Depending on the time of year, we go in between hot and cold as we turn the shower handles to reach a temperature our bodies yearn for.
Whether you take a cold or hot shower, research shows that both temperature choices have its pros and cons, reports Healthline:
Here are the pros and cons, as explained by the publication:
Pros of cold showers
- Calms itchy skin: If you have itchy skin or a skin condition that causes your skin itch, it is best to take a cold shower as this will help you overcome the sensation to scratch.
- Wakes you up: Once the cold water hits you, it shocks your body while increasing your heart rate, oxygen intake and alertness.
- Boosts weight loss: Fat cells – such as brown fat – generate heat by burning fat when exposed to cold conditions. These cells are mostly situated around the neck and shoulder area, says Gerrit Keferstein, MD.
Cons of cold showers
- Not good if you are already cold: The cooler temperature will not help warm you, bit will actually make you colder and increase the time it takes for your body to warm back up.
- Not good if you are sick: The cold temperature might be too hard on your immune system. Therefore, it is best to up the temperature if you are feeling under the weather.
Pros of hot showers
- Relieves cold and respiratory symptoms: The steam from a hot shower has long been used as a remedy to reduce cold and cough symptoms. It helps to open airways, loosens up phlegm and clears nasal passages.
- Helps with blemishes: Hot showers help to open up your skin’s pours, allowing you to clean out trapped dirt and oil.
- Relaxes your muscles: Hot water effectively relieves tension in your body and helps to soothe muscle fatigue.
Cons of hot showers
- Dries and irritates the skin: Hot water damages the keratin cells located on the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis). This prevents our cells from locking in moisture.
- Worsen skin conditions: The high temperatures dries out the skin, worsening conditions like eczema.
- Increases blood pressure: Hot showers can worsen health conditions such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Also see: The benefits of drinking hibiscus tea
