Many people like to take a hot shower following a stressful day, while some people like to take a cold shower. If you’ve ever wondered what’s best for your health, you’re not alone. Both cold and hot showers have their pros and cons. Therefore, learning when to choose one becomes essential, according to a new article published by the specialized medical site “onlymyhealth”, which showed the best of the two.
Health benefits of a cold shower:
* Good for hair
Cold showers can improve hair health and add shine to it. It can boost hair hydration and is ideal for dry, brittle hair; Our pores expand when we take a hot shower. However, a cold shower can temporarily tighten them, preventing the loss of healthy oils from the skin and hair.
* Increases blood circulation in the body
Cold water is the preferred choice for most people who exercise. It helps your muscles relax and promotes blood circulation in all parts of the body. Moreover, it can also help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
* reduces stress
How regarding taking a cold shower when stressed? Taking a cold shower can help reduce your stress levels because it releases norepinephrine and cortisol by activating your sympathetic nervous system.
* strengthens immunity
Cold water can help boost the immune system as it increases the number of white blood cells and improves the body’s metabolism. However, avoid taking cold showers when you are sick or have a cold or cough.
Health benefits of a hot shower:
* reduces blemishes
Hot showers can benefit your skin because it opens up your pores and removes toxins. Thus, it helps reduce blemishes and cleanse your skin.
* Promotes sleep
You can take a hot bath following a stressful day to relax your body and promote a good sleep. Hot water changes the internal body temperature. The body uses the subsequent drop in temperature following a shower as a signal that it is time for bed.
* Good for muscle relaxation
Taking a hot bath helps reduce muscle fatigue and tension. It helps relieve muscle pain, dilates blood vessels and enhances blood flow.
* Relieves respiratory symptoms
We are all advised to have hot drinks and foods to stay warm when we have a cold or the flu. Similarly, a warm bath is also recommended as it helps clear the nasal passages and relieve phlegm and cold.
Which is better and why?
Cold showers can boost immunity but should be avoided when sick.
– It is better to choose a hot shower, as it relieves respiratory symptoms.
– A hot shower can reduce pimples, but it can dry out your skin and cause irritation if the water is too hot.
– You should choose a cold shower if you have skin problems such as itching and dryness.
– People with arthritis should opt for hot showers as it is better for their bones and provides greater mobility. However, an injured athlete will likely choose to take a cold shower as it helps reduce inflammation.
– You can take a cold shower following a hard workout or a long day at work.
It is preferable to take a hot shower before getting a massage.
– It is advised to refrain from bathing in very cold or very hot water as it may affect your health.
It is good to take a hot bath before going to sleep. But a cold shower works best in the morning.