Wim Hoff’s ice bath challenge hype surrounds us. It’s lauded as life-changing and something we should all get on board.

But is there anything to it? Is it actually scientific or just another fad?

If you’re not familiar with Ambiance Bain, let us tell you from the off – we don’t do baths. We’re shower people, so there’s a slim chance we’d ever try the ice bath challenge.

Yet we do love a lingering shower – though a little less lingering when it’s cold. Having said that, we’re willing to try anything if it promises us health benefits, so let’s check it out.

In this article, we explore the advantages of taking a cold shower – and tell you when you might want to stick to a warm one.

Hot or cold shower?

Having sought out the latest science, we discovered both have advantages for your health. Whichever you choose may depend on your current health concerns as well as what you want to develop.

We’ve come up with a few scenarios so you can decide which to try out.

A caveat: We’re not doctors, so please check with a medical professional before making any extreme lifestyle changes. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing health condition or you’re pregnant.

I have itchy skin

If your skin is bothering you, a cold shower could be your best bet. A hot shower strips away the oils that protect your skin. This can cause itching and worsen conditions such as eczema, rosacea and acne.

I have a cold

If you’re feeling cold, or you’re under the weather, then a cold shower will only make you miserable. A hotter shower will warm you up so you feel more comfortable. A bonus is that the steam could ease your breathing if you’re congested.

I want to manage my stress better

One of the main arguments of proponents of the Wim Hof method is it builds up your body’s response to stress. This is actually backed by science. Being thrown into a cold environment is challenging for your body, so cortisol gets released. Over time, you’ll get used to experiencing this hardship, so you’ll cope better in other situations.

I need to wake up in the morning

A cold shower is the most effective for waking you up in the morning – it may feel like the worst way to transition into the day, but when the cool water hits you, it increases your heart rate and your oxygen levels go up, making you feel more alert.

I need help sleeping at night

A warm shower raises your body temperature temporarily, which then goes down when you step out… This mirrors your body’s natural process of cooling down throughout the night. For best results, shower for no longer than 10 minutes one or two hours before you usually turn off your lamp.

So, there you have it – a few different situations where you may want to decide between a warm or cooler shower.

Have you given much thought to your surroundings as you take your shower? Browse our selection of elegant shower spaces here and get even more enjoyment from your daily ablutions.