Why are cold showers painful in winter

[ijh]

During the summer I can happily have rather cold showers in the morning. Why is it that in winter, even when the house is very warm with central heating it feels like torture to have a cold shower in the morning. Also - is it true that having cool showers helps your immune system.

[inferno]

I imagine its because the cold water is colder in the winter. Certainly our mains water is warmer in the summer months than it is in the winter.

[kirstykitten]

Don't know about the immune system . Cold water is definitely good for the skin though. Having a cold shower makes your skin contract which promotes skin tone and elasticity thus prolonging the youthful glow! They may be painful, but keep them up!