The skin benefits of
COLD SHOWERS

Everything you need to know about the benefits of cold showers

Read Time

3 min

In short:

The health & skin benefits of cold showers
What are the benefits of cold showers?
Common cold shower questions

The health & skin benefits of
COLD SHOWERS

Have you ever been in the shower and the hot water runs out? That’s how most people have their first cold shower. But beyond that dreaded geyser moment, choosing to turn the tap to cold on purpose can have some amazing benefits for you.

In this article, you’ll discover the top benefits of cold showers, how to take a cold shower and the NIVEA products you can use while you shower. From cooling off to waking you up, to helping boost your immune system and the appearance of your skin, 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 idea of showering under cold water is quite daunting, especially in winter when everything already feels chilly. Shower gels and shampoos lather more easily in warm water and generally it’s a more comfortable temperature to wash in, so why give cold water a chance? The occasional cold shower could really transform the way you feel. Read on to discover how to take a cold shower and some of the benefits it can offer you.

Cold showers wake you up

Cold showers are a real shock to your system. Just a few moments under cold water can increase your heart rate, your intake of oxygen and your 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 best for you, as it can be the perfect way to get your body (and your day) started.

Soothes itchy skin

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

Cold showers increase circulation

Another one of the key benefits of cold showers is their potential to improve blood circulation. The cold water makes your blood flow more quickly to your vital organs, which – according to some studies – could help promote healthier, younger-looking skin for you.

Cold showers are restorative

Because cold water has regenerative properties, showering in cold water can help your body recover 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, they are! Because of the lower temperature, cold water doesn’t wash away all the natural oils from your skin. This means that your skin doesn’t dry out as much as it can after a hot shower. Another added benefit of cold showers is that they constrict your blood vessels. A major benefit here is that this stimulates increased blood circulation, giving your skin a natural flush as it tries to warm up again. After showering, your skin can appear tighter, fresher and 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 yourself into. Start by slowly dialling 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 to stay under the water for two to three minutes. Slow, measured, deep breathing will help you 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.

There’s a real benefit to adding cold showers to your daily routine. The impact of cold showers over time, compared to 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! Because the temperature is lower, it may take a little more effort to make shower gels and similar products lather. But that extra scrubbing 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 you’re cold showering. It’s made with nourishing Vitamin B5 to soothe your 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 habit to add to your daily routine, with so many potential benefits. However, if you’re feeling under the weather, a warmer shower might be better until your immune system is back to its normal strength. If at any point you find a cold shower irritating to your skin, we recommend that you speak to a medical professional.