Whilst a cold shower after a long stretch in the holiday sun can feel invigorating and replenishing in equal measure, the same can’t be said for one on a bracing winter morning here in the UK. We couldn’t think of anything worse, in fact, and our minds are not for changing…
That’s until we heard about the potential health benefits of the practice. “For decades, numerous studies have been conducted to research the health benefits of taking cold showers,” Pure Optical’s Health Practitioner and Skin Specialist Tammy Richards explains.
“Not only can cold showers increase endorphins and help put you in a better mood, but studies show they can also improve many aspects of our health, including our immune system and even our skin and hair.”
Suddenly, we’re sold. Sign us up, and throw in some ice for good measure!
With cold water swimming and ice baths also seemingly more popular than ever, here, with the help of Tammy Richards, we answer ‘’what are the health benefits of taking a cold shower?’’
IMPROVES SKIN AND HAIR
Before we consider the benefits of cold showers, let’s first consider the detrimental effects of a hot one. Sure, a long, steamy shower can be super relaxing, but actually, prolonged exposure to that level of heat and water can have a negative impact on both your skin and your hair.
“Hot showers and baths dry out your skin as they strip away the natural oils,” Tammy explains. “They can also make skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis worse and cause you to feel itchy.”
A cold shower isn’t beneficial only because it’s not a hot one, it should be noted. In fact, cold showers and so-called cold water therapy boast benefits for skin and hair in their own right. “A cold shower will help to close your pores, reduce redness and even boost circulation, which will result in promoting a healthy-looking glow.” Tammy continues, “cold showers also help to promote shiny hair, as the cold water closes hair cuticles and reduces the loss of moisture.”
REDUCES STRESS AND INCREASES ENDORPHINS
Those beauty benefits aren’t the only reason to keep those showers cold. In fact, several studies have found that cold showers may even help treat depression symptoms.
“The cold-water triggers electrical impulses to your brain, which helps make you feel happier and less stressed or anxious. These impulses also work to increase your alertness and energy levels.”
Particularly interesting was research published by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, which concluded that taking short, two or three minute cold showers once or twice a day is enough to help ease the symptoms of low mood and depression.
It should be noted, however, that these studies only point at the potential for cold showers to help alleviate the symptoms of depression, and should only be used as part of a wider, holistic program that promotes health and wellbeing.
IMPROVES METABOLISM
Studies have even shown that cold showers – and specifically, shivering – can directly increase your metabolic rate.
“Exposing your body to cold showers causes your body to work harder to regulate its temperature”, Tammy explains. “When cold, your body begins to shiver in order to warm itself up, which uses energy and results in burning calories.”
“The human body has two different ‘types’ of fat: white fat and brown fat. Brown fat is activated when the body becomes cold. As the body temperature decreases, brown fat burns calories to produce heat which helps maintain your body temperature.”
In theory, this means that the brown fat which is produced in cold temperatures can lead to weight loss, as it is burning calories, however Tammy continues “scientists are still researching whether there is a definitive link.”
If you’re trying to manage your weight, then eating a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in vigorous exercise regularly is a much better way to go than taking a cold shower. Although, if you’re shivering in the shower after that vigorous exercise…well, that’s a double whammy, no?
BUILDS UP IMMUNE SYSTEM
Having a cold shower could even give your immune system a boost. Studies have shown that exposure to cold temperatures increases the amount of white blood cells in your body, which help protect your body against diseases. In fact, a clinical trial in the Netherlands found that regular cold showers led to a 29% decrease in people calling in sick to work. Incredible stuff!
HOW TO HAVE A COLD SHOWER PROPERLY
All of that said, cold showers certainly aren’t for everyone, and should be approached in a careful, conscientious way.
Tammy advises against jumping straight into a freezing cold shower after a lifetime of hot ones. She suggests that “The best way to start incorporating cold showers into your routine is to ease into the habit. Start your shower warm and gradually lower the temperature as you reach the end of your shower – ideally you want to end up around 20 degrees.”
This will prevent you from getting a massive shock, which isn’t likely to be good for your health at all.
Deep breathing is important as your body readjusts to the temperature, too, so Tammy also recommends taking deep breaths as you decrease the temperature.
Finally, Tammy advises “the first time you take a cold shower will be the hardest, as your body is simply not used to the temperature. Slow and steady wins the race, so do not try and rush to have a long cold shower straight away, as this can do more harm than good.”
Or, for a potentially more manageable, gradual cold water experience, consider investing in an ice bath tub, which lets you lower yourself in, giving you a little more control over the experience than the erratic jets of a shower. The choice is yours!
WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE A COLD SHOWER?
While the benefits of a cold shower are undeniable, they should not be used instead of any prescribed medicine or against your GP’s advice. “If you have any medical conditions, like heart or blood pressure issues, then you may want to avoid a cold shower, as the cold water can increase your blood pressure,” Tammy advises. “Also, if you experience any illness while in the shower, like feelings of dizziness, then you should immediately get out. A cold shower can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be unbearable.”
And hey, this shouldn’t mean that you forgo your relaxing, therapeutic, steamy bath times for good. In fact, while you’re here, do yourself a favour and check out these 7 steps to creating the ultimate bath experience.