The monsoon can feel oppressive. One moment, a heavy downpour causes the temperature to drop sharply, leaving you feeling cold; the next, you are sweating in the sticky humidity . This raises an everyday question: should you take a hot or cold shower during the rainy season?
Dr Ganesh Viswanathan, a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram, helped to resolve the dilemma over bathing temperature during the rainy season by outlining the pros and cons. The ideal monsoon shower temperature actually is somewhere between the two extremes. Dr Viswanathan recommended choosing lukewarm water, referring to it as the ‘Goldilocks’ option, as it is not too hot or too cold. Lukewarm water keeps your skin barrier safe as it is not too hot, preventing the risk of stripping away the protective oils. It also adequately cleans your skin. During the humid monsoon, it is important that you choose a balanced temperature in order to prevent dryness and irritation, along with keeping the skin clean and comfortable. Along with choosing the right water temperature, a few simple shower habits can help protect your skin and hair during the humid monsoon season. Here are some practical rules advised by the physician:
