Cold shower

Summary

Effectiveness

1/3

An effect mainly felt on awakening. For appearance, the interest is limited and is due in particular to the replacement of very hot showers.

Accessibility

2/3

No purchase and quick to integrate, but contact with cold water requires getting used to an unpleasant sensation.

The cold shower is above all a stimulating habit: contact with cold water can give a feeling of awakening and tone. To try it, take your usual shower then finish with thirty seconds of cold water. This duration constitutes a simple starting point, already used in a large essay on the practice.

For appearance, its interest is more limited. Substituting a very hot shower can help dry skin, but lukewarm water already serves this purpose. Keep the shower cold if you enjoy its effect on a daily basis; research does not allow us to attribute a lasting transformation of the face or silhouette to it.

Sources

  1. The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial (new tab)
  2. Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin (new tab)
  3. Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis (new tab)

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About this content

The contents do not claim any medical or paramedical qualifications and are not systematically reviewed by a healthcare professional.
The site shares general information and practical tips. It does not make a diagnosis, does not prescribe any treatment and does not replace advice adapted to your situation.