Is A Hot or Cold Shower Better?
Whether you prefer a steamy, hot shower or a cooler one, there are benefits gained from both. From a health perspective, hot and cold water therapy have been used to treat a variety of ailments, most notably muscle stiffness, soreness, and swelling. The change in water temperatures causes the muscles to expand and contract while at the same time releases toxins that can slow healing and recovery.
Hot showers can help relieve tension and stiff muscles. When combined with alternating cool water and hot water, the effects can be even more noticeable. It is best to start with warm water, and then gradually increase it until it is at your desired hot temperature level.
Let the hot water target the areas where you are experiencing discomfort for about five minutes. Then, switch to colder water—around 68 degrees—and allow that to target the area for a minute or two. Next, switch back to hot water and repeat this process multiple times.
If you feel stress and anxiety, a hot shower can also be beneficial. On the other hand, if you are feeling sad, depressed, or sluggish, a cold shower can invigorate the body and make you feel more alert and alive.
For colds and allergies, with stuffy noses and sinus pressure, the steam from a hot shower can alleviate the sinus pain, moisturize nasal and sinus passages, and help improve nasal drip—needed to unblock the sinuses.
Cold showers are better to help with dry skin and dry hair conditions. The cooler water works as a natural moisturizer, restoring and hydrating the hair and skin. With hot showers, the heat can dry out the hair and skin and cause split ends. TIP: Always rinse shampoo, conditioner, and soap off your body using cool or cold water. Not only does it provide better rinsing, but you also gain the moisturizing benefits!
Which Is Better for Showering: Hard Water or Soft Water?
Hard water has minerals and calcium in it which can leave residues on the body. Furthermore, showering and bathing in hard water requires using more soap, shampoo, and conditioner to achieve the same effects. In other words, soft water is better for showering. Not only are the calcium and minerals removed from the water, but you also save money on hair and body care products.
In addition, it is easier to keep your shower and tub cleaner with soft water, compared to hard water. There are no hard water stains left, nor do you have to worry about the calcium and mineral deposits potentially blocking showerheads and bathtub faucets.
If you are not sure whether your home has hard or soft water, the best thing to do is request a water test from our home water treatment company. Based upon the test results, a recommendation for the best water softener and filtration system to provide the highest quality water for your home can be generated. For more information, contact Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 757-2992 today!