After exercising and sweating profusely, many people feel uncomfortable with their sticky bodies and therefore have the habit of taking a shower immediately after exercise. They believe that this can wash away the sweat and dirt on their bodies, as well as relieve fatigue. So, is it good to take a shower immediately after exercise?
Is it good to take a shower immediately after exercise?
No, it is not recommended to take a shower immediately after exercise.
After exercise, the body has not yet returned to its normal state, and the pores are fully open. Taking a shower immediately can cause discomfort to the body. Whether it is a cold shower or a hot shower, it can be harmful to the body.
The harm of taking a cold shower after exercise
During exercise, the body's metabolism is enhanced, and the subcutaneous blood vessels expand, resulting in a large amount of sweating. Taking a cold shower immediately after exercise prevents the body from dissipating the excess heat generated internally, leading to a state of internal heat and external cooling. This disrupts the balance of the body and makes it prone to catching a cold. In addition, it can also damage the hair follicles and affect skin health.
The harm of taking a hot shower after exercise
During exercise, more blood flows to the muscles, and the heart rate increases. Even after exercise stops, this continues for a period of time. Taking a hot shower immediately after exercise can cause insufficient blood supply to other organs, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart and brain. This can cause dizziness, nausea, weakness, and in severe cases, even fainting, shock, and the potential for other diseases.
How long should you wait to take a shower after exercise?
Take a shower after moderate exercise for at least 15 minutes
After exercise, the skin pores open up and release heat through the pores, resulting in sweating. After the excess body temperature is dissipated and approximately three minutes have passed, the pores will close appropriately. Therefore, it is best to wait for about 15 minutes before taking a shower.
Take a shower after intense exercise for at least 40 minutes
After intense exercise, the pores remain open and the body sweats a lot. Taking a shower immediately can stimulate the pores to contract, preventing the elimination of toxins from the body, which is not good for the skin. Therefore, it is best to wait for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Is it better to take a shower with hot water or cold water after exercise?
It is better to take a shower with hot water after exercise.
Hot water can wash away the sweat on the body, keep the skin and hair follicles clean, accelerate the blood circulation of the skin and muscles, dilate the capillaries, promote heat dissipation and metabolism, and speed up the removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. It also helps the skin to sweat smoothly. In addition, taking a moderate hot shower can relax the muscles and have a calming and analgesic effect.
Note: When taking a hot shower, the water temperature should not be too high. Generally, a water temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius is best. The frequency of showers should not be too frequent either. Excessive showering can wash away the normal secretion of sebum on the skin surface, as well as the protective bacterial flora on the skin surface, thus reducing the skin's resistance and potentially leading to diseases.
