Cold shower vs hot shower - which is better?

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

If taking a hot shower is something many people do every morning, most people turn the shower handle all the way up to feel the warm water all over their body. But many people don't know that cold showers also have many benefits. So cold shower vs hot shower - which is better? Research shows that both hot and cold showers have health benefits that you should be aware of.

1.1 Benefits of a cold shower Soothes itchy skin Wakes you up Increases circulation Reduces muscle soreness Has the potential to promote weight loss Bright hair and skin A cold shower soothes itchy skin
Experts say If you have itchy skin or skin conditions that make you itchy, a cold shower can help you overcome the scratching sensation.
Cold shower keeps you awake in the morning
When cold water hits your body, you get a little dizzy. This shock increases:
Oxygen Levels Heart Rate Alertness Cold showers increase blood circulation
Increased circulation is one of the top reasons experts recommend cold showers.
When cold water touches the body and the outer extremities, it constricts the circulation on the surface of the body. This causes blood in your deeper tissues to circulate at a faster rate to maintain ideal body temperature.
In that sense, cold showers have the opposite effect of hot baths for someone with hypertension or cardiovascular disease, as exposure to cold temperatures activates the circulatory system, reduces inflammation, and may help prevent heart-related diseaes.

Cold shower helps relieve muscle soreness after an intense workout
Since cold water has regenerative properties, your muscles will relax and recover from a tough workout.
Cold showers can help with weight loss
Some brown fat cells can generate heat by burning fat when your body is exposed to cold conditions. Experts say these cells are mainly located around the neck and shoulder area. So taking cold showers is very helpful
Cold showers make your skin and hair healthy
Although scientific research is limited on the effects of cold water on your skin and hair you, but anecdotal evidence shows positive effects.
Health expert, Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, says that cold water stretches and constricts blood flow, giving your skin a healthier glow.
According to an article published on the website ManagedCurly.com, cold water closes and strengthens your hair cuticle.
In addition, cold water, unlike hot water, does not dry out sebum, which is a natural lubricating barrier that helps protect your skin and hair.
Due to the action of cold water, your hair can become stronger and stronger over time.
If you believe cold showers are completely inappropriate, you may want to rethink your philosophy. Unlike the long list of benefits that come with taking a cold shower, the list of cons is rather short.
1.2 Cons of Cold Showers A cold shower might not be a good idea if you're already cold, as colder temperatures won't help warm you up in any way. It can actually make you colder and increase the time it takes for your body to warm back up. They might not be a good idea if you're sick.

If you have trouble relaxing or sleeping at night, you may want to take a hot bath to relieve stress during the day. This is a popular way to relax muscles before bed, says Keferstein, because a hot bath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, making us tired.
2.1 Other benefits of hot showers Reduces respiratory symptoms Helps fade bruises Helps relax muscles A hot shower helps relieve cold or respiratory symptoms
Stand in a hot shower with steam The water that surrounds you has long been used as a natural remedy to relieve cold and cough symptoms. Heat from water and steam can help:
Open airways Dilute phlegm Clears your nasal passages dirt and oil trapped.
Hot baths are great for muscle relaxation
Soaking in hot water effectively relieves body tension and can help soothe muscle fatigue.
2.2 Cons of hot showers include: Hot showers can dry out and irritate your skin. Experts say hot water causes damage to the keratinocytes located in the outermost layer of the skin - the epidermis. By breaking down these cells, it creates dry skin and prevents cells from locking in moisture. They can also make some skin conditions worse. Higher temperatures are prone to drying out the skin and worsening conditions like eczema. Hot showers can make you itch. Experts say heat can cause mast cells (which contain histamine) to release substances inside the skin and cause itching. They can also raise your blood pressure. If you have problems with high blood pressure or heart disease, taking a bath that is too hot can make these conditions worse.

Hot and cold showers both have obvious benefits, so what should you do?
Experts say that you should shower with warm water - as far as is tolerable - and apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing.
Another approach to try is what experts describe as a two-way hot and cold shower, an age-old technique that Dr. Sebastian Kneipp developed.
Basically, you take water as cold as possible and stand in it for a minute. When one minute is up, then you change the water as hot as you can comfortably tolerate an extra minute. Alternate between a minute of cold and hot for three to five cycles.
Experts say the health benefits come from cold water constricting blood vessels. This means that all the blood will go to the middle of the body. Hot water will open blood vessels and blood back out. This can completely pump blood through the muscles and organs and is great for helping with regeneration and detoxification.
The above information is for reference only. You should consult your doctor before deciding on any treatment.