The Benefits of Cold vs. Hot Showers, According to a Cosmetic Dermatologist

February 22, 2022

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There’s something so restorative about taking a shower. Whether you prefer long, steamy stints or quick cold ones, showers have the ability to make you feel better stepping out than you did stepping in. But have you ever stopped to wonder whether the temperature you rinse off in plays a significant role? With so many people standing on either side of the debate, we turned to dermatologists and beauty experts to explain the benefits of cold vs. hot showers.

Cold vs. Hot Showers

1. Cold shower benefits

From an energy and mood perspective, cold showers are known to wake up your body in the morning (even promote metabolism!). What’s more, research has even shown that cold showers can have an anti-depressive effect on the body thanks to the skin’s many cold receptors. “A cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an antidepressant effect,” the study author revealed.

Experts In This Article

Michele Green, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City

Of course, the benefits of cold showers stretch beyond just energy and mood (though, those are undoubtedly impressive side effects). According to NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, cold showers can boost skin health and appearance, too. “When cold water hits your skin, the body increases blood flow to maintain the core temperature to protect vital organs, while constricting circulation near the skin,” she explains. What’s more, Dr. Green says that cold water has the ability to relieve itchiness, decrease inflammation, and tighten pores—all of which lead to a clearer, brighter, younger-looking complexion.

Your hair can also benefit from cold showers. “The benefits to your hair and scalp cannot be understated,” says R+Co director of content Adam Federico. “Cold water closes pores, as well as the cuticle layer of the hair. This can help to lock in moisture, as well as help to keep frizz and flyaways to a minimum. A cold rinse is particularly helpful for coarse/curly hair because of its ability to keep the cuticle from swelling (and becoming frizzy).”

Additionally, Federico says that some people believe that cold showers can even promote hair growth. “Because cold water is beneficial to both the hair and the skin, cold water can help to promote scalp health,” he explains. “Scalp health and hair health are closely linked, and while a healthy scalp doesn’t always equal healthy hair—an unhealthy scalp does always equal unhealthy hair. Because of that, there are some people who think that cold showers can help to promote/stimulate hair growth—but to my knowledge this has not been scientifically proven.”

Along with all the benefits of taking cold showers, Dr. Green says that there’s one risk (Apart from, you know, initially shivering while showering). “A cold shower can put a strain on your body because the body’s natural response to cold water is to put the circulatory system into overdrive,” she explains. “If you have heart disease, [you may want to] avoid cold showers because the cold water puts additional stress on your heart and could lead to irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Additionally, cold showers are not advised if your body is already cold. It can increase the amount of time that your body will take to warm back up.”

2. The Benefits of Hot Showers

Hot showers have their benefits, too! “Steam or a hot bath opens up the pores and makes it easier for dirt and toxin build-up to be cleaned out, leading to reduced blemishes and clearer skin,” Dr. Green says. “Hot showers also relax muscles and release tension in the body to induce a feeling of tiredness to improve sleep.” Additionally, Dr. Green points out that some bacteria can’t tolerate temperature increases, “so hot showers are great if there’s suspected exposure to bacteria to reduce chances of infection,” she says. Lastly, she points out that hot water also promotes circulation to the exposed area, which can expedite healing.

The problem is, unlike cold showers, hot showers come with a fair share of negative side effects, too. “In truth, hot water can be very damaging for the hair,” Federico warns. “That’s because it serves to dehydrate it, plus it swells the strands and lifts the cuticle, making hair appear frizzier than it actually is.”

Hair isn’t the only thing that suffers from hot water, though. “Hot water can damage your skin and can worsen skin conditions such as eczema,” Green reveals. “The heat can make your skin red and irritated. It also dehydrates your skin, removing essential oils and moisture from its surface.”

Cold vs. Hot Showers: The Takeaway

Although most people prefer hot, steamy showers, Dr. Green says that lukewarm or cold showers are best across the board. “Both cold and hot showers come with their own benefits,” she says. “It depends on what goals you are trying to tackle and your preference, but a shower that is lukewarm is typically best. Cold showers can help reduce itchy skin and retain natural oils in the skin and hair, while hot showers help relax muscles, improve sleep, and can even relieve respiratory symptoms like congestion.”

Since hot showers are particularly damaging for the hair and skin, though, Federico recommends always opting for cold water while bathing. “If you aren’t able to stand a cold, five-minute shower, do a cold rinse at the end—and make sure that you saturate the hair and scalp with the cold water,” he says.

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Lifestyle Women's Empowerment

‘4 Ways I Combat the Mental Load of Living With Chronic Eczema’

Well+Good Editors

March 1, 2024

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If you've ever experienced eczema, or you know someone who has, you're probably familiar with the physical effects of itchy, irritated skin. But the chronic condition can take a major mental toll, too—and while that mental load might not be as externally visible, it can still be heavy to hold.

Larissa Cosgrove—a mother and self-proclaimed “skinfluencer” living with chronic eczema—knows a thing or two about that struggle. Her journey began as a toddler with dry, itchy patches around her knees and elbows and continued through high school. Her symptoms escalated in early adulthood, when proximity to her college’s large agricultural program kicked her allergies into high gear and caused flares on her face and around her eyes.

From “the bone-deep itch” to feeling like her “body was covered in millions of paper cuts,” she experienced severe physical discomfort over the years—but the emotional load was just as challenging. She remembers an elementary-school pal asking if the condition was called “eggs-ema” because it looked like there were eggs laid under her skin (ah, the no-filter friend). “This is the first time I remember being self conscious about it,” she says. And there was the time an ex-boyfriend called out her “old-lady hands” in a casual conversation. “[His] words lived rent-free in my head long after that relationship ended,” she says.

