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 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 Too

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 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.