Beauty Benefits Of Cold Shower

By Jayshree Iyer

The mere thought of taking a cold shower sends a shiver through our spine. Unless forced by circumstances beyond our control, we consider taking a cold shower as one of the most dreadful things. But did you know there are many beauty benefits of cold showers? Read on to know more.

There are many myths and misconceptions associated with cold showers; many feel that cold shower results in ailments like influenza, pneumonia, joint pains etc. But in reality cold showers are known to provide extremely surprising health & beauty benefits.

HOT WATER BATH IN WINTER: WHICH IS BETTER?

People in the olden days used to start their day by bathing in the cold lake and offering their salutations to the sun God. Taking a cold shower was considered auspicious before any ritual since it was believed that cold water cleanses the spiritual system.Apart from these there are many proven health and beauty benefits of cold shower.

Beauty Benefits Of Cold Showers | Skin Benefits Of Cold Showers | Cold Shower Benefits For Skin | Cold Shower Benefits For Body

1) Increases Concentration
When cold water falls on our body, it increases our heart rate and releases a rush of blood throughout the body. Our breathing deepens in response to the shock of cold water.This leads to increased energy levels throughout the day and maintains alertness and concentration levels.

Beauty Benefits Of Cold Showers | Skin Benefits Of Cold Showers | Cold Shower Benefits For Skin | Cold Shower Benefits For Body

2) Increases Immunity And Blood Circulation
Cold shower lowers blood pressure, clears blocked arteries and improves blood circulation leading to arteries pumping blood more efficiently. This in turn improves the immune system of our body .

Beauty Benefits Of Cold Showers | Skin Benefits Of Cold Showers | Cold Shower Benefits For Skin | Cold Shower Benefits For Body

3) Benefits To The Hair And Skin
There are many skin benefits of cold showers. It appropriately releases toxins from the skin giving it a more youthful look. Hot water dries the skin and opens the pores; but cold water helps retain the skin’s moisture and also tightens the pores thereby preventing acne, pimples ,skin bursts etc. Cold shower also closes the hair cuticle resulting in less accumulation of dirt on the scalp.It also adds shine and lustre to the hair.

4) Improves Metabolism
Cold shower benefits for skin helps the body to re-regulate the body temperature periodically which results in consumption of more energy and calories. This increases the rate of metabolism. A good rate of metabolism is essential for a healthy and fit body.

Beauty Benefits Of Cold Showers | Skin Benefits Of Cold Showers | Cold Shower Benefits For Skin | Cold Shower Benefits For Body

5) Relieves Depression
Cold shower results in an intense impact of cold receptors in the skin. These receptors send a huge amount of electrical impulse from peripheral nerves to the brain which produces an anti-depressive effect.

6) Reduces Fat Content In The Body

The human body is composed of two types of fat; white fat and brown fat.When our body is exposed to cold, it requires more energy to warm up.The brown fat burns more to generate more calories and keep the body warm. Hence, cold showers helps in reducing fat content from our body.

Beauty Benefits Of Cold Showers | Skin Benefits Of Cold Showers | Cold Shower Benefits For Skin | Cold Shower Benefits For Body

7) Decreases Inflammation
As stated earlier cold shower improves blood circulation throughout the body. In this process the whole body system is flushed with fresh nutrient rich blood free from toxins. This repairs damaged muscles and tendons and thus helps decrease inflammation post workout. This aids in post exercise recovery and reduces muscular aches.

Having stated all the above cold shower benefits for body , it is also recommended that people used to taking hot showers should not immediately start taking cold shower. It is not easy for any person to step out of a comfort zone and get into a discomfort on so easily.The change should happen gradually and at such a pace that the body is not exposed to a stressful ordeal.

Story first published: Monday, February 23, 2015, 17:04 [IST]
Read more about: body care beauty