If a hot shower is what your body wants in the morning, you’re not alone. But, did you know that cold showers also have a place in your routine?
Regardless of how you feel about either, research shows that both hot and cold showers have health benefits you should be aware of.
Showering in cold water is good for your health and can help you save money on your energy bills. Cold showers have several benefits, including:
Calming Itchy Skin – Cold water has been shown to reduce itching and inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. It also helps soothe dry winter skin.
Wakes You Up – If you’re feeling groggy in the morning, try a cold shower before breakfast. The temperature change will wake you up and give you energy to start the day. If you are having trouble getting out of bed, try taking a warm shower instead of an ice bath right away — this way, drinking coffee won’t be as necessary!
Increases Circulation – When exposed to cold temperatures, your heart rate increases because it sends blood away from your extremities towards your core organs to keep them warm. This means more oxygenated blood is circulating throughout your body during a cold shower than if you were not under one at all!
Reduces Muscle Soreness – The increased blood flow from cold water exposure helps flush out lactic acid build-up from muscle tissue.
Opens Up Your Pores – This brings fresh blood to the surface of your skin, and this helps you to look more youthful and glowing. Hot water can cause inflammation in the body, leading to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
If you have trouble relaxing or falling asleep at night, you might be tempted to take a hot shower to ease the day’s stress.
Taking a hot shower can also help you relax after a long day at work or school because it helps relieve muscle tension caused by stress or physical exertion. If you have sore muscles from exercise or an injury, taking a hot shower before bed will help soothe them and make them more pliable, so they’re better able to stretch out during sleep — leading to less stiffness in the morning when you wake up.
Hot water can also help with blemishes.
The heat stimulates blood flow to the skin, which makes it easier for your body to flush out toxins that cause acne, pimples, and other blemishes. Taking a hot shower every day may help prevent future outbreaks if you have acne-prone skin.
Hot water also opens airways in the lungs and helps to loosen mucus. This makes it easier for your body to expel the unwanted substance through coughing or sneezing.
So, which type is better?
Ideally, you should take a lukewarm shower and apply a moisturizer to damp skin. You can also alternate between the two and do what works best for your routine.