One of the most common activities of the day is taking a shower, but you might be surprised to learn how much the temperature you pick might affect your health. While some swear by ice blasts to wake up and others long for steaming hot water to relax, experts suggest neither extreme is suitable for everyday use.
A growing number of doctors and dermatologists concur that lukewarm water finds the correct balance, promoting skin health, circulation, and comfort without causing undesirable side effects. The science behind shower temperature explains why moderation is more important than preference, from preventing cardiovascular strain to protecting your skin barrier.
Best Shower Temperature: Why Lukewarm Wins
Medical professionals advise that water that is close to body temperature, between 37°C and 40°C (98°F and 105°F) is the safest and most beneficial range. Besides providing a calming feeling, this lukewarm zone helps maintain the skin’s natural oils and protective
layer, avoiding dryness and irritation.
According to board-certified internist and cardiologist Dr Asim Nazir Cheema of Ontario, Canada, your shower water should be comfortably warm, not steaming. He suggested aiming for temperatures in the range of 37 to 40°C (98 to 105°F).
Hot water can remove oils that keep the skin hydrated and shield it from irritants, resulting in tight, flaky, or sensitive skin. Over time, this barrier erosion may increase moisture loss and exacerbate ailments like dermatitis or eczema.
“Lukewarm water is gentler and better for maintaining skin hydration,” suggested Dr Eric Tepper, a board-certified family medicine specialist in Sacramento, California.
Hot Showers: Relaxing but Risky
The comfort of a hot shower after a long day cannot be denied. Relaxation, circulation, and muscle tension can all be reduced with warm water. However, there are measurable drawbacks to taking a shower that is too hot.
In addition to drying and irritating the skin, extremely hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure, which can result in drowsiness. This is particularly risky for elderly people or people taking medication. It may also cause cardiovascular stress by causing
blood vessels to dilate and the heart rate to rise.
Experts advise taking short hot showers and moisturising immediately in order to minimise the damage.
Cold Showers: Energising, but Not for Everyone
Cold showers, usually between 10°C and 15°C, have become increasingly popular since they improve alertness and reduce inflammation. Blood vessels are constrained by the abrupt cold, which might temporarily increase energy and reduce muscle soreness.
However, medical professionals warn that the benefits can be exaggerated and should only be used for brief intervals of 30 to 60 seconds. People with heart problems, hypertension, Raynaud’s syndrome, or cold urticaria (cold-induced hives) may be at risk from
sudden exposure to cold temperatures.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr Corinne Erickson of Atlanta, Georgia, “cooler is better than hotter if you are going to lean in one direction.”
