THE SKIN BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS

Everything you need to know about the benefits of cold showers

THE HEALTH & SKIN BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS

Have you ever been in the shower and the hot water runs out? This is how most people had their first cold shower. But beyond that dreaded boiler moment, taking them intentionally has some amazing benefits.

In this article, we cover the top benefits of cold showers, how to take a cold shower and the NIVEA products you can use whilst you shower. From cooling off to waking you up, to boosting your immune system and skin appearance; there are so many reasons to make your next shower a cold one.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS?

For many of us, the thought of showering under cold water is quite daunting, especially in winter when everything seems to be cold. Shower gels and shampoos lather more easily in warm water and generally, it’s a more comfortable temperature to wash in, so why give it a go? The occasional cold shower could transform the way you feel. Read on to discover how to take a cold shower and some of the benefits.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS?

1. COLD SHOWERS WAKE YOU UP

Cold showers are a shock to the system. Just a few moments under cold water can increase your heart rate, intake of oxygen and overall alertness. You can take a cold shower at any time of the day – for example after an evening workout. But cold showering first thing in the morning might work for you as it can be the perfect way to get your body (and day) started.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS?

2. SOOTHES ITCHY SKIN

If you have a skin condition that results in itching, a cold shower can be a helpful remedy. This is due to the cooling, anti-inflammatory effects cold water has on your skin. Time under a cold shower can mean for some time at least, less of an urge to scratch the itchy areas.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS?

3. COLD SHOWERS INCREASE CIRCULATION

Showering in cold water causes constriction under your skin as the water comes into contact with it. To maintain homeostasis (your body’s 37.5 degree thermostat) your body will then circulate blood from deeper tissues to warm you up again. This increased circulation can help prevent cardiovascular disease, reduce inflammation, and give your skin a natural flush.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS?

4. COLD SHOWERS ARE RESTORATIVE

Due to cold water having regenerative properties, showering cold can help recovery from tough workouts like a gym class or a long run. The cold temperature can reduce inflammation and encourage sore muscles to relax and recover faster than a hot shower would.

COMMON COLD SHOWER QUESTIONS

ARE COLD SHOWERS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?

Yes! Due to the cold temperature, cold water doesn’t wash away all the natural oils from your skin. This means that it doesn’t dry out like it can after a hot shower. Another added benefit of cold showers is that they constrict your blood vessels. A major benefit here is this stimulates increased blood circulation, giving your skin a natural flush as it tries to warm up again. After showering, your skin will appear tighter. Fresher with less redness.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU HAVE A COLD SHOWER FOR?

If you’re wondering how to take a cold shower, think of it as something you ease into. Start by slowly dialing down the temperature to a cooler setting at the end of a warm shower. Keep turning it down to a level of cold that feels quite uncomfortable. At this stage, try and stay under the water for two to three minutes. Slow, measured, deep breathing will help control the urge to turn the tap back up to warm again. Over time, try to increase the length of your cold shower, or even start having them entirely cold.

And there’s a real benefit to adding these to your daily routine. The impact of cold showers over time vs. one-offs has been shown to heighten your immune system, making you more resistant to illness.

CAN YOU STILL WASH IN A COLD SHOWER?

Yes, you can! As the temperature is lower, it may require a little more effort to make things like shower gels lather. But that will help to warm you up, won’t it? Our NIVEA Rich Moisture Creme Caring Shower Cream is great for locking moisture into your skin when cold showering. It’s made with nourishing Vitamin B5, to soothe the skin and offer a deep cleanse. Browse the rest of our NIVEA Shower Gel range, to find the perfect partner for your cold shower.

WHEN NOT TO COLD SHOWER

Cold showering can be an excellent thing to add to your daily routine with so many benefits. However, if you are feeling under the weather, a warmer shower might be better until your immune system strength is back to normal levels. If you at any point find a cold shower irritating to your skin, we recommend that you speak to a medical professional.