The Hot Boy: Exploring the Health Impacts of Hot Showers.

Many of us have a habit of immersing ourselves in hot water to combat the biting cold of winter. However, did you know that this habit may have more repercussions on our health than we think? Particularly, frequent hot showers can lead to various issues from head to toe. In this post, let's delve into these side effects.

 

The habit of showering with hot water can have various impacts on our health. It is recommended to shower with lukewarm water (below 40 degrees Celsius) and keep it short, around 10 minutes.

 

Risk of Hair Loss

Washing your hair with hot water can stimulate the scalp and lead to hair loss. Hot water can damage the scalp and disrupt the oil-water balance. When the roots and follicles of the hair are wet, they become weaker than usual, and especially with hotter temperatures, the scalp becomes more sensitive, making hair more prone to falling out. When drying hair, it's advisable to use cool air rather than hot air from a hairdryer.

 

Dry Skin and Itching

Showering with hot water can result in dry skin, especially during the cold winter when sebum secretion decreases, causing the skin to become dry. Showering in hot water at this time can break down the skin barrier, making it even more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause itching, and scratching can lead to wounds and folliculitis.

 

Impaired Reproductive Ability

Hot water showers can lower the reproductive ability of men. The testes, responsible for producing sperm, function well in an environment lower than body temperature (36.5℃). According to a study from the University of California, San Francisco, when 5 out of 11 men with infertility issues stopped using hot water for a few months, their sperm count increased by 491%.

 

Aggravation of Cardiovascular Diseases

After showering with hot water, sudden exposure to cold air outside can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to a sudden increase in blood pressure. Additionally, standing up suddenly after prolonged exposure to hot water can result in a drop in blood pressure, causing postural hypotension. Individuals with hypertension or underlying conditions are advised to avoid hot water showers.

 

The habit of showering with hot water can have various impacts on our health. It is recommended to shower with lukewarm water (below 40 degrees Celsius) and keep it short, around 10 minutes. If measuring the temperature accurately is challenging, a good rule of thumb is if the water feels 'tepid' when touched with the elbow. Additionally, applying moisturizer within 3 minutes after showering helps maintain skin health. Let's maintain healthy habits for healthy hair and skin.