The whole country has been suffering under a blazing sun. People are dying or getting sick every day. However, the temperature has cooled down as we have long cherished rain. Many of us are going into the rain and soaking our burning skins. This is emotionally beneficial. It will help soothe the feeling of heat and stimulate the release of pleasure hormones like serotonin, endorphin, etc. The simple sensation of drops of rainwater can emotionally rejuvenate us, pulling us out of our fatigued appearance.
Rain's mental calm and comfort are also complemented by physical benefits. Rain is soft on the skin, as it is free from strong chemicals in the purified water supplied to our homes. Those chemicals can strip the skin of natural oils, making it prone to dehydration, irritation, and skin disease.
Rainwater is also good for our hair due to its alkali content. The alkali can remove dirt and impurities, making hair look brighter. To preserve the benefits of rainwater, washing the hair afterwards with a mild shampoo is suggested. It is also good for ear infections.
Additionally, rain could be a good source of vitamin B12 because certain microorganisms are in it. These microbes release vitamin B12 as a metabolic byproduct. All the painful lesions on the skin from unbearable summer heat and rain can take care of those, too.
However, a word of caution is in order. There is a common perception that the first raindrops are very effective in treating acne, prickly heat, and dandruff. However, when the rainfall starts, the initial drops come with comparatively high pollutants. Therefore, this water can exacerbate the existing skin condition instead of healing or give rise to new ones, according to Dr. B. L. Jangid, a dermatologist in New Delhi. Dr Jangid pointed out that the air quality is not very good around here. Toxic chemicals and pollutants are everywhere, from industrial and vehicular emissions. Many dangerous substances are released into the environment, which may get mixed with rain, causing it to become contaminated and acidic.
He explained that this is one reason a shower in the rain may affect our hair and skin negatively rather than positively. Contaminated rainwater may cause skin and hair damage, and elevated humidity also exposes us to the risk of lice infestation.
People in an immunocompromised state should think twice before running out in the rain. They are at a high risk of fever and cold. The underlying reason is the presence of microorganisms in the rain, which does not pose a problem if the immune system is functioning fully. But if there are chinks in our armour, i.e., immunity, then taking a shower in the rain is not advisable, even if it comes just after a scorching heatwave.
So, if you shower in the rain, remember that the first rain is not good due to the risk of pollutants. Wait for it to clear, and then we can go out. The time spent in the rain also needs to be monitored. Regardless of how good it feels, we should not get drenched for more than 15 minutes. After that, it is recommended that we return to the house and shower inside to clean ourselves.
The benefits of bathing in the rain are manifold. However, with rising environmental pollution, it is not as safe as before. Even then, we can still enjoy it, but that requires moderation. Lastly, avoid going out in the rain if you hear frequent sounds of thunderstorms.
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