To cope with the sweltering heat, many individuals prefer sitting directly in front of an air conditioner, while in winter, a heater seems like the ultimate comfort. However, is prolonged exposure to such extreme temperatures detrimental to one’s well-being?

Health experts warn that extreme temperatures can indeed have adverse effects on health. Dr. Rajat Agarwal, Additional Director of Critical Care Medicine at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, recommends maintaining the AC temperature at 24-25 degrees Celsius, considered optimal for overall bodily functions.

Discussing the negative consequences of excessively low temperatures, Dr. Agarwal notes that AC thermostats set much lower than our body temperature can lead to increased skin damage due to low humidity within enclosed spaces. This can prompt the skin tissue to overproduce body oil, compensating for reduced sweat production and potentially resulting in skin issues such as blemishes, acne, premature wrinkles, and irritation.

Moreover, extremely high temperatures can induce excess sweat production, causing closed pores to retain moisture and disrupting normal skin functioning. Dr. Agarwal highlights other detrimental effects, including the interference with our body’s thermal regulation and the proliferation of viral germs in cold, dry air. Extreme temperatures may also act as triggers for asthma or migraine episodes.

Looking at the long-term impacts, Dr. Agarwal warns of potential consequences such as premature aging, excessive hair fall, skin disorders, and allergies. Chronic conditions like dry throat, rhinitis, and nasal blockages can also manifest as enduring effects of prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.