The skin benefits of taking a cold shower

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

The idea of a cold shower on an equally cold day may not sound too appealing. But did you know cold showers can have many benefits, including having a positive impact on your skin health? Read on to find out more about the benefits of cold showers for skin. We’ll look at how to take a cold shower and when it isn’t the best choice.

Are cold showers good for your skin?

You may think that a hot shower is effective for removing dirt and oil from your skin, when, in fact, using water that is too hot can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Although it may take some getting used to, a cold shower can increase your blood flow, which can help clear toxins from your skin and leave it looking healthy and glowing. Cold water can also help to temporarily close your pores, keeping out the dirt and oil that can cause blocked pores and breakouts. Trying a burst of cold water in the shower, or even when you’re washing your face, can be beneficial.

5 benefits of cold showers

As well as being good for your skin, here are 6 other benefits of cold showers:

• Improves circulation – when your body feels the icy hit of cold water, it responds by sending blood to protect your vital organs, stimulating blood flow. Better circulation can help you recover after workouts, and can also help to support medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Increases focus – cold showers can refresh your mind, leaving you with a clear head and ready to focus. Research on cold water immersion therapy shows that people often feel more attentive and alert after a dip.

• Help with pain – if you don’t have access to an ice bath, a cold shower may also help with muscle soreness after a vigorous workout or a long run. It can also be helpful for headaches or insect bites.

• Boosts immunity – while more research has to be carried out, it’s thought that a cold shower may make your body more resistant to illnesses, like the common cold or flu, by activating stress responses in your immune system.

• Boosts metabolism – again, more research needs to be done; however, your body burns more calories as it tries to stay warm in cold water, so a cold shower may give your metabolism a little boost. 

Cold shower vs hot shower for skin

While there are many benefits of cold showers, the effects on your skin will differ depending on the temperature of water used, the duration of your shower and your skin type. Here are the pros and cons of cold showers vs hot showers for your skin. 

Benefits of cold showers

• Closes pores, giving skin a smooth appearance

• Can help to calm redness and inflammation

• Won’t damage your skin barrier 

• Protects your skin’s natural oils 

• Boosts circulation

• Can help to reduce puffiness, especially around your eyes and face

Cons of cold showers

• Less effective at removing dirt and oil, which can lead to clogged pores

• Can sometimes aggravate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

Benefits of hot showers 

• Opens pores for deeper cleansing and better removal of dirt and oil

• Better for shaving and exfoliation, as hot water helps to soften dead skin cells

• Can help to relax muscles, leading to better sleep and less stress

Cons of hot showers 

• Can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated

• Can damage your skin barrier, leaving it more irritated and sensitive

• Can aggravate skin conditions like eczema, acne and rosacea

• Showering too often or using water that is too hot can leave your skin looking dull and feeling parched

How to take a cold shower

If you’re new to taking a cold shower, ease yourself in! First, shower as normal with warm water and a gentle shower gel that respects your skin’s natural pH. Once your skin is cleansed, give your body an icy blast of cold water for 30 seconds. The more you get used to it, the longer you can withstand the cold water, up to a maximum of 2-3 minutes.

When is a cold shower not the best option?

Cold showers are beneficial for most people; however, you should avoid them if you have certain medical conditions. Keep your showers warm if you:

• Have a heart condition. Sudden exposure to cold temperatures can cause a spike in blood pressure or lead to an irregular heartbeat. 

• Experience any shock symptoms during a cold shower. This can include stress, a rapid heart rate, dizziness, lightheadedness or difficulty breathing. If this happens, increase the water temperature or end the shower and warm up.  

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about how to take a cold shower and the benefits of cold showers for skin. 

Can a cold shower help dry skin?

A cold shower won’t make dry skin worse like a hot shower can. However, if you suffer from dry skin, it’s best to keep your showers lukewarm and short (5-10 minutes is perfect) to prevent your skin from losing further moisture. 

How long to take a cold shower for?

Having a cold shower for 2-3 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week, is optimal for your body and skin to reap the benefits. If 2-3 minutes is too long initially, work up to it using 30-second bursts of cold water. 

Is a cold shower good for itchy skin?

If you have itchy or irritated skin, a cold shower can help to close your pores, which prevents irritants and bacteria from entering. It can also help to decrease inflammation and won’t remove the natural oils on your skin the way a hot shower does.