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The Skin Benefits of
COLD SHOWERS

Everything you need to know about the benefits of cold showers

Read Time

3 min

In short:

The Health & Skin benefits of Cold Showers
What Are the Benefits of Cold Showers?
Common Cold Shower Questions

The health & skin benefits of
COLD SHOWERS

Have you ever been in the shower and the hot water suddenly runs out? That’s how most people end up having their first cold shower. But beyond that dreaded boiler moment, choosing a cold shower on purpose can have some amazing benefits for you.

In this article, you’ll discover the top benefits of cold showers, how to take a cold shower step by step, and the NIVEA products you can use while you shower. From cooling off in hot weather, to waking you up, to supporting your immune system and improving how your skin looks and feels – there are so many reasons to make your next shower a cold one.

What are the benefits of
COLD SHOWERS?

For many of us, the thought of standing under cold water can feel quite daunting, especially in winter when everything already seems cold. Shower gels and shampoos usually lather more easily in warm water and it’s generally a more comfortable temperature to wash in, so why should you give cold showers a try? Even an occasional cold shower can transform how you feel. Read on to find out how to take a cold shower and some of the key benefits for you and your skin.

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Cold showers wake you up

Cold showers are a real shock to your system – in a good way. Just a few moments under cold water can increase your heart rate, your oxygen intake and your overall alertness. You can take a cold shower at any time of the day – for example after an evening workout. But cold showering first thing in the morning might work especially well for you, as it can be the perfect way to get your body (and your day) started.

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Soothes itchy skin

If you have a skin condition that leads to constant itching, a cold shower can be a helpful home remedy. This is thanks to the cooling, anti-inflammatory effect cold water can have on your skin. Spending time under a cold shower can, at least for a while, reduce the urge to scratch the itchy areas and give your skin a chance to calm down.

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Cold showers increase circulation

Another one of the key benefits of cold showers is their potential to support healthy blood circulation. The cold water makes your blood flow more quickly to your vital organs, which – according to some studies – could help promote healthier, fresher-looking and younger-looking skin over time.

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Cold showers are restorative

Because cold water has regenerative properties, showering cold can really help your body recover from tough workouts like a gym class, a long run, or even an intense day on your feet. The low temperature can reduce inflammation and encourage sore muscles to relax and recover faster than they would after a very hot shower.

Common cold shower
QUESTIONS

Are cold showers good for your skin?

Yes, they can be great for your skin. Because of the low temperature, cold water doesn’t strip away all the natural oils from your skin. This means your skin doesn’t dry out as much as it can after a hot shower. Another added benefit of cold showers is that they temporarily constrict your blood vessels. A major plus here is that this stimulates increased blood circulation, giving your skin a natural flush as it tries to warm up again. After showering, your skin can appear tighter, fresher and with less visible redness.

How long should you have a cold shower for?

If you’re wondering how to take a cold shower, think of it as something you slowly ease yourself into. Start by gently dialling down the temperature to a cooler setting at the end of a warm shower. Keep turning it down to a level of cold that feels a bit uncomfortable. At this stage, try to stay under the water for two to three minutes. Slow, measured, deep breathing will help you control the urge to turn the tap back up to warm again. Over time, try increasing the length of your cold shower, or even start having them entirely cold if that feels right for you.

There’s also a real benefit to adding cold showers to your daily routine. The impact of regular cold showers over time – compared to just one-off attempts – has been shown to support your immune system, helping your body become more resistant to everyday illness.

Smiling woman with a wet shoulder holding a white bottle of NIVEA Soft Care Shower Diamond and Argan Oil

Can you still wash in a cold shower?

Yes, you absolutely can. Because the water temperature is lower, it might take a little more effort to get products like shower gels to lather well. But that extra movement will help warm you up too. Our NIVEA Rich Moisture Creme Caring Shower Cream is great for locking moisture into your skin when you’re cold showering. It’s enriched with nourishing Vitamin B5 to soothe your skin and offer a deep, gentle cleanse. You can also browse the rest of our NIVEA Shower Gel range to find the perfect partner for your next cold shower.

When not to cold shower

Cold showering can be an excellent habit to add to your daily routine, with so many possible benefits. However, if you’re feeling under the weather, running a temperature or generally feeling run down, a warmer shower might be better for you until your immune system strength is back to its normal level. If at any point you find that a cold shower irritates your skin or makes you feel unwell, it’s always a good idea to speak to a medical professional before continuing.