Living in a tropical climate with weather that swings between hot and cool often makes us rely on two comforts: air conditioning and water heaters. When the air turns chilly, a warm shower feels irresistible, and when the heat rises, cold water sounds perfect. So, which option is actually better: a cold shower or a warm shower?

For a healthy person, both cold and warm showers offer distinct advantages. You can get the most benefit when you know the right moments to choose one over the other.

First, let’s look at the benefits of each.

Benefits of a Cold Shower

• Calms the skin and eases skin itchiness
  Dealing with itchy skin? Scratching may feel satisfying, but it can injure the skin. A cold shower helps soothe the itch without causing harm.
• Boosts alertness and gets you ready for the day
  Especially in the morning when you feel like lingering in bed, cold water can wake you up. Your body’s systems, including breathing, alertness, and heart rate, are also nudged into action.
• Improves blood circulation
  Cold water can support circulation as a natural response to lower temperatures. The body reacts to the cold, increasing blood flow to warm the core and protect vital organs. This response can be helpful for overall health, supporting circulation and helping the skin stay comfortable and moisturized.
• Eases soreness after exercise or heavy activity
  Cold water has a restorative effect; muscles that feel tired after workouts or strenuous tasks can relax when exposed to cooler temperatures on the skin.
• May aid weight control as the body expends more energy adjusting to the cold
• Helps hair and skin look more radiant

According to Healthline, improved circulation with cold water can make both hair and skin appear healthier and more luminous.

Benefits of a Warm Shower

• Provides comfort and relaxes the nervous system and muscles after a busy day.
• Helps relieve colds and coughs. Warm water and the steam it produces can loosen the airways, making it easier to expel phlegm and clear the nasal passages.

• Cleanses the skin effectively. Warm water helps open pores, allowing dirt and oil to be removed more thoroughly.

Both options also have drawbacks. Taking a cold shower while you have a fever or feel unwell can make you feel worse and more uncomfortable. During a fever, choose a warm shower and keep it brief. On the other hand, frequent hot showers can strip moisture from skin and hair, leaving them dry.

To make the most of both, consider a cold shower in the morning to capture its benefits. When your day winds down, opt for a warm shower in the late afternoon or evening to promote better sleep so your body feels relaxed and ready to rest.

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