The Skincare Powers of a Cold Shower
Noticed how everyone is documenting their cold showers and ice baths on social media right now?
Apparently, multiple health benefits come with dousing oneself in cold water every day, including boosting your immune system, stimulating blood circulation, increasing your energy levels, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and even stimulating weight loss. Showering in cold water can also improve your mental health as it provides an anti-depressive effect.
On top of all that, cold water immersion can work wonders for your skin. But what exactly are those 'wonders?'
Let's find out!
SKINCARE BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS
Cold Showers Help Dry Skin
Hot water is notorious for drying out the skin. If you notice your skin feeling tight and itchy after taking a hot shower or bath, it's the temperature that's causing your symptoms. And the symptoms worsen the longer you're exposed to hot water. That's because hot water strips the skin of natural oils which naturally lubricate the skin.
Cold showers are the most effective way of maintaining your skin appearance. They still help cleanse the skin, but without the drying effects.
Got dry skin? Swap out your hot showers for cooler ones -- much cooler! And finish up with a hydrating body lotion.
Pair with: Truly's Dry Skin Kit.
Cold Showers Alleviate Skin Conditions
If you suffer with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, the derms say cold showers may help alleviate your symptoms.
"Any skin condition characterized by a defective skin barrier can be worsened by a hot shower," says board-certified New York City dermatologist Shari Marchbein. "[It] strips the skin of sebum, the healthy fats and oils necessary for skin health, and dehydrates the skin."
And that applies to hot baths too. We know you love them, but if you want to keep your skin healthy and drive out dryness for good, stick to cooler baths. It's fine to shower and bathe in warm water if you really can't tolerate the cold. Warm showers aren't as drying as hot showers. However, cold water really is the best for eczema sufferers.
Pair it with: Truly's Pineapple Haze Bundle.
Cold Showers Tighten Pores
According to experts, one of the great benefits of a cold shower is its pore-minimizing powers. Cold water tightens the pores, seals in moisture, and causes blood vessels to constrict. The end result? A more youthful, fresher complexion.
"As a go-to beauty trick, cold showers are easy to do and have an immediate effect," says dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla. "However, the effect will not be for the entire day. Just like any extreme, I advise patients to be careful and to take a cold shower in the right context."
Tried everything to shrink your pores? Try this natural trick and see if it works for you.
Pair it with: Truly's Pore Shrinking Kit.
Cold Showers Give You Glowing Skin
Cold showers help to boost blood flow and circulation. For your skin, this translates to a radiant, glowing complexion. The best part is, you don't need to be in the cold for long to boost your brightness. Showering in cool water for a couple of minutes is enough to nourish it.
"Cold water is great for the skin," says Kay Greveson, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at Regents Park Aesthetics. "Even a simple splash of cold water after cleansing can give you brighter skin."
What's more, to seal in your core body temperature your pores shrink, which improves the overall appearance of your skin.
Pair it with: Truly's Glow-Up Kit.
Cold Showers May Prevent Breakouts
A cold shower can prevent pimples in two different ways.
First, it sends a significant amount of electrical impulses to the brain and triggers the release of endorphins (aka, the happy hormones). When your body releases these chemicals, your stress levels decline. As a result, you’ll be less prone to experiencing breakouts.
And second, cold water temperatures help tighten the pores which prevents gunk from entering and congesting them, which often leads to breakouts.
Th best part is that cold water reduces inflammation and enhances your body's immune response. In other words, it can help reduce the lifespan of spots and heal acne scars.
Pair it with: Truly's Anti-Blemish Facial Kit.
Cold Showers Help Skin Stay Younger
Taking daily cold showers helps is the recipe for younger, glowing skin. That's because cold water and general cold temperatures activate your nervous system, which causes your body to release hormones that tackle stress.
Studies show that mental stress has a direct impact on skin aging and negatively impacts your overall wellbeing. So if you're looking for a quick and easy wellness trick for turning back the clock, start exposing your skin to cold water.
Pair it with: Truly's Vegan Collagen Bundle.
Ready to Give it a Go?
Taking cold showers and baths comes with multiple skin benefits, but it also comes with a variety of cardiovascular, circulatory, and mental health benefits. It's also a great pick me up whenever you need energizing.
Before you dive right in, hear how to best harness the skincare benefits of cold showers.
"There is not really an optimum way of taking a cold shower," says Hasit Jethwa, health and fitness tutor at The Training Room. "Some people may have a short, five to 10-minute shower at a consistently cool temperature, whilst others may vary between heat and cold intermittently."
If you're just getting started, make five minutes your optimum time. And if you're just splashing your face in ice cold water, you can easily reap its benefits in 30 seconds.
Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you as an individual.
Not got the willpower of Wim Hof? Try taking lukewarm showers instead.
Cold showers aren’t for everyone. If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart rate issues, or a weakened immune system, seek the advice of a medical professional first.
