Hot or Cold Shower: Which Is Better for You?

We often steer clear of cold showers in the winter, and sometimes even prefer hot showers in summer. However, it turns out that bathing in cold water has its health benefits. On the other hand, hot showers have their perks too. Before we reveal which one might be better for you, here are the benefits of each:

Benefits of Cold Showers:

Cold showers can boost your mood by increasing your blood levels of beta-endorphins and norepinephrine, as well as brain levels of norepinephrine. This neurochemical surge can help alleviate depression, making you feel better.

Cold showers can enhance hair moisture, making them ideal for those with dry and brittle hair. They can also help retain healthy oils in your skin and hair.

Cold water improves blood circulation, which is beneficial for those with circulatory problems. Additionally, cold showers enhance oxygen and nutrient supply throughout your body.

Cold water is excellent for those engaged in physical activities because it helps relax muscles and promotes blood flow throughout the body. It can also reduce pain and inflammation.

Cold showers increase alertness and concentration, and enhance your immune system as your body responds quickly to the cold. This makes your immune system more effective against viruses and infections. However, it's not advisable to take cold showers when you're ill.

Benefits of Hot Showers:

Hot showers benefit the skin by opening pores and removing toxins, helping reduce blemishes and cleanse the skin.

A hot bath can relax your body and aid sleep, as warm water alters your body's internal temperature. If you want your kids to sleep better, a hot shower might be the solution.

Hot showers alleviate muscle fatigue and tension, ease muscle pain, dilate blood vessels, and improve circulation.

Hot showers can relieve headaches, lower blood pressure, and ease cold symptoms as the steam provides nasal relief and reduces congestion. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to hot water might increase body moisture, potentially spreading inflammation, as noted by Rambam.

So What's Best?

Cold showers boost immunity but should be avoided when sick. Still, a hot shower might be better as it eases respiratory symptoms and can reduce acne, though it may dry out skin if too hot. In such cases, cold showers are preferable.

Hot showers benefit those with arthritis as they soothe the bones. Conversely, athletes might prefer cold showers to reduce inflammation.

Cold showers are preferred after a workout or a long, tiring day.

Hot showers are preferable before sleep, while cold showers are invigorating first thing in the morning.

It's important to avoid extremely cold or hot water as they can affect your health.