Riya Baibhawi

What Happens to Your Body If You Stop Taking Hot Showers?

Imagine returning from a long trek in the mountains. What is the first thing that you do when you reach back home? Perhaps, it would be a <span>hot water</span> shower. And the relaxed feeling that you get is unexplainable. But what would happen if you never took that shower? What would happen if you never took a hot water shower in your entire life? 

Hot showers have long been a part of our culture, particularly in the Western world. Perhaps that's why a 2024 Harris Poll found that nearly seven out of 10 American adults prefer very warm or hot showers over cold ones. Besides the fact that they make you clean, <span>hot water showers</span> also immensely benefit your mental health. 

A 2012 study published in The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology, and <span>Physical Medicine</span> surveyed 6,000 adults about their bathing habits. Those who regularly bathed in hot water reported lower perceived stress levels. Hot showers may also help with sleep disorders by promoting relaxation. 

<h2>But Cold Showers Have Their Benefits Too</h2>Interestingly, a 2023 study in Biology found that adults who took cold-water baths experienced mood boosts and increased physical alertness. Moreover, cold showers may be better for your skin than hot ones. Hot water strips the body of moisture and natural oils, potentially leading to dryness and irritation. It can reduce sebum levels, exacerbating dryness, while cold water can help tighten pores and promote blood circulation for a healthy glow. However, warmer water is more effective at removing dirt and pollutants. Experts caution that cold water can cause pore constriction, trapping impurities inside.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022 stated that water temperature plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Research shows that prolonged exposure to water can weaken the skin, and hot water makes it worse. Studies indicate that hot water increases <strong>transepidermal water loss (TEWL)</strong>—a measure of how much moisture escapes from the skin—leading to dryness and irritation. It can also cause redness and inflammation.

For those with skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, using the right water temperature—especially for handwashing—could help prevent flare-ups. Experts recommend using lukewarm water instead of hot to protect the skin’s natural barrier. While cold showers might leave your skin feeling healthier and less dry, they may not cleanse as effectively as hot water, requiring more thorough scrubbing to remove deep-seated dirt.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Hot Water Showers

physical medicine

Hot Water

Cold Shower

Health & wELLNESS

Americans Cutting Back On Caffeine With More Coffee Than Tea

20 Best Snack Ideas If You Have Diabetes

How A Pinch Of Salt In Your Water Can Transform Hydration

Health & Wellness

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

Imagine returning from a long trek in the mountains. What is the first thing that you do when you reach back home? Perhaps, it would be a hot water shower. And the relaxed feeling that you get is unexplainable. But what would happen if you never took that shower? What would happen if you never took a hot water shower in your entire life? Hot showers have long been a part of our culture, particularly in the Western world. Perhaps that's why a 2024 Harris Poll found that nearly seven out of 10 American adults prefer very warm or hot showers over cold ones. Besides the fact that they make you clean, hot water showers also immensely benefit your mental health. A 2012 study published in The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology, and Physical Medicine surveyed 6,000 adults about their bathing habits. Those who regularly bathed in hot water reported lower perceived stress levels. Hot showers may also help with sleep disorders by promoting relaxation. But Cold Showers Have Their Benefits TooInterestingly, a 2023 study in Biology found that adults who took cold-water baths experienced mood boosts and increased physical alertness. Moreover, cold showers may be better for your skin than hot ones. Hot water strips the body of moisture and natural oils, potentially leading to dryness and irritation. It can reduce sebum levels, exacerbating dryness, while cold water can help tighten pores and promote blood circulation for a healthy glow. However, warmer water is more effective at removing dirt and pollutants. Experts caution that cold water can cause pore constriction, trapping impurities inside.A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022 stated that water temperature plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Research shows that prolonged exposure to water can weaken the skin, and hot water makes it worse. Studies indicate that hot water increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—a measure of how much moisture escapes from the skin—leading to dryness and irritation. It can also cause redness and inflammation.For those with skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, using the right water temperature—especially for handwashing—could help prevent flare-ups. Experts recommend using lukewarm water instead of hot to protect the skin’s natural barrier. While cold showers might leave your skin feeling healthier and less dry, they may not cleanse as effectively as hot water, requiring more thorough scrubbing to remove deep-seated dirt.

what happens to your body if you stop taking hot showers?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.