Why You Should Start Taking Cold Showers Immediately
I have been a fan of cold showers for years. I even end my baths by letting half the water out and filling the rest with cold water. I love the benefits of cold water, I always have, and now I’m sharing them here. As a bonus, I’m including some of my favorite things that I add to the bath water to make my bath time extra fancy and relaxing!
Benefits of taking a cold shower or bath include:
-Calms itchy skin. (So do our lavender spray and masks!)
-Wakes you up. When that cold spray hits your body, there’s a bit of shock that increases oxygen intake, heart rate and alertness. If you can’t handle it the mornings and need to feel the heat, try turning the heat down for 30 seconds at the end. Start your day with a little cryotherapy!
-Increases circulation. Increased circulation is one of the top reason’s experts recommend cold showers. As cold water hits your body and external limbs, it constricts circulation on the surface of your body. This causes blood in your deeper tissues to circulate at faster rates to maintain an ideal body temp!
-Reduces muscle soreness post-workout. Since cold water has regenerative properties, your muscles will relax and repair after a tough workout. I mean, again, cryotherapy on a budget, ha!
-Potentially boosts weight loss (yup, I said it babes). Ice baths and cold showers can activate the brown adipose fat and muscles. Once activated, they release two hormones: irisin and FGF21. These hormones then burn white fat tissue and help you lose weight. UMMM yes! Pair the cold shower with our Bye Bye Cellulite Set and really get a jump start on that weight loss! Studies also show that when you concentrate on neck and shoulder areas, the brown fat cells melt away faster with cold water!
-Gives you glowing hair and skin. Cold water, unlike hot water, doesn’t dry out the sebum layer, a naturally lubricated barrier that provides protection for your skin and hair. As a result, your hair may be more likely to become stronger and healthier over time.
To top off your cold bath here are a few things I like to add to my bath water. You can even refer back to one of my first blogs called Bath Time Rituals link for even more ideas.
-Milk
Cleopatra was rumored to take baths in milk, and she was onto something. “Naturally-occurring lactic acid in milk helps you achieve silky-smooth skin with its gentle exfoliating properties.” “Lactic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) often touted in anti-aging products. The fat in milk will also moisturize skin, even as your bath soak helps to hydrate it. Add 3 to 4 cups of milk to your bath and stir to disperse.”
-Salt
There are tons of culinary salts out there, and they each carry benefits for your bath. “Unrefined salts like sea salt, Himalayan salt, and Epsom salt typically have greater benefits than table salt thanks to their additional trace mineral content that can be easily absorbed into the skin. They contain minerals like zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper, which will relax muscles, increase circulation, support detox functions, relieve pain, and prepare you for sleep.”
-Alcohol
It’s not just for happy hour! Both the anti-aging properties and the polyphenols in alcohol can reduce inflammation and redness. Try a red wine bath soak or a bubbly champagne bath to reap the benefits. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done!
-Ginger
If you’re battling headaches or need a good detox bath, ginger (freshly grated or ground) is just the ingredient you’ll need. It causes toxins to be released through sweat and will leave you feeling cleansed. It also helps you sweat out aches from a cold or flu, and clears up chest and nasal congestion.
-Coconut Oil
One of the best bath ingredients for soft skin, coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil into running water to moisturize and soften during your bath.
XOXO,
Heather