Much like coffee preferences, people have their own inclinations when it comes to shower temperatures. Regardless of whether you prefer hot or cold showers, they are a crucial part of maintaining personal hygiene and promoting healthy skin.
However, one nurse has taken to social media to settle the debate on which temperature is more beneficial.
Jorge Angel, an intensive care nurse based in Spain, shared a video on his TikTok account discussing the pros and cons of hot and cold showers. Jorge, who regularly posts health tips for his six million followers on the social network and has even appeared on Spanish national TV, offered his expert advice on the matter.
In his video, Jorge started by saying: “Hot water gives a greater sense of relaxation and can be beneficial for muscle contractures. However, it dries out the skin significantly, which is not good for dermatitis, and it also causes vasodilation, which can increase spider veins and varicose veins.”
For those who favour a chilly rinse, Jorge noted: “Cold water gives you a greater sense of energy. It can also be good for inflammation, it closes pores, preserves essential oils, and is better for the skin. Obviously, in winter, you’re not going to shower with cold water.”
So, what was the nurse’s final verdict? He concluded: “Therefore, experts recommend that the water should be lukewarm, between 28C and 30C.”
The clip has since garnered over 185,000 views and more than 4,900 likes. However, his followers’ opinions were divided.
One user commented, “I always shower with warm water, more on the cold side than on the hot side.”
Another added, “Imagine, in winter I take a shower with cold water. Cold water is better.”
A third shared their routine: “First with hot water and then a good minute with cold water.”
The debate over hot versus cold showers and how frequently one should bathe has been addressed by other experts as well. A Harvard University study suggested that showering for three to four minutes several times a week, “with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice”.
But it also cautioned against daily hot showers, noting they could be detrimental to skin health. The researchers explained: “Normal, healthy skin maintains a layer of oil and a balance of ‘good’ bacteria and other microorganisms. Washing and scrubbing removes these, especially if the water is hot.
“As a result, skin may become dry, irritated, or itchy. Dry, cracked skin may allow bacteria and allergens to breach the barrier skin is supposed to provide, allowing skin infections and allergic reactions to occur.”
The study further noted that water quality could play a role in how daily showers affect the skin. It said: “And there could be other reasons to lose your enthusiasm for the daily shower: the water with which we clean ourselves may contain salts, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and other chemicals. It’s possible these may cause problems, too.”