Cold showers can have many benefits, including improved circulation, mental alertness, and reduced inflammation. This is because exposure to cold water causes blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction), and when you step out, they dilate (vasodilation), increasing blood flow to vital organs.
In a 2016 study in the journal PLoS ONE, people who took cold showers reported a 29% reduction in sick days due to improved immunity. However, prolonged cold showers can be counterproductive.
Health risks of taking cold showers in winter
Dr Amrutha Hosalli Karjol, dermatologist at Vrudhii Dermatology Centre and Surgical Clinic, Hesargatta Road, Bengaluru (India) - said that people with respiratory problems and heart diseases may have difficulty breathing as it can cause a cold shock reaction when taking a bath again in winter.
“In addition, cold showers can aggravate winter-related skin problems such as dryness, itching, or conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. People with sensitive or already dry skin should avoid cold water in winter as it can weaken the skin's ability to retain moisture,” says Karjol.
Your body has to work hard to maintain its core temperature at around 37°C. Cold water can cause a rapid drop in skin temperature, triggering thermogenesis (heat production). While it may be manageable in the short term, prolonged exposure can put a strain on your cardiovascular system, especially in people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure.
In severe cases, exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia or worsen respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma.
A 2014 study in the International Journal of Health highlights how cold water immersion can affect heart rate and breathing patterns, leading to potential risks in vulnerable populations.
What is the ideal water temperature for bathing in winter?
For most people, warm water (around 37-40°C) is ideal in winter as it is warm enough to relax muscles, prevent colds, and still feels refreshing to cleanse without drying out the skin, says Dr Amrutha Hosalli Karjol.
If you want health benefits like improved circulation, consider ending your shower with a 10-15 second cold shower, which is enough to stimulate circulation without making your body too cold.
