We all have our individual preferences on the type of shower we prefer. Some like cold showers while others enjoy the feeling of warm hot water gushing down their skin. Cold and hot showers have their own merits, it all depends on which you think suits you best.
Benefits of Cold Showers
Cold Showers are a great way to rejuvenate your body after a workout. Cold water immersion and ice baths have long been considered as an effective way to reduce inflammation and muscle fatigue. It’s the perfect way to relax and repair your muscles after a good workout.
The cool anti-inflammatory nature of cold water can overcome itchy sensations or skin conditions like eczema that causes itching.
Having cold showers is also associated with increased circulation. Showering in cold water constricts the blood vessels on the surface of the skin. This causes blood vessels in deeper body tissues to dilate which allows it to maintain ideal body temperatures.
Despite all the benefits, it’s important to avoid cold showers if you’re feeling unwell or feverish. The cold shower may leave you feeling colder and will increase the time it will take for your body to warm up.
Benefits of Hot Showers
Hot showers are a great way to relax muscles and can effectively soothe muscle fatigue. It can improve blood circulation and even reduce stiffness in the joints. Hot showers have also been associated to providing relief from cold or respiratory symptoms.
Research has shown that hot showers help to release tensions in the body which induces feeling of tiredness to promote better sleep quality. However, for this, make sure that you don’t shower too close to bedtime.
Like all good things, hot showers too have their drawbacks. The hot water can remove natural oils from the skin and will leave it feeling itchier. It’s also best to avoid hot showers if you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease as it may further aggravate these conditions.
To conclude, cold showers are generally best after an intense workout while hot showers are the preferred option for better sleep. Based on this and what your need is, you can choose which shower suits you best.