Hot Shower Vs Cold Shower | Bath Benefits

Whether it’s the hot and humid summers or the gloomy and dry winters, there’s nothing a good shower cannot solve. As soon as you step foot into your shower cubicle, you know you are going to come out feeling rejuvenated and fresh. However, when it comes to showers, there is an age-old debate on hot showers and cold showers.

There are those who can’t imagine taking a bath without the perfect heated temperature of water and then there are those who love cleansing their bodies with cold water.

We address this topic by talking about hot shower vs cold shower and listing down the various benefits of a hot shower as well as cold shower benefits.

Benefits of Hot Shower

Imagine this, it’s a cold winter morning and you have a long day ahead of you. All you need on such mornings is a quick hot water bath that gives you all the energy to smash the day and beat the chills. Here’s a round-up of all the benefits of a hot water shower that will never let you skip showers in the winter.

Lowers blood sugar

Hot water encourages our blood vessels to relax and widen, so more blood can flow to our muscles and tissues, similar to working out. More blood to the tissues means more glucose can enter into our cells and lower our blood sugar.

Fall asleep faster

Ah! The feeling of a good night’s sleep is a luxury that very few are lucky enough to experience. However, one of the benefits of a hot bath is that it helps you get a great sleep. At night our body temperatures naturally drop, which signals melatonin – the sleep hormone. A hot water bath benefits your sleep by raising your body temperature, and when you exit your shower, your body will cool down more rapidly. This instigates the production of melatonin.

Relieves muscle tension

A warm water bath benefits your muscles too. The heat will get your blood moving, which is not only great for circulation but can also help sore or tight muscles by relaxing them. If you want to be a little more generous to your body and pamper it for all the work it does, add some Epsom salts to your warm water bath. This will help reduce inflammation in your joints caused by diseases like arthritis.

Improves blood circulation

Seamless blood circulation in our bodies is crucial. A hot water shower benefits us by improving our blood circulation. Optimum blood circulation is also essential for a healthy heart, so you must definitely enjoy your hot water showers and beat the bathing blues.

Elevate your mood

The feelings of isolation, quiet and comfort that a hot shower gives us are absolutely refreshing and can instantly lift up your mood.

Benefits of Cold Shower

A cold shower may not be as pleasant as a hot shower as the first step into the shower requires some courage, but there are some cold water bath benefits that can’t be ignored.

Increases endorphins

Hydrotherapy or water therapy has gained popularity as a treatment for depression. Taking a cold shower for even 5 minutes, every alternate day has shown to relieve the symptoms of depression.

Cold water sends many electrical impulses to your brain. They shock your system to increase alertness, clarity and energy levels. Endorphins or happy hormones when taking a cold shower.

Helps improve metabolism

We are all born with brown fat. It is found that it is important for our health. Brown fat is activated by exposure to cold temperatures. This doesn’t mean that you start taking cold showers to lose weight but the benefits of taking cold showers can contribute to increased metabolism.

Improves kidney health

Cold water reduces the level of uric acid in the body and increases the levels of Glutathione. Glutathione is the beauty hormone that is the most powerful antioxidant that makes your skin glow and ensures all other antioxidants are running at optimum levels. Hence, cold showers maintain kidney health.

Quicker cooling after sports activities

Immersion in cold water after a strenuous workout session or sports activities has been shown to relieve muscle soreness and fatigue. The cold water constricts your blood vessels, which slows down blood flow and relieves some of the soreness and swelling you feel in your muscles after a heavy workout.

Choosing the Right Shower for You

When deciding between a cold shower or a hot shower, several factors can influence your choice:

• Time of day: If you prefer an energy boost in the morning, a cold shower might kickstart your day. Alternatively, a hot shower could help relax muscles and ease into the day. Moreover, in the evening, a hot shower could assist in winding down and preparing for sleep, while a cold shower might refresh your mood.

• Personal health conditions: If you have sensitive skin, you might benefit more from lukewarm showers to avoid irritation. However, you might find cold showers more beneficial if you want to boost your blood flow.

• Desired effects: Consider whether you seek relaxation and stress relief or mental alertness and a mood boost. You can take a cold shower if you want to make your lethargy go away. On the other hand, a hot shower might give you the relief you are seeking after a long busy day.

• Climate considerations: In colder climates, a hot shower might be more appealing for warmth, while in warmer climates, a cold shower might be more refreshing.

Wrapping It Up

This read should definitely end all your concerns regarding hot water vs cold water baths. While there is no right or wrong answer, you can make a decision for yourself and go with the water temperature that best suits your body.

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FAQs on Cold Shower or Hot Shower

Why do hot baths feel so good?

Your skin releases endorphins as soon as your body comes in contact with warm water. It is similar to when your skin is exposed to the sun. Endorphins are happy hormones in the body which is why hot baths are the perfect way to wrap the day.

Is a hot bath good for weight loss?

When the body has a higher-than-normal temperature, it begins to burn more calories. To deal with the heat, the body works harder to maintain the internal temperature levels and burns way more calories.

Can hot water remove pimples?

Washing your face with warm water is better than washing your face with hot water. Warm water will help loosen the pores to remove any toxins and dirt from the skin’s surface.

Are cold showers healthy?

Yes, cold showers offer various health benefits, including improved blood circulation, and enhanced mood, and potentially boost your immune system.

Which shower is best in winter, cold or hot?

In winter, a hot shower is preferred for comfort as it helps warm up the body and combat the cold effectively. Hot showers also assist in relaxing muscles and providing a cosy experience during the chilly season. However, it always depends on personal preference and how everyone's body responds to different temperatures.

What are the disadvantages of hot showers?

Having prolonged hot showers may prevent your skin cells from retaining moisture and make your skin dry. Furthermore, dryness in the skin can cause irritation and potentially create certain skin conditions. Therefore, if you want to take a hot shower, make sure that it does not extend to longer periods.

What happens after taking cold showers for 30 days?

Regular cold showers may potentially improve alertness, boost blood circulation, and help adapt the body to stressors. However, individual experiences can vary, and they should be avoided if they make you uncomfortable.

Does cold water burn belly fat?

While cold water might slightly increase metabolism, it is not the only solution for burning belly fat. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key for weight management.

What's the ideal duration for a healthy cold shower?

A brief cold shower should last around 5 to 8 minutes to enjoy its benefits without overstressing the body.

Does hot water whiten our skin?

Hot water can remove natural oils from the skin and potentially lead to dryness. However, it does not directly whiten the skin. To maintain your skin health, keep it hydrated and follow a proper skincare routine.