How A Hot Bath Can Stimulate Collagen Production
How A Hot Bath Can Stimulate Collagen Production
Taking a bath or shower has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. But how can this ritual support skin health and detoxification?
The warmth of a hot bath enhances blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It opens up your pores, allowing for the release of dirt, oil, and other impurities that can accumulate on the skin. This process protects the skin from further damage while promoting faster healing of skin conditions.
The boost in blood flow can also aid in the production of collagen—a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin. Collagen production naturally decreases as we age, making it harder for the body to produce. The increased blood flow and cellular turnover from the heat helps the body stimulate collagen production, leaving you with a healthy complexion. Avoid using hot water on the face; instead, wash the face with cool water. This tightens the appearance of your skin for a renewed finish.
Stress can also play a large role in skin health. Elevated cortisol levels can slow down the body's ability to repair itself, including skin wounds and damage. A warm bath can lower cortisol levels and relax our muscles, which can enhance the skin's natural healing processes, leading to faster recovery from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries.
After bathing, we recommend sealing in moisture with oils. This is particularly important because your skin holds more moisture than the surrounding air, especially during the drier months when heaters are in use. Without this step, water evaporates quickly from your skin, leading to dryness. Drinking plenty of water before and after your bath will also combat dry skin.
TEMPERATURE
Between 90° F /105° F—32° C/40° C
BATHING COMPANIONS
Epsom salts for the bath—jojoba oil post bathe
MOOD
Relaxed
CREDITS
Painting: Backlit by Jamie Chase—Acrylic on panel
REFERENCES
https://www.byrdie.com/benefits-of-hot-baths-4778411
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/get-rid-of-dry-skin-lotion-after-shower
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8363374/
BATHING COMPANIONS