Hot baths have many enthusiasts: they provide a sense of well-being, help to forget fatigue, and above all, help to calm down after a hard day. However, repeated hot showers can be harmful to the skin and body. Here's why.
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Is it harmful to take a very hot shower?
Summary
- The benefits of a hot shower
- The negative consequences of hot showers
- Hot shower: a hazard for certain patients
Published February 7, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
The benefits of a hot shower.
Taking a shower at a comfortable temperature remains an essential hygiene practice. It not only allows us to rid ourselves of dirt and unpleasant odours, but also aids in relaxation after a hard day, helps to clear the mind, and calms us down after becoming agitated... In short, many decide to take a shower to soothe their mind and emerge relaxed and serene. Hot water has a vasodilatory effect, meaning it improves blood flow and oxygenation of the body. Up to 39°C, the water is truly relaxing and provides a sense of well-being.
Furthermore, hot water has calorific properties. It relaxes muscle tension and unravels contractions accumulated through fatigue and intense physical exertion. It also alleviates stiffness in the back and joints. Hot water jets and hot baths are particularly beneficial, especially for those suffering from muscle pain. A hot shower relieves muscle soreness.
While cold water serves to firm the skin and close the pores, hot water conversely softens the skin and opens these pores. And when the pores are open, it is easy to remove toxins, dead skin cells and other impurities that fill them. Therefore, the skin is deeply cleansed with a hot shower. Use Typology's purifying soap with nettle and eucalyptus essential oils to eliminate the bacteria accumulated on your skin.
The negative consequences of hot showers.
A shower is excessively hot when it exceeds 39°C. At this temperature, the water can have detrimental effects on the skin and hair. Indeed, when the temperature is high, it dries out the skin by removing part of the hydrolipidic film that covers the epidermis. Dry skin becomes vulnerable to external aggressions and is easily irritated. It is at this point that some people encounter targeted problems such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis etc.
For hair, hot water strips away the oil that ensures suppleness, shine, and hydration. The hair then becomes dull, dry, and lacklustre due to enduring high temperatures. Unlike cold water, which closes the hair cuticles and enhances shine, hot water opens these cuticles and weakens the hair. Those with brittle hair should avoid hot showers for washing.
Hot shower: a hazard for certain patients.
Another drawback of an excessively hot shower is that it can raise blood pressure and accelerate the heart rate. It is often in this way that some individuals suffer heart attacks in the shower or lose consciousness. This is particularly dangerous. People with cardiovascular disorders, in particular, should avoid showers at temperatures above 37°C. Furthermore, it is advised against for individuals with complicated diabetes to take a shower at 35°C. A hot shower can also exacerbate varicose veins and heavy legs.
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Understand your skin
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