Too hot at bedtime? This viral ‘cooling’ shower hack could help – and it costs under £13
Everyone's talking about this peppermint-powered bedtime ritual - and we know how to take it to the next level
I know we Brits love talking about the weather, but if my WhatsApp groups are anything to go by, this summer's heatwaves have taken things to another level. “Is anyone else really struggling to sleep?” read one message at 11.20 pm. Within minutes, the suggestions started rolling in: sleep with a cooling fan pointed at the bed, keep a cold flannel on your face, even pop your pillowcase in the freezer.
Safe to say, when temperatures soar, many of us will try just about anything for a more comfortable night's sleep. Which perhaps explains why social media is awash with clever cooling hacks. Alongside fans and cooling pads, beauty products have entered the conversation – with peppermint-laced formulas proving particularly popular.
One that's gained a lot of traction of late is Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap. Thanks to its peppermint oil, devotees say it leaves behind a refreshing tingle that makes drifting off in the heat feel considerably more bearable. We've taken a closer look at the viral favourite, along with a handful of other cooling beauty buys worth considering.
Rinsing off before bed is a great way to feel more comfortable on a hot night, but resist the temptation to turn the shower all the way to cold. While it might feel refreshing in the moment, experts generally recommend opting for lukewarm water instead. This encourages blood flow to the skin's surface, helping the body release heat more effectively, whereas a freezing cold shower can cause blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for heat to escape.
Once you’ve set the water to lukewarm, swap your usual body wash for Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap. “Washing with the Peppermint Liquid Castile Soap then drying off with a fan is an invigorating way to cool down, especially before bedtime,” says Lisa Bronner, spokesperson for Dr. Bronner's. “It leaves a long-lasting cooling tingle that feels incredibly refreshing during warmer weather.”
The cooling effect comes from peppermint essential oil, which is naturally rich in menthol. Rather than physically lowering your skin temperature, menthol activates the skin's cold-sensitive receptors, creating the sensation of coolness. Follow that with a few minutes in front of a fan while your skin dries, and it's easy to see why the combination has become a popular bedtime ritual during heatwaves.
More cooling beauty products to try at bedtime
Designed to neutralise hard water minerals and pollutants, this clever cream is just as effective at quenching thirsty skin. Centella asiatica extract and cacao seed butter help to soothe and hydrate, while the lightweight texture feels incredibly refreshing after a shower. Pop it in the fridge before use for an extra cooling boost.
A cult favourite from South Korea, this soothing moisturiser has a lightweight gel texture that sinks in quickly to replenish moisture while helping to lower skin temperature by 5.5°C, according to the brand. Ideal for hot, sticky evenings, it’s a summer skin saviour.
If hot feet are what keep you awake, this peppermint foot cream from The Body Shop is well worth a look. Infused with peppermint oil, it delivers an instant cooling sensation while leaving dry soles feeling noticeably softer and smoother.
While your beauty routine won't replace practical measures such as keeping your bedroom well ventilated or sleeping under breathable bedding, it's an affordable way to dial up the cooling effect of your evening shower.
