I have been enduring cold showers for over a year now. Of the numerous benefits I’ve noticed are better skin, improved circulation, and less stress at work.

Let me show you how I did it, and how you can do it, too.

What Is a Cold Shower?

There are two schools of thought as to what constitutes a cold shower.

One is that the water need only feel uncomfortable. The other is that the temperature should be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

Thermometers that attach to the shower system are available, but I’ve never bothered. I shower as cold as the tap will serve, which must be cold enough.

My Previous Experience With Cold Water

As a teenager, I knew that if I wanted to swim in the cold sea, I’d have to immerse myself without delay. So I’d wade out to about waist depth, then lurch forward and take the plunge.

Getting the shock over with quickly allowed my body to acclimatize to the low temperature within a matter of seconds. I’d stay in until I was tired, not giving a second thought to the cold.

Then there was the phenomenon of the ice bath at our local leisure center. I always took it directly after a sauna. In spite of ice clumps floating around, I found it strangely enjoyable, and it left me exhilarated.

I haven’t lived near the sea since my early twenties. And although I’ve been to the sauna a few times over the years, I could no longer bring myself to get in the plunge pool. Even directing cold water at my calf seemed too shocking (only my calf!), which doctors advised following a thrombosis of my lower leg in 2017.

Why was I no longer able to face the cold? I’d obviously become far too comfortable.

How I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone

It was a YouTube influencer. I don’t remember who it was, because I watch so many of them, but he got me thinking.

On the subject of cold showers, he said that brown fat burns calories by generating heat when exposed to the cold in order to maintain the body’s core temperature. This, apparently, could reduce waist circumference.

I don’t exactly have a beer gut, but I do have a slight paunch. Luckily, it’s not too noticeable beneath clothing. With light exercise and a healthy diet, I keep it under control, but wondered if cold showers might help me lose it completely.

Having done a little of my own research, I eventually decided to give it a try.

Getting Started

I must admit, I had it easy. I began my cold shower journey in the summer, when my body was already accustomed to lukewarm water.

It meant that easing myself into truly cold water wouldn’t take as long.

On day one, I showered for the most part warm, but finished uncomfortably cool. I could see from the dial that this was nowhere near the coldest setting on my taps.

Each day thereafter, I turned the temperature down a little further.

After about five days, I managed the coldest setting, sustaining it for about 20 seconds.

I exited the shower in a state of elation, determined never to bother with warm water again.

My Cold Shower Routine

This is how I do it now:

1. Upon getting into the shower, I turn on the cold tap and direct the showerhead toward my back, the most cold-sensitive area of my body. This is the same principle I applied as a teenager swimming in the sea: getting the shock over with quickly. Slow, deep breathing can be helpful at this stage.
2. Once thoroughly wet, I turn the water off and soap myself down.
3. I then rinse away the lather and stand beneath the water for as long as I can. Apparently, a cold shower need only be applied from the shoulders down, but I like to include my head. During this time, I floss my teeth with an oral douche, which takes my mind off the discomfort.
4. Stepping out of the shower, my skin is red, but I don’t feel cold.

As you’ve no doubt gathered, it is not a pleasant experience. But the sense of exuberance that follows makes it worth it.

This is a result of the shock, which increases both oxygen intake and heartrate.

By the way, I now “warm up” for my cold shower by having a cold shave beforehand.

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

Benefits I’ve Noticed Since Showering Cold

The medical profession is undecided on many of the alleged benefits of cold showers, but here are those I’ve noticed.

Mental

• I’ve never been a morning person, but since introducing cold showers to my routine, I leave for the office raring to go, believing I can do anything.
• I’m more focused and alert, which automatically hikes up productivity.
• I’m calmer. I work methodically and steadily without stress, even under pressure or with a tight schedule. Nothing seems to faze me.

There are two factors at play here. Firstly, cold water stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as the “happy hormone,” which lift mood and buffer from stress and subsequent anxiety. Secondly, forcing myself to endure discomfort sets me up for the day, hence the “I can do anything” attitude. I experience a sense of accomplishment before I’ve even left the house.

Anyone tending to depression or a negative mindset might consider the benefits of cold showering.

Physical

• My skin has more color and appears tighter.
• My mustache is thicker and more luxuriant (I don’t have hair on my head).
• I have a greater sense of well-being.
• I haven’t had a cold in over a year.

When subjected to the cold, the body retains its core temperature by increasing circulation. This mechanism primarily involves the constriction of blood vessels for more forceful blood flow. As a result, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, extremities, and organs becomes more efficient.

This is why my skin appears red after a cold shower.

Of course, the red soon fades. But skin tone generally improves over time and pores become smaller, giving a tighter, fresher appearance.

Hair is also affected, since better circulation helps to nourish the root cells. But cold water also closes the cuticle to lock in moisture, leaving the hair of both the head and face smooth and shiny.

Improved cardiovascular health is another side effect of good circulation. This, I think, is mainly responsible for my greater sense of well-being.

And the immune system works more efficiently with increased blood flow, since our white blood cells (among others) are able to mobilize more readily in case of infection.

Muscle Recovery

Designed only to keep me trim, my exercise routine is very light and has never caused substantial soreness. Therefore, I can’t speak from experience on this.

But for those who prefer a more intensive workout, I’ve learned that cold temperatures can lead to faster recovery.

This is why athletes often favor the ice tub.

Cold and freezing temperatures aid in the removal of waste products, including lactic acid, which is said to be partly responsible for muscle soreness.

Furthermore, cold water reduces inflammation. Therefore, the microdamage necessary to build muscle, which is also a cause of soreness, heals more quickly.

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

Which Soap for Cold Showers?

Unfortunately, my bar soap didn’t lather in cold water. My soap-free wash lotion wasn’t a lot better, and I’m not a fan of shower gel.

But I found a solid curd soap called Dalli, which is available online if you’re not in Continental Europe.

It smells clean rather than perfumed, and gives a great lather. Being superfatted (a term used in soap making), it leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. It’s also suitable for the face and hair.

If you know of another bar soap that lathers well in cold water, let me know in the comments.

© 2024, J. Richardson. All rights reserved.

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