Hot vs Cold Showers: Benefits, Drawbacks & Best Practices

Showers are more than just a part of your daily routine—they're a moment of zen, a burst of energy, or a soothing end to a long day. But have you ever stopped to think about whether you should be cranking up the heat or chilling out with cold water? Spoiler alert: both have their perks, and we're here to break it down for you.

The Cool Factor: Benefits of Cold Showers

Post-workout recovery

If you’ve just crushed a workout and your muscles are screaming for mercy, a cold shower can be your best friend. Cold water helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, which speeds up your recovery time so you can get back to beast mode faster.

Improved circulation

Cold showers kick your blood flow into high gear. When your body hits that cold water, it sends blood rushing to your vital organs. This gives your circulation a major boost. Think of it as a natural way to get your heart pumping without going to the gym.

Better mood and energy

Feeling sluggish? Cold showers can wake you up faster than a double shot of espresso. Studies have shown that cold water can improve your mood and alertness, making you feel more alive and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

The Chill Cons: Downsides of Cold Showers

Shock to the system

Let’s be honest, jumping into a cold shower can feel like a slap in the face. The sudden exposure to cold water can be uncomfortable and stressful, especially if you’re not used to it.

Not ideal for relaxation

If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, a cold shower might not be your go-to. Cold water isn’t as soothing or calming as hot water, which makes it less ideal for nighttime relaxation.

Can aggravate certain conditions

Cold showers might not be the best choice if you have certain heart or blood pressure conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

The Heat Is On: Benefits of Hot Showers

Muscle relaxation and sore muscle relief

Hot showers are like a warm hug for your muscles. The heat helps to soothe and relax tense muscles. Perfect for those days when you’re feeling extra tight or sore.

Improves sleep quality

Struggling to catch some z’s? A hot shower before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep. The warm water helps to calm your mind and body, setting the stage for a restful night.

Decongestant properties

Got a stuffy nose? The steam from a hot shower can help clear your nasal passages and ease cold symptoms. It’s like a mini spa treatment in your own bathroom.

The Heat Hiccups: Downsides of Hot Showers

Dry skin

Prolonged hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy. If you’re prone to dry skin, you might want to keep the hot showers short and sweet.

May lower blood pressure too much

Hot showers can lower your blood pressure, which might cause lightheadedness. If you’re prone to dizziness, be cautious.

Energy consumption

Hot showers require more energy, which can increase your utility bills. Plus, it’s not the most eco-friendly option if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint.

So, Which One Is Best for You? Cold or Hot Showers

The answer really depends on what you want to get out of your shower. If you need to recover from a workout or boost your mood, cold showers are the way to go. On the flip side, if you want to relax and unwind, hot showers are your best bet.

But why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? Enter Axe, your go-to brand for an optimized shower routine. If you're into steamy showers or icy ones, Axe has body washes that totally vibe with both. These provide you with long-lasting scents and serious hydration to keep you fresh no matter how you shower.

FAQs

Which shower is better for high blood pressure: hot or cold?

If you have high blood pressure, consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether hot or cold showers are best for you.

Can cold showers improve mood?

Yes, studies have shown that cold showers can improve mood and alertness. Guaranteed to make you feel more energized and awake.¹

Whether you're cooling down after a killer workout or just need to unwind, Axe has you covered. For post-workout recovery, kick things off with a cold shower to ease inflammation and soreness, then finish up with Axe deodorant to keep that irresistible fragrance all day. Need some sore muscle relief? Go for a hot shower to relax those tight muscles and let Axe’s soothing body wash make it even more zen. Hot or cold, the best shower routine depends on what your body needs. No matter your choice, Axe makes sure you’ll step out feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready for anything.