Hot water vs warm water: Which is better for digestion and skin?

Hydration is one of the key aspects of a healthy life. An adult's body needs 12-15 cups of water every day to help all the organs function smoothly. For women, the necessity lies around 2.5-3 liters, and for men, it’s between 3.5 and 4 liters.As much as the water intake amount is important, the temperature of the water that you’re drinking is important, too.Now, when you reach for a glass of water, the temperature may seem like a small detail — but it might matter more than you think. Why? Because a simple glass of water can make a surprising difference — not just in hydration but in how your body functions.While thinking about the temperature of the water, many people often wonder: Is hot water better, or should you stick with warm (or even room-temperature) water? Let’s see what science says about it.

Hot water vs warm water: What’s the actual difference?

Hot and warm seem to be on the same side of the temperature scale — hot water being above 60°C and warm water staying around 40–50°C — but they affect the body differently. For starters, the temperature determines how your digestive system, metabolism respond, and even how your skin reacts to it.While warm water is soothing and gentle on the stomach, hot water stimulates internal cleansing and blood flow. However, hot water can also pose risks if it becomes too hot.

As per experts, keeping water comfortably warm, not scalding, helps you get the benefits without harming your mouth or throat lining.

For digestion: Which temperature wins?

When it’s about digestion, warm water is the best — according to both traditional wisdom and modern research. It helps break down food more efficiently and supports smooth bowel movements. Drinking a glass of warm water in the morning can stimulate intestinal motility and flush out toxins from the digestive tract.On the other hand, hot water tends to increase body temperature and can stimulate the digestive glands to produce more enzymes — helping metabolize fats faster. However, drinking very hot water right after a meal may actually interfere with digestion, as it can alter proteins and slow stomach emptying.What’s the verdict, then?Nutritionists recommend warm (not hot) water before or after meals to ease digestion and reduce bloating. A 2019 study in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that warm water helps relieve constipation by relaxing intestinal muscles and improving bowel movement frequency.

For skin: The subtle but important difference

When it comes to skin, the water temperature matters a great deal. Warm water helps hydrate the skin cells and maintain the skin’s natural oil balance. It flushes out toxins gently, promoting a clearer and more radiant complexion.On the flip side, hot water can have the opposite effect. Consistently drinking or washing with very hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it devoid of moisture, leading to dryness, inflammation, and premature wrinkles.

Hence, dermatologists advise that lukewarm to mildly warm water is best, as it keeps the skin barrier intact while improving circulation.Drinking warm water infused with lemon or herbal teas can further enhance detoxification and improve skin tone by aiding the liver’s cleansing processes.

The ideal choice

Having weighed the advantages and compared the cons, warm water wins the race.While both temperatures offer benefits, warm water stands out as the most balanced choice.

It supports digestion, skin health, hydration, and detox without the risks associated with overly hot water. Regularly drinking warm water helps maintain a healthy gut environment — the cornerstone of radiant skin and overall wellbeing.Experts suggest keeping water between 40°C and 50°C, warm enough to be soothing but not scalding. You can enhance its benefits by adding lemon, honey, cinnamon, or mint for improved taste and added nutrients.

When and how to drink it for the best results

It’s not just the temperature; when you’re drinking the water matters, too. For example:Morning (on an empty stomach): Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon. It helps kickstart metabolism, cleanse the liver, and improve digestion.Before meals: Sip warm water 15–20 minutes before eating to prepare your stomach for digestion.After meals: Drink small amounts of warm water to ease food breakdown and avoid cold or very hot water immediately after eating.Before bed: A small cup of warm water calms nerves, aids sleep, and supports overnight detoxification.In case you prefer hot water, use it occasionally during colder months or to relieve congestion. However, regular consumption of water that’s too hot to sip comfortably should be avoided.