Many men have relied on a hot shower or bath to revitalize their skin and muscles, relieve stress, and revive their day for quite some time. Yet research suggests that hot water isn't the best option for men's skin, hair, & overall health. However, there are a number of persuasive arguments in favor of males switching to cold or lukewarm water for their baths and showers.
First and foremost, really hot water can cause serious skin damage. By removing the skin's protective oils, hot water can aggravate dryness, itching, and irritation.
Men with sensitive skin or disorders like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea are more likely to experience adverse reactions to certain products, states WebMD. These skin issues may become more noticeable as a result of the redness and dilated blood vessels brought on by using hot water. The loss of elasticity and youthfulness that hot water causes in the skin can also manifest in the form of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.
Hot water is bad for the hair and the skin for the same reasons. The hair's natural oils can be washed away by the use of hot water, leaving it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Men with dry or curly hair, which is more prone to these issues to begin with, will benefit the most from this. Using really hot water on your hair might cause it to become brittle and prone to damage like split ends.
Hot water can be taxing on the muscles, which is another good reason to stay away from it. There may be some stiffness and muscle tightness after a soak in hot water because the blood vessels enlarge. Hot water can cause the muscles to become weary, making it more difficult to recuperate, which is especially relevant for men who are physically active and indulge in frequent exercise. Overheating of the skin from too much contact with hot water is another factor that contributes to muscular tiredness and pain after exercise.
As a last point, hot water can be damaging to the ecosystem. Energy used to heat water for consumption is a major contributor to the release of greenhouse gases and the acceleration of global warming. Natural resources, such as water and power, can be depleted due to the use of hot water. This can be especially troublesome in regions with a history of drought or when potable water is in short supply.
What then, is the answer? It is recommended that you switch to utilizing lukewarm or cold water for your baths and showers rather than always using hot water. Lukewarm water is ideal since it is neither too hot nor too cold, making it gentle on the skin, hair, and muscles. However, guys who want to have a good start on the day might choose to opt for a glass of cold water instead, as this beverage is known to stimulate the senses and increase alertness. If a man wants to improve his overall health, cold water is a great option because it helps to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and calm the skin and muscles.
Hot water may be a mainstay of the typical male bathing routine, but it's not the ideal option for guys who care about their skin, hair, and overall wellness. Excessive usage of hot water has been linked to skin problems, hair shaft weakness, muscle strain and weariness, and environmental damage. Instead, men should think about switching to lukewarm or cold water for their baths and showers because it is better for their skin, hair, muscles, and the environment.