On the other hand, if you have oily skin, constricting the pores with cold water may help to control excess oil so that your complexion doesn't get quite so shiny so quickly.
Using the right temperature of water to wash your skin
Hot water dissolves accumulated oil easily than cold water and, therefore, it is the most recommended. This makes it easy to remove all the excess oils on the skin. After washing your face with hot water, sprinkle cold water on it to tighten the skin.
Cold water will initially help constrict blood vessels in your skin to temporarily tighten pores and decrease redness and puffiness, she adds. What's more, cold temperatures boost circulation (it's your body's way of keeping warm). For your face, that might mean a healthy glow.
"Rinsing with cold water will 'close' the pores on your scalp, which helps prevent dirt, grease and oil getting in. Plus, it can reduce hair shedding."
"Hot water increases skin's microcirculation and activates our sebaceous glands, resulting in open pores and excess sebum production," she explains. And we all know what excess sebum production can lead to... spots.
Cold water tightens your pores and reduces the overproduction of sebum and excretion of acne-causing bacteria. In contrast, hot water opens them and does the complete opposite, leaving your skin more prone to irritation.
Get the water cold enough that you start to feel uncomfortable. Then, stay underneath the water for 2 or 3 minutes. Breathing deeply will help decrease your discomfort in your mind.
Bae adds some in dermatology also theorize cold showers have even more benefits, too, such as "a little bit of (skin) tightening or at least also temporary decrease in redness of the skin. "If you are a healthy person, then taking a cold shower every day would be much better for your skin.
By incorporating cold showers into your daily routine, you are strengthening your willpower, which benefits many aspects of (your) daily life. Weight loss. Research has shown that cold showers (and exposure to cold in general), in addition to increasing metabolic rate directly, stimulate the generation of brown fat.
Reduces Sebum Production
Washing your face with cold water may help treat excessively oily or acne-prone skin by combating the over-production of sebum.
The cons of cold showers:
It could actually make you even colder and increase the amount of time it will take for your body to warm back up. They may not be a good idea if you're sick, either. Initially, the cold temperature might be too hard on your immune system, so it's best to ease into the cooler temperatures.
According to a study from experts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, taking cold showers for two to three minutes, once or twice a day, preceded by a five minute 'adjustment period' of slowly cooling water, could be a helpful part of relieving some of the symptoms of depression.
Beneficial for your hair
Finishing a shower with a cold blast can help lock moisture in your hair, while also tightening your hair follicles, meaning reduced hair loss. Additionally, cold water helps to close hair cuticles, which enables the hair to reflect light resulting in a high shine.
Cold water tightens the appearance of your skin, so it may make you look renewed and refreshed. It also helps boost your circulation, which can help give your skin a healthier appearance, albeit temporarily.
Cold showers can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Hot showers, meanwhile, can improve cardiovascular health, soothe stiff joints, and improve sleep.
The benefits of a cold shower begin when the water temperature dips to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, says Carter. To put that in perspective, that's about 40 degrees F lower than your typical steamy shower.
Benefits Of A Cold Shower Before Bed
When you sleep, your body temperature lowers. By taking a cool shower before bed, you're showing your body that bedtime is near by starting the temperature-lowering process. The cool water helps trick your whole system into sleep mode.
Since hot showers open up your pores, it only makes sense that cold showers tighten your pores. So which is better: hot or cold? It's all about your individual needs. If you're prone to dry skin, a cold shower will help you retain natural oils in your hair and keep your skin hydrated.
Protects Your Skin And Hair. When you shower with cold water, it does not strip your skin and hair of their natural oils. Cold water closes pores, which tightens the skin. It is also gentler on your hair and prevents hair fall.
So, if you're still struggling after a few days, remember that not only will it get easier, but your body will actually start looking forward to it.