COLD SHOWERS VS ICE BATHS VS COLD PLUNGES? WHICH CHILL HACK WILL YOU TRY

Cold Showers: Your Daily Chill Pill

Perks

• Fast recovery: Cold showers are your sore muscles’ worst enemy. After a workout, they’ll help you bounce back faster.
• Brain boost: Need a wake-up call? That icy shock hits harder than a double shot of espresso, firing up your brain and getting you ready to tackle the day.
• Blood flow glow: Cold water gets your circulation moving, boosting blood flow and keeping your heart in check. Plus, it gives your skin that post-shower glow we all love.
• Mood booster: Cold exposure triggers a spike in dopamine (aka the “feel-good” hormone), giving your mood an instant lift when you need it most.
• Boosts your metabolism: Cold showers activate brown fat, which burns calories to keep you warm—so you’re not just refreshing, you’re giving your metabolism a nudge too.¹

Downsides

• Chilled: Cold showers provide a refreshing, quick recovery option, but if you're looking for deeper muscle relief after intense workouts—something that really targets inflammation and soreness—ice baths are a better choice.
• Shock factor. First few seconds? Yeah, it’s like stepping into the Arctic. But trust—if you’re consistent, you could get used to it within one to two weeks.

Pro tip

Start with lukewarm water and slowly turn it colder. Stick to a 3-5 minute shower for the perfect post-gym refresh.

Ice Baths: For When You’re Hardcore

Perks

• Max recovery: Crushed it at the gym? Ice baths are the MVP for muscle recovery and inflammation relief.
• Circulation boost: The cold constricts blood vessels, then boom—your circulation gets a major boost once you warm back up.
• Mental toughness: If you can handle an ice bath, what can’t you handle?

Downsides

• Takes time: Prepping an ice bath takes a bit of effort, and you’ll need to stick around longer than you would for a quick shower.
• - Ice cold: Not gonna lie—it’s intense. But that’s why it’s great.

Pro tip

Keep your soak to 10-15 minutes, tops. And make sure that the water’s between 50-59°F (10-15°C) to keep things safe.

Cold Plunges: The Ultimate Dip

Perks

• Full-body chill: Cold plunges? They’re like ice baths, but for your entire body in one go. Total refresh.
• Speedy recovery: Same deal as ice baths—great for muscle recovery and reducing inflammation.
• Mind and body boost: Full-body immersion hits different. It’s the kind of wake-up call that energizes both your mind and body.
• Reduces stress: Regular cold plunges can help lower your cortisol levels (the stress hormone), helping you feel calmer under pressure.²
• Improves sleep: Cooling your body temperature before sleep signals to your brain that it's time to wind down. This drop in temperature helps you fall asleep faster and get into a deeper, more restful sleep cycle. Do it about two hours before bed—you want to give your body time to adjust back to a comfortable level after the plunge.

Downsides

• Hard to find: Not everyone’s got a cold plunge pool on hand, but if you can access one, you’re in for a treat.
• Shock factor x2: If a cold shower feels like a surprise, cold plunges are a whole new level. But you got this!

Pro tip

Start with shorter dips and build up your tolerance. Just like ice baths, keep the water around 50-59°F (10-15°C) for the best results.

Level Up Your Cold Therapy

Whatever chill mode you choose, Axe is here to help you step up your game. Our refreshing body washes are made to complement your cold therapy routine. After a cold shower or a hardcore ice bath, finish with Axe Cool Ocean Body Wash for that invigorating feel.

What’s Your Chill Vibe?

If you’re all about quick recovery, cold showers are your go-to. If you need deep muscle relief, ice baths are where it’s at. Want the full immersive experience? Cold plunges take it up a notch. Whichever you choose, cold therapy is a major win for your wellness routine. And when you’re fresh out of the cold, Axe has you covered to keep that feeling going strong.

FAQs

Q: Cold shower or ice bath—what’s better?

A: Cold shower or ice bath—each has its own perks! If you want intense muscle recovery after a tough workout, ice baths are your go-to for reducing inflammation and soreness. But if you're just looking for a quick, refreshing way to wake up and boost circulation, cold showers are perfect for your daily routine.

Q: Can I skip ice baths and just take cold showers?

A: You can skip ice baths if you're not looking for intense muscle recovery. Cold showers still offer great benefits like boosting circulation, reducing mild soreness, and giving you that refreshing energy boost. But if you're pushing yourself in workouts and need deeper relief for inflammation and muscle repair, ice baths are more effective for serious recovery.

Q: Are cold showers good after a workout?

A: Absolutely! Cold showers help with muscle recovery and mental refreshment. But if you’re feeling extra sore and need relief from inflammation, ice baths are the way to go.

 

In the competition of cold showers vs ice baths, or cold shower vs cold plunges—the winner is whichever suits your needs. Whatever your style, Axe’s got the perfect body wash to help you stay cool, fresh, and confident. Stay cool. Stay confident. Stay ready for anything.

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. “Brown Fat”. 2022.

2. Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. “Jumping into the Ice Bath Trend! Mental Health Benefits of Cold Water Immersion”. 2024.