“I wish people understood the anxiety that goes along with eczema.”

Those early experiences taught Cosgrove that chronic eczema impacts the mind as much as the skin. “I wish people understood the anxiety that goes along with eczema,” she says. “It [can] take a toll on your confidence, your focus, and…your mental health.”

In time, though, she’s worked to shift her perspective to a place of comfort, compassion, and confidence—and she relies on a few daily practices to help. The result? “[My mindset has] evolved from an acceptance of the condition into empowerment, [just] by listening to my body.” Check out the simple ways Cosgrove combats the mental weight of chronic eczema, and consider how they might help you lighten your own load, whatever it may be.

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1. Spending time with family

For Cosgrove, quality time spent with her husband and two young kids is “truly the best medicine.” It helps keep her priorities in check and gives her “indescribable gratitude,” she says. “There is the parental pull to put their needs ahead of my own. When I’m caring for them, my skin is not at the forefront of my mind. In fact, there are days when I don’t even think about [it]!”

She’s also more aware of self talk. “I realize that our kids form their inner voices based on what they hear their parents saying,” she says. “I try to model a positive body image by not talking poorly about my skin. I would never want them to say those things about themselves, so why should I say them about myself?”

2. Stocking the house mindfully

“Eczema and flares may not be something I can control, but I can control what I put on or in my body,” Cosgrove says, and focusing on controlling the controllables is always a win for mental health. When it comes to her bathroom routine, she does her best to stick to organic skin-care and beauty products with minimal, natural ingredients that make her feel good.

And as for the kitchen? “My family primarily eats organic, homemade meals with the occasional treat from our favorite local organic coffee shop, breakfast spot, or food co-op.” This body-mind nourishment is essential in making her feel energized and strong, both physically and mentally.

3. Getting outside

Check out Cosgrove’s Instagram feed, and you’ll see lots of salt, sand, and sunshine. “Nature is healing in so many ways,” she says. “Being outdoors has the ability to shift your mindset and uplift your mood—even more so if you’re moving your body.” And she loves the health-boosting nutrients (hello, ocean minerals and vitamin D) she gets outside, too.

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She commits to getting breaths of fresh air (literally and figuratively) all year long, no matter the weather. “It can be hard to get outdoors in the colder winter months, but my family does our best…even if that means visiting a local nursery, packing on layers for a walk, or taking a winter escape back to our California roots,” she says.

4. Practicing gratitude

“Finding things to be thankful for has been a great way to find clarity and put everything in perspective,” Cosgrove says. “Fixating on anything negative, be it your skin or anything else, only continues the stress cycle.” To keep her grounded and grateful, she turns to journaling, meditation, and prayer.

She feels a sense of gratitude for the community she’s found on social media, too. Initially, posting photos of her skin felt vulnerable. “I knew, though, that I wanted to document my experience…to show others they weren’t alone," she says. "It has been so healing to connect to others going through similar challenges. The support of the community is unmatched.”

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Before she goes to sleep at night, she takes a moment to reflect on all her blessings. “I say a prayer of thankfulness for the health of my family, the roof over our heads, our resources, and the memories we are making,” she says. It helps her wake up ready to take on another day with a renewed sense of confidence and compassion—and a slightly lighter load.

The 16 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays for Long-Lasting Makeup (That Won’t Break the Bank)

Alanna Martine Kilkeary

August 26, 2024

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With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP

Setting spray can keep your makeup budge-proof and on for hours (we're talking through a pilates class, concert, dinner date—whatever life throws at you), but we'll be the first to say that a good formula doesn't need to gouge your wallet. A drugstore setting spray gets the job done at an affordable price, and many of them come in a variety of finishes from matte to dewy and radiant—and can address particular skin needs like shine or dryness just as well as their higher-end counterparts. Here, NYC-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson shares what to look for when shopping for a drugstore setting spray, tips on effectively using one, and the 16 best options to shop.

Experts In This Article

Jonet Williamson, is a professional makeup artist and beauty expert.

Our top 16 drugstore setting sprays, at a glance:

Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist, $17
Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, $11
Best matte finish: NYX Professi onal Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray, $10
Best dewy finish: e.l.f Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, $10
Best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist, $12
Best long-lasting: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Up to 36HR Wear Setting Spray, $11
Best for glow: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray, $14
Best hydrating: e.l.f Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist, $10
Best calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist, $15
Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray, $6
Best budge-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray, $10
Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray, $15
Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray, $8
Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray, $10
Best budget: Wet ’n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray, $6
Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, $13

Shop the 16 best drugstore setting sprays

Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist — $17.00

Size: 2.8 fl oz, 6.5 fl oz | Finish: Natural

Give your makeup a radiant, natural finish with this wallet-friendly setting mist that contains vitamin E, vitamin B5, and fruit extracts. It nourishes the skin and keeps makeup in place all day long—not to mention, the powder spray format ensures that every inch of your face is covered, and your makeup won’t slip or slide.

Pros:

Affordable
Comes in a jumbo-size

Cons:

Reviewers report that the formula can cause breakouts

Cold vs. Hot Showers

1. Cold shower benefits

2. The Benefits of Hot Showers

Cold vs. Hot Showers: The Takeaway

1. Spending time with family

2. Stocking the house mindfully

3. Getting outside

4. Practicing gratitude

Our top 16 drugstore setting sprays, at a glance:

Shop the 16 best drugstore setting sprays

What to look for in a drugstore setting spray

The finish

The longevity

Mist type

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