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.
But switching to cold showers for the last 10 to 30 seconds might make a significant difference for your acne and overall health as well. It reduces how much fat, oil, and germs might build up in pores. And the additional benefits of cold showers might help with your athletic performance and recovery times.
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 showers give your skin and hair a healthy glow
Wellness expert Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, MD, says that cold water tightens and constricts the blood flow which gives your skin a healthier glow. According to an article published on the website NaturallyCurly.com, cold water closes and strengthens your hair cuticles.
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.
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.
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. Understanding when to take a hot or cold shower is essential.
Increases endorphins
Taking a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week, was shown to help relieve symptoms of depression in a clinical trial. For people with depression, cold showers can work as a kind of gentle electroshock therapy. The cold water sends many electrical impulses to your brain.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, these showers are actually beneficial for both your mind and your body. For the best benefits, incorporate cold showers into your daily routine. As this takes strength and dedication, Wim advises to gradually build up the duration and intensity.
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.
Skip loofahs, washcloths and exfoliating products. However, if your skin is on the oily side, you should shower more often. If you deal with acne you should shower and wash your face daily or a couple of times a day. This will help with breakouts.
"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.
Some skin conditions may require you to shower more or less often than the average person. For instance, someone with very oily skin, body acne, or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may want to shower every day (or sometimes even twice a day) to keep their skin clean or avoid body odor.
Try to remain in the cold shower for at least one minute the first day; work your way up to 5 minutes. You can take your time getting to 5. You might try just one minute for several days in a row before you step up to 2 and such.
This could be anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Some people prefer to take just a brief cold shower of around 5–10 minutes. This may also be a practical approach to cold water therapy. Several studies cite a target cold temperature of about 68°F (20°C), according to an article in the journal Medical Hypotheses.
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.
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.
But before you start turning the cold tap on towards the end of your shower, you should know that there are some risks to a cold shower. Because a sudden gush of cold water shocks the body, it can be dangerous for people with heart disease and could precipitate a heart attack or heart-rhythm irregularities.
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.
The goldilocks temperature
Although an occasional splash of cold water might benefit your complexion, for the most part you should be aiming to wash your face with lukewarm water. Lukewarm water will work with your cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria from your skin, all without being overly stripping and drying.
Those with very dry skin or eczema will find that water-cleansing helps to retain the skin's natural moisture. However, persons with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin might need soap or liquid cleanser to dissolve excess oil which often clogs pores and causes breakouts.