10 Benefits of Bathing in Hot Water & FAQs

A warm bath is one of the best ways to unwind, but the benefits don’t stop there. Below, we’ll discuss ten benefits of bathing in hot water, including pain relief, stress management, and radiant skin. We’ll also answer common questions about taking baths.

What are the benefits of bathing in hot water?

“A bath can do more than just feel good,” says Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist at Medpak Solutions. Baths can actually work positively on your skin, your body, and even your mood.”

1. Relieve aches and pains

Whether you feel stiff from your job, are recovering from an injury, or struggle with arthritis, soaking in a warm bath can make a significant difference.

Hot water helps get your blood flowing, reduces inflammation, and relieves joint pain and sore muscles to help you feel and move better.

The Arthritis Foundation also highly recommends warm water for relief related to arthritis pain or discomfort.

2. Reduces headaches

If you experience the occasional headache or migraines, soaking in a warm bath can help. 

Headaches are often related to stress, and relaxing in warm water can help alleviate this. Hot baths also improve blood circulation and relieve aches and pains resulting from a headache.

3. Improves flexibility

When you bathe in warm water, the force of gravity pushing down on your joints is released. This, along with decreased tension and pain, naturally improves your flexibility. 

That’s why hot baths are great for gymnasts, dancers, and watersports enthusiasts. 

4. Manage stress and anxiety

Most of us can agree that taking time to decompress in a bath usually feels nice, especially when we’re experiencing stress or anxiety. 

Research has also found that people who regularly take baths experience lower stress levels, more happiness, and less anger. The study also found that soaking in warm water increases blood flow and metabolic waste elimination, which can help improve overall physical health.

5. Promotes good sleep

Do you struggle to fall asleep, wake up throughout the night, or not feel rested in the morning? More hot baths might be your solution.

Not only does feeling less stressed naturally help with sleep, but a bath before bedtime can calm your mind and body for better rest.

Warm baths also encourage your organs to function well, boosting your overall well-being, which is necessary for sleeping well.

6. Supports heart health

One of the most surprising benefits of bathing in hot water is that it can improve or maintain good heart health. 

Dr. Adolph Hutter, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Harvard University, supports that soaking in warm water causes your blood vessels to dilate. This helps lower blood pressure and decrease heart problems. 

7. Enhances skin

Relaxing in a warm water bath lets your blood vessels enlarge, allowing more blood to circulate through the body and reach the skin, says Dr. Taylor. This helps oxygenate and nourish the skin.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, also says that this circulation increase can leave your skin looking brighter and more vibrant. While this might not be long-lasting, you can use a hydrating cream after your bath to extend your glowing skin.

Essential oils and other nourishing bath products can offer even more benefits, like this herbal bath tea with nutrients and antioxidants that help fight anti-aging and support radiant skin.

8. Soothes skin conditions

“I’ve had patients with eczema and other skin conditions feel much better after taking a bath,” says Dr. Taylor.

“I’ve also seen many patients with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or keratosis pilaris find temporary relief after a warm bath, especially when it’s combined with something like colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salt, says Dr. Kopelman. “Just be careful if you have eczema or rosacea, as hot water can aggravate those if it’s too hot or you stay in too long.”

9. Boosts the immune system

Taking a bath in warm water can boost your immune system in many ways. For example, raising your body temperature is an excellent way to fight off viruses and bacteria.

Reducing stress, getting better sleep, and proper blood flow are also crucial for a healthy immune system.

10. Promotes self-care

Self-care practices should be simple, enjoyable, and nourishing, so warm baths are ideal. If you can make bathing in warm water a regular habit, you can enjoy the many benefits and treat yourself to regular self-care. 

Here are some ideas for creating a regular bathtime routine:

• Schedule it into your calendar up to a few times weekly
• Create a peaceful bathtime playlist or have a book handy
• Keep the space tidy so it’s easier to relax

Benefits of Bathing in Hot Water: FAQs

Below, we’ll answer some common questions about taking a bath in warm water. 

What happens if we bathe with hot water daily?

Start by taking a few baths per week and increasing them if your skin reacts well. If you notice your skin drying out, take one to two baths weekly. You can also use moisturizing ingredients in your bath or apply lotion afterward to prevent your skin from drying out.

You also want to make sure your bath water isn’t too hot, says Dr. Taylor. It should be just a few degrees warmer than your body temperature.

Which is better, a hot or cold water bath?

Hot and cold water baths are both beneficial. Mixing it up and taking hot and cold water baths and showers is best for various benefits.

Warm and cold water both help relieve body aches and pain, boost mood, and encourage better blood flow.

Warm baths especially help encourage calmness, improve sleep, and promote heart health. However, cold baths are energizing and promote skin and hair health.

Do warm showers work the same as a bath?

Warm showers can be a great alternative to baths. While you get more benefits from soaking in warm water, warm showers can also positively impact your physical and mental well-being. Consider taking a long, warm shower several times per week or more for the most benefits.

Benefits of Bathing in Warm Water: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and look forward to experiencing the benefits of taking warm baths. Soaking in warm water can help relieve stress and anxiety, reduce body aches and pain, and improve sleep.

If you’re in Denver, experience the ultimate Beer Bath Hydrotherapy experience at Oakwell Beer Spa. Or shop Oakwell Cosmetics to create your own nourishing bath experience at home.