For many people, taking a shower is more than just a daily routine—it’s a moment of peace and relaxation. The feeling of hot water cascading over your body can be incredibly soothing.

Personally, I see it as my brief escape from the chaos of everyday life. It’s one of those rare moments where you’re completely alone, unreachable by texts, calls, or emails. Just you and the warm, comforting steam.

But what if I told you that your go-to morning or evening rinse might not be as beneficial as you think? According to dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, your hot shower habit could actually be harming your skin.

"Should you be taking a hot shower? No. Ideally, you should be taking a cold one," Dr. Shokeen explained.

Is there anything better than a hot shower?Getty stock

"I actually went down a huge rabbit hole on PubMed [National Library of Medicine in the US], which is basically a scientific database that goes through all these articles, [and I found studies that show] a cold shower not only invigorates you more, it helps with hair follicles, it helps with hair growth, it helps with skin rejuvenation, with blood vessel dilation — it's awesome for you."

While hot showers may feel relaxing, they can actually strip away your skin’s natural protective oils. These oils help maintain moisture and keep your skin healthy. The heat can also break down important fats and proteins that support your skin’s barrier.

On the other hand, cold water offers several benefits for your body. It has been linked to improved blood circulation, stronger immune system responses, and even faster recovery after an intense workout. So, if you’re someone who hits the gym regularly, you might want to rethink your post-workout shower routine.

Our neighbours will be able to hear the last 30 seconds of our showers nowGetty stock

When hot water washes away your skin’s natural oils, it can lead to irritation and dryness. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, this can make things even worse. Instead of feeling refreshed, your skin might end up feeling tight and uncomfortable.

For those who can’t imagine taking an ice-cold shower, Dr. Shokeen reassures that you don’t have to go to the extreme. She suggests simply lowering the temperature a bit and showering in warm water instead. However, she does recommend turning the temperature down significantly right before stepping out.

"If you can tolerate it, [during] the last 30 seconds, make it cold," the doctor said.

So, does this mean we’re all supposed to abandon our hot showers in favor of lukewarm ones? And on top of that, end with a blast of icy-cold water? I guess I could give it a shot—but how long am I actually supposed to stay under the water?