water also makes your skin flush, which releases heat (and moisture along with it), says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas.

The fix: Treat your skin like you would if you were bathing a newborn -- use lukewarm water. That's about 90- to 100-degrees Fahrenheit. Don't know how hot your water is? Neither did I. I always assumed I was washing at lukewarm temps, but I decided to test it out. I ran a digital instant read kitchen thermometer under water at the temperature I typically wash my face in ... and couldn't believe what I saw. My water was about 20 degrees over "lukewarm."

If you don't have a digital thermometer, your analog turkey thermometer will work, too, but it'll take longer to register the temperature. You can also use a digital baby thermometer, but they typically only measure up to 110 degrees.

For a more low-tech approach, submerge your hand in a bowl full of the water at the temperature you're washing in. If it's an uncomfortable temperature on your hand, it's too hot, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research for the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Or, scan your face three to five minutes after you wash it. If it's flushed, dial down the heat.

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