Taking a cold shower might sound like a punishment, or something you’re forced to do when the water heater is broken. You might be thinking to yourself – why on earth would anyone choose to take a cold shower? It seems insane, yet coldness is growing in popularity as ice plunges, frozen facial rollers, and yes, cold showers prove to have incredible benefits to one’s health. They might not be the most comfortable at first, but once you get used to the cold, your body will thank you.
Many people look forward to a long, hot shower as a means of relaxation after a long day, but spending too much time in hot water can be damaging to your skin and hair. Cold showers are not only beneficial to your skin and hair but they can also improve your mood, immune system, and muscle function.
Let’s look into why:
Skin
- Smoother Skin: Cold water increases the circulation of your blood and shrinks the sizes of your pores leaving your skin with a much more smooth and elastic feel.
- More Moisturized: Cold water stimulates the production of sebum which protects the skin from friction and provides hydration. Cold water also shrinks the sizes of your pores, trapping in moisture and skin care products.
- Brighter Complexion: The regulation of sebum also helps protect the skin from pollution and harmful UV radiation leaving the skin with a brighter complexion.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Cold water reduces redness and inflammation caused by allergies, acne, and skin conditions. It is especially beneficial to those with eczema.
Hair
- Strengthens: Cold water seals the hair’s cuticles which helps strengthen against breakage. Cold water also promotes healthy hair growth.
- Smooths: As the cold water seals the hair’s cuticles, moisture becomes locked in and each hair strand becomes smoother. In this way, cold water provides an anti-frizz effect.
- Anti-Grease: Cold water protects the natural oils in your hair which leads to less grease buildup and shinier hair.
- Cleanse: Because cold water shrinks pores, washing your hair in cold water can help get a deeper clean by limiting the dirt, sweat, and pollutants from clogging up.
Energy/Mood
- Endorphins: cold water stimulates the release of endorphins which can help with depression and anxiety.
- Energy: cold showers increase alertness and clarity which can give you the same boost of energy as a cup of coffee.
- Lower Stress: Exposure to cold water can lower cortisol levels which lowers stress levels.
- Meditative: Once you get used to the cold and your heart rate regulates, it is common to find yourself in a calm, meditative state.
Immune System
- White Blood Cells: Exposure to cold water causes the production of white blood cells to increase. These blood cells fight infections and diseases in the body.
- Boost Metabolism: cold water can speed up your metabolic rate.
Muscles
- Cold and hot water both have benefits when it comes to healing muscles. Cold water constricts blood vessels which numbs pain and helps treat aches and soreness. Cold water also reduces inflammation and swollen muscles.
Note: Cold water does increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you suffer from hypertension or have a heart condition, cold showers may not be for you. Always start slow when introducing cold showers into your routine and listen to your body’s reaction.
So How Cold Should We Go?
That’s really up to personal preference! You should always start slow by making your shower just a notch colder than normal and noting the reaction your body has. Then, day by day, making it just a little bit colder. I don’t recommend taking a freezing cold shower because it is possible to cause more harm than good. I find the sweet spot to be making the water just slightly colder than room temperature. Try incorporating just one cold shower a week, or only using cold water to wash your hair. I promise you will get used to the uncomfortable shock as time goes on and your body will thank you.