It’s been a hot start to the summer with temperatures reaching 30C in many parts of the UK. With the humidity, it can be hard to cool down but you could have some habits which are actually making you hotter. Experts are warning that one popular cooling method might be doing more harm than good.
“Cold showers feel refreshing at first, but they can actually cause your body to hold onto heat,” says Brian Clarke, expert at UK Saunas. “Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing heat loss through the skin. As a result, you may end up feeling even hotter once you step out.”
Instead of shocking your system with icy water, Brian recommends a counterintuitive but scientifically backed approach: lukewarm or even warm showers.
“Research shows that warm water helps activate your body’s natural cooling system,” he says.
“It boosts circulation to the skin’s surface, encouraging heat to escape. And as water evaporates from your skin afterwards, it produces a longer-lasting cooling effect.”
This approach is backed by the National Sleep Foundation, which advises that during extreme heat, some individuals “do better taking hot showers and hot baths when the room temperature is very high.”
“Short, cold showers don’t give the body enough time to cool properly and may even halt sweat production, which is one of the body’s key methods of temperature regulation. Meanwhile, a tepid or warm shower gently encourages heat dissipation and leaves you feeling cooler for longer,” Brian adds.
You should make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Hydration helps regulate body temperature and prevents fatigue or heat-related illness.
Another great tip is to dabbing or running cool water over pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, inner elbows, and behind the knees, Brian says.
This can provide instant relief because these areas help regulate your core body temperature.
Brian also recommends using a fan. He says fans work best when paired with other cooling methods, so try positioning a bowl of ice or a damp cloth in front to help circulate cooler air which can also be an effective way to reduce heat.
Another thing to remember is that both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which can increase dehydration and interfere with your body’s ability to manage heat.
Instead, you should stick to water, herbal teas, or diluted electrolyte drinks, he suggests. By following these simple tips, you can ensure to stay cooler in the warmer months.