In the hot summer, bathing has become an indispensable part of many people's daily life. However, there has been controversy about the choice of water temperature for bathing in the summer. Some people believe that cold showers cool down quickly and make people feel refreshed; Others insist on warm baths to soothe the body and mind and eliminate fatigue. So, is it better to take a cold or warm shower in the summer? Let's explore this question next!
First of all, it is necessary to understand the characteristics and advantages of cold and warm baths!
A cold shower usually refers to a bath with a water temperature below 20°C. In the summer, taking a cold shower can quickly lower the body temperature and make the person feel cool and comfortable. In addition, cold showers also help to promote the contraction of skin pores, enhancing the firmness and elasticity of the skin. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to taking a cold shower. Too low a water temperature may cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the burden on the heart, especially for the elderly and patients with cardiovascular disease, which may pose a certain risk.
In contrast, a warm bath is a bath with water between 35 and 40°C. Warm baths soothe the body and mind, promote blood circulation and speed up metabolism. In summer, although a warm bath does not directly lower the body temperature, it is beneficial to eliminate fatigue, improve sleep quality, and make people feel more relaxed and happy. In addition, warm baths are also beneficial for opening pores, cleansing the skin, and preventing skin diseases.
So, should you choose to take a cold or warm shower in the summer?
It mainly depends on the individual's physical condition as well as their needs. For those who are young, strong and healthy, it is not unreasonable to try a cold shower once in a while. The stimulation of a cold shower activates the body's stress response and improves immunity and resistance. However, it should be noted that cold showers should not be too frequent so as not to cause unnecessary burden on the body.
For the elderly, people with cardiovascular disease, and people who are weak, it is recommended to choose warm baths. Warm baths are more comfortable and better able to meet their needs. When bathing, you can also add some herbs or essential oils with health benefits, such as lavender, rosemary, etc., to enhance the relaxing effect of bathing.
In addition to choosing the water temperature, there are a few tips to take when bathing in the summer:
1. Bath time
It is advisable to keep it to about 15 minutes, as soaking for too long will cause the skin to lose its natural oil and feel dry.
2. Water temperature control
Use a shower with precise temperature control to keep the water temperature stable at around 38°C, which is both comfortable and healthy.
3. Gradual cooling
If you really like the thrill of a cold shower, try a gradual approach by first adapting to the lukewarm water and then slowly lowering the water temperature.
4. Bath time
If you sweat a lot in summer, you should increase the number of times a day or according to the amount of sweating, but be careful to avoid soaking for a long time to prevent excessive dehydration of the skin.
5. Cleaning supplies
There's no need to use a powerful cleanser every time you bathe, just clean moderately to maintain your skin's natural oil balance.
6. Pay attention to diet
Avoid overeating or fasting before and after bathing to prevent digestion or hypoglycemia.
7. Moisturize after washing
Use a moisturizing lotion after bathing to lock in moisture in your skin and avoid dryness in an air-conditioned room.
8. Special populations
Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and people with specific health conditions should follow their doctor's advice on how to bathe that is right for them.
Instead of engaging in high-intensity activity immediately after a summer bath, give yourself a buffer time and engage in simple stretching or meditation to help your body relax further while improving blood circulation and overall recovery. At the same time, it is easy to be thirsty in summer, so drinking a cup of warm water or herbal tea after taking a bath can not only replenish the lost water, but also help the body to eliminate toxins faster and maintain the balance of the internal environment!