Contrast shower is very beneficial in the morning: why you should add it to your daily routine

Girl in the shower. Photo: magnific

If a contrast shower is still associated with athletes and fans of hardening off for you, it’s time to look at it differently. It’s a simple morning habit that takes only a few minutes. Alternating warm and cool water helps you wake up faster, feel an energy boost, and refresh the skin. The main thing is not to start right away with icy water.

News.LIVE will tell you more about the benefits of a contrast shower.

What is a contrast shower

A contrast shower is alternation of warm and cool water during one procedure. Heat dilates blood vessels, and cold constricts them. Due to the temperature change, blood circulation and the nervous system are activated, so after a shower many people feel wakeful.

Why a contrast shower is useful

Helps you wake up. Cold water stimulates the nervous system, so sleepiness passes faster and concentration increases.

Improves circulation. Temperature changes make vessels respond, which strengthens blood flow.

Reduces puffiness. Cold water can help refresh the face in the morning and reduce swelling.

Eases post-workout feelings. A contrast shower can temporarily reduce fatigue and muscle stiffness. At the same time, very cold water right after strength exercises is not the best option for those working on building muscle mass.

Improves mood. Brief exposure to cold water activates the body and can give a feeling of energy.

At the same time, a contrast shower does not burn fat or eliminate cellulite. The effect of tighter-looking skin after the procedure may be only temporary.

How to start correctly

You don’t need to plunge into icy water right away. First take a normal warm shower, and at the end for 15–20 seconds turn on the cold water. Then return to warm. For starters, 2 cycles are enough.

After a week you can increase the cold stage to 20–30 seconds and make 3 cycles. If the body adapts, gradually lower the temperature.

During the procedure breathe steadily and do not hold your breath. If the water seems too cold, make it warmer — you don’t need to endure.

Optimal duration of a contrast shower is about 3–6 minutes. For most people, comfortably cool water is quite enough, not icy.

Who should be careful

Before regular procedures, it’s better to consult a doctor for people with cardiovascular diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias, or Raynaud’s syndrome. Do not take a cold shower when you have a fever, an acute infection, or extreme exhaustion.

Earlier we wrote that experts advise reconsidering daily skincare for women after 60 years. With age, the skin becomes thinner, which must be taken into account.

Also News.LIVE reported in which cases SPF care does not help and may harm. Certain rules should be followed when applying this product to the face.