5 Wonders a Cold Shower Can Do for Your Skin

We’re used to thinking that cold showers can give us a boost of energy and help wake us up in the morning. But showering in chilly water has a number of beauty benefits as well. Taking short showers with cold or mildly cold water is an easy go-to beauty trick that can have an incredible impact on your skin.

We at Bright Side have done some research to find out how your skin can benefit from daily cold showers. And it turned out icy rinses can transform your skin in many surprising ways.

1. It gives your skin a healthy glow.

Cold showers help to increase blood circulation. For your face, this might mean a fresh radiant look. The good news is that you don’t need to be in the cold for too long to make your skin brighter. Showering in mildly cold or even lukewarm water is enough to nourish it.

2. It prevents skin aging.

The habit of taking daily cold showers helps your skin stay younger for longer. Cold water activates your nervous system, and your body releases hormones and brain chemicals that fight stress. Studies suggest that psychological stress has a direct impact on skin aging and negatively affects many systems in the body.

3. It prevents stress-related skin conditions.

A cold shower sends an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses to the brain and stimulates the release of “happy hormones” or endorphins. When these chemicals are released by the body, your stress levels decline and you’ll be less prone to experiencing a number of skin problems like acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

4. It tightens the pores.

While hot water may strip away some of the protective oils that your skin makes, chilly water will temporarily minimize your pores. It also helps give your face vitality and enhances the brightness of your skin. Because cold water can cause blood vessels to compress, the face may seem less puffy or red.

5. It relieves discomfort from some skin conditions.

While hot showers can inflame the skin, causing redness, itching, and even peeling, cold water does exactly the opposite. For those suffering from itchy skin, cold water showers may help you overcome the sensation to scratch. Cooling the skin by taking cold showers also helps to reduce the intense itchiness caused by psoriasis, according to a study.

Do you usually shower in hot or cold water? Have you noticed how it impacts your skin?