Hot or cold shower?

Bathing and cleaning yourself are daily necessities that provide so many benefits to your health. However, it turns out that bathing at a different temperature will have a different effect on you. This is a pretty hot debate, which one is healthier for you? Hot or cold shower?

In fact, both hot and cold baths are beneficial for your health. According to health experts, there is no one correct recommendation. However, because of its different properties, you can adjust which one best suits your needs and conditions. To help you make your choice, consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a hot or cold shower below.

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Hot shower

If you like hot showers, there are a few things to watch out for. For example, the temperature of the water used for bathing. According to a skin specialist, dr. Melissa Piliang, it is recommended that the water temperature when bathing is not higher than 44 degrees Celsius. Also, if you shower with hot water at that temperature, avoid taking too long baths. Taking a hot shower for 5-10 minutes can provide health benefits for your body.

The benefits of a hot shower

If you take a hot shower according to the recommendations previously mentioned, you will feel some of the benefits as below.

Blood circulationThis is especially true if you shower in a steady stream of water. Standing in the shower for five minutes can further improve circulation to the arteries and blood vessels.
Relaxes tense, stiff, and painful muscles. While enjoying a hot shower, you can move your neck, shoulders, waist, or other body parts that are feeling stiff. You can also lightly massage your body, for example, on your arms or legs. If you have a shower, you can also take a hot shower and stand under it for about 10 minutes. The water pressure from the shower acts as a natural massager, which can help soothe sore and stiff muscles.
Reduces stress and anxiety. A study published in England in 2002 revealed that hot water can stimulate the brain to produce the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for making you feel happier and more positive.
Prevent insomnia and sleep disorders. For those of you who have trouble sleeping because of insomnia or have certain sleep disorders, please try a hot shower before bed. You will also feel calmer and get better quality sleep.

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Risk of hot shower

Bathing with a temperature that is too hot for a long time has the risk of having various harmful effects on health. Here are some of the risks that might occur if you take a hot shower.

Dry, cracked skin. Even though it feels soothing, taking a hot shower can dry out your skin. The reason is, hot water can interfere with the oil glands in the skin. As a result, the skin surface becomes cracked and feels itchy. If you have dry skin problems, it’s best to avoid frequent hot showers.
Split ends. Shampooing with hot water also runs the risk of causing dry hair. Dry hair is easy to break and split ends. We recommend that you wash your hair with warm or lukewarm water. After you finish shampooing with warm water, end with cold water. This trick can make your hair appear brighter.
Blood pressure drops suddenly. Hot water can lower blood pressure. If your blood pressure drop Suddenly, you may feel lightheaded and your vision is a little blurry. Be careful when taking hot showers if you suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure.

Take a cold shower

On a hot day or when you wake up in the morning, a cold shower seems like a refreshing option. According to dr. Melissa Piliang, the ideal cold water temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius. It is not recommended that you take a shower with ice water or water whose temperature is lower than the recommended by these experts.

The benefits of taking a cold shower

Getting in the habit of taking a cold shower can provide many benefits. Here are the benefits of a cold shower for your health.

Refreshes the mind. Taking a cold shower in the morning can keep you fresh and awake. The cold water temperature can trigger the brain to produce the hormone norepinephrine, which is a type of adrenaline that will help your mind naturally stay alert.
Maintain healthy hair and skin. Unlike hot water which makes the skin dry, cold water can keep the skin moisturised and supple. Your hair will also be softer and naturally glow.
Increase endurance. A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology proves that cold temperatures can help strengthen endurance. This is because when you take a cold shower, the body produces various proteins needed by the immune system to fight various viruses and bacteria that cause disease.
Relieves depression. For people with depression, there’s nothing wrong with trying a cold shower. Cold water in contact with nerve endings on the surface of the skin sends electrical impulses to the brain. This will be read as a signal to keep the brain active and fresh. Your brain will also produce beta-endorphins which will make you feel better.

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The risk of taking a cold shower

Whether you take a hot or cold shower, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of. Try to avoid the following risks when you take a cold shower.

Narrowed blood vessels. Many studies have shown that a cold shower can cause constriction of blood vessels. If not treated immediately, blood flow to your vital organs such as the heart and brain can become blocked. If your vital organs are not supplied with oxygen-rich blood, the consequences can be fatal.
Hypothermia. It is best not to take a shower in water that is too cold if it is already cold around you. Especially if you take a cold shower for a long time. Your body temperature is at risk drop suddenly and hard to climb back up. This has the risk of causing hypothermia and a weak pulse.

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Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.