Now, there was a time when cold showers were pretty much the only type of shower, but do cold showers help acne?
Cold showers can potentially help with acne, but certainly not in the extreme, cure-all way as is often portrayed online. Cool temperatures constrict blood vessels, which can reduce swelling, inflammation, and overall redness
Here’s why, if you’re prone to breakouts, you might want to think about taking cold showers.
Do Cold Showers Help Acne?
Sure, it is admittedly far less pleasant to take a bath in cold water versus soaking in warm water, but a cold shower can have an incredibly rejuvenating effect on your entire well-being. It restores your immune system, can aid in mind-calming, and significantly enhances the condition of your skin.
In fact, when used in conjunction with your skincare routine, cold water can help relieve even the most severe form of acne in addition to generally enhancing your complexion.
For more skin care tips, keep reading:
Benefits of Cold Showers for Acne
Why endure the cold for the sake of your skin? Oil plays a significant role in the solution. Your body naturally produces healthy oils that, when used in moderation, keep your skin hydrated and radiant. If you wash your face with hot water too frequently, you risk removing these oils, which will dry out your skin.
This can worsen acne because dry skin can clog your pores, and it can also “trick” your skin into overproducing oil, which also clogs your pores. This issue is completely avoided when washing in cold water.
Similarly, hot water can sometimes be inflammatory, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like acne or eczema. So after a hot shower, your face might appear even more red than before. On the other hand, cool water can assist in reducing inflammation, giving your skin a chance to relax.
Cold water can also boost your circulation, giving you a healthy glow. Additionally, it raises your endorphin levels, enabling you to radiate from the inside out.
According to some studies, drinking cold water can actually strengthen your immune system. This means that your body will be better able to defend itself against viruses and bacteria that cause acne.
Finally, cold water can help ease some puffiness if you wake up with larger bags under your eyes than you’d prefer.
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Downsides of Cold Showers for Acne
Like everything else in life, taking a cold shower has some drawbacks. The first of which is obvious: it’s not very comfortable!
However, we can attest from personal experience that after a while, taking a cold shower becomes easier—and you might even start to look forward to it! Furthermore, it’s a fantastic way to develop your willpower.
Second, unlike hot water showers, cold showers may not be as effective at cleaning your face. This is because warm water makes your skin more pliable, which makes it easier to get all of the gunk out of your pores.
Use warm water to wash your face first, then cold water to rinse it off for an easy fix.
Read More: Should You Shave before Or After a Shower?
How to Get the Most Out of Cold Showers?
Even though that almost sounds like a crazy section heading, there are ways to improve everything.
Especially if you approach it in a way that your skin gets used to cooler water without causing that sudden shock.
1. Time It
I use my fitness tracker, which should be water resistant, to set a timer for myself.
It was only 5 seconds when I first started, but I’ve been able to extend it to more than 30 seconds. Remember that you don’t have to be a superhero like crazy Ken at my gym who will sing for three minutes while getting a cold shower.
2. Aim for Certain Times
Usually, I’d advise doing this in the morning. Even though getting out of a comfortable bed is a little more difficult, it’s great for waking you up and getting your day started.
The reason I wouldn’t do it at night is because warm showers usually help to relax your body for sleep, whereas a cold shower might make it harder to fall asleep.
3. Gradually Lower the Temperature
You shouldn’t lower the temperature and then stand underneath it. That can be quite unpleasant and a shock to your heart rate and blood flow.
Instead, gradually lower the temperature after washing your body over a few days and weeks to help you get used to the sensation.
Final Thoughts: Do Cold Showers Help Acne
Cold water may have some temporary benefits when it comes to calming inflammation and breakouts, but it’s certainly not a panacea or singular solution for clear, acne-free skin.
If you’re not interested in taking a cold shower, you can still get the benefit of icy temperatures by using skincare products that you’ve kept in the fridge.
FAQs
Do Cold Showers Help Muscle Growth?
No, a cold shower doesn’t stop your muscles from growing. Long-term gains in strength and muscle mass were however reduced by immersion in cold water.
Does Cold Showers Help You Lose Weight?
There is also some evidence that a cold shower can help you lose weight.
Do Cold Showers Help Clear Skin?
Cold showers can potentially help with acne, but certainly not in the extreme, cure-all way as is often portrayed online.
