Cold showers have become a popular wellness trend, with numerous health and skin benefits. Cold showers, defined as showers with water temperatures below 70°F (21°C), are typically regarded as difficult to tolerate, although they provide numerous benefits to both your skin and overall health. While hot showers are lauded for their capacity to improve cardiovascular health and relax muscles, cold showers have their own set of strong benefits, including reduced pain, inflammation, and edema.
There are numerous reasons why cold-water exposure is becoming more popular, ranging from top sportsmen who use ice baths on a regular basis to common individuals who embrace cold showers. This article will look at the benefits of bathing in cold water, including how it impacts your skin and overall well-being.
Benefits of Cold Showers
Cold showers are not the primary treatment for any ailment, and conclusive research into cold therapy remains scarce. However, a fast blast of cold water can help with symptom alleviation. Taking chilly showers may:
Boost your immunity against common colds
Going from a hot to a cold shower, even for a few minutes, may protect you from spreading viruses. The impact of cold water can activate blood cells that fight infection (leukocytes). One study in the Netherlands discovered that people who shifted to cold showers for 30, 60, or 90 seconds for 90 days called in sick 29% less than those who did not switch.
Combat depression
There are also positive effects of cold water therapy on mental and emotional well-being. Research indicates that those who take cold shower every morning have fewer symptoms of depression. It can also help in boosting mood and fighting feelings of anxiety.
Cold Showers Improve blood circulation
The body goes into survival mode when exposed to cold water in order to keep its core temperature stable. The body may be stimulated to enhance blood flow as a result. This enhances oxygen circulation even further and aids in post-exercise muscle rehabilitation.
Reduces skin irritation
Cold showers can be an easy and efficient way to deal with dry or irritated skin. Cold water’s anti-inflammatory qualities lessen the desire to scratch and stop more aggravation. Cold water keeps your skin hydrated and less likely to become dry or irritated by preserving the natural oils that hot water can remove. For people with dermatitis or eczema, this makes taking a cold shower an excellent choice.
Cold showers help enhance metabolism.
Another surprising advantage of bathing in cold water is that it improves metabolism. Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (also known as brown fat), which produces heat to keep your body at its core temperature. Cold showers can help you lose weight and boost your metabolism by activating brown fat. Regular cold showers can help with weight control and fight obesity over time, making them a valuable addition to your overall health routine.
Cold Showers as Cold Therapy
The frequency of cold showers is not supported by any research. Utilize cold therapy as a reaction to your sports activities. It’s acceptable to take a cold shower every day if you exercise often.
- Keep the water below 60 degrees: Turn the shower as cold as possible in a normal residential shower.
- Go slowly: Start with cold water for 30 seconds. Start with a minute and work your way up to two or three minutes of cold showering.
- Switch between hot and cold: After a workout, trainers frequently advise taking a contrast shower. Three minutes of hot showering are followed by one minute of cold showering. Always finish with the cold after three repetitions of the pattern.
Summary
For millennia, individuals have employed cold water therapies to energize and improve their overall well-being. Some scientific research indicates the positive effects of cold shower on both mental and physical health. Even brief blasts of cold water may be worth introducing into your daily shower regimen.