Many people like to take a hot shower after a flight to help them feel refreshed, but it turns out that this could actually be doing more harm than good to your body
Jet-setters are being cautioned that diving into a steaming shower post-flight might not be the wisest move. While it’s tempting to hop under the hot water as soon as you check into your digs, doing so can exacerbate swelling in the ankles and feet, parch your skin further, and even impede blood flow.
The combination of arid cabin air, dehydration, and prolonged periods of sitting during a flight puts your body through its paces by the time you touch down. A hot shower could pile on more pressure, particularly affecting your skin and circulatory system.
Instead, holidaymakers are advised to go for a cool or tepid shower, which can help them feel invigorated while also addressing dry skin and sluggish circulation.
Shower expert Andy Ellis from Vidalux.co.uk warns: “A lot of us love taking a shower after a flight to help freshen up when we get back home, but those taking a hot shower could be doing more harm than good to their bodies.
“After a flight our skin is already pretty dry and dehydrated from the low humidity in the plane. Taking a hot shower can worsen this feeling as the hot water will strip the body of its natural oils.”
Ellis adds: “Hot water also causes our blood vessels to dilate which can worsen existing swelling and blood circulation issues after flying.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t take a shower though. As long as you stick to a cool or lukewarm shower post-flight then you’ll be absolutely fine.”
Why you should avoid hot showers after a flight:
Increased swelling
Andy points out that post-flight, it’s common to experience swelling in the ankles and feet. This issue can be worsened by hot water, which further dilates the blood vessels. However, a cold or lukewarm shower could actually alleviate this swelling.
Dry skin
The extremely dry environment inside an aeroplane often leaves passengers feeling parched. The low humidity levels cause the air to draw moisture from their skin, lips, and eyes. Taking a hot shower can exacerbate this dryness, as the hot water strips away the skin’s natural oils.
Blood circulation and pressure
Long-haul flights inevitably involve prolonged sitting, which can lead to poor circulation, as can the pressure changes experienced during a flight. Hot showers expand blood vessels, so if you hop straight into a hot shower after disembarking, your blood pressure could drop even further.
Jet lag
Hot showers can also meddle with your sleep pattern, especially if you’re already grappling with jet lag. The hot water elevates your body’s core temperature, which can make you feel more alert. So, taking a hot shower after an evening flight can disrupt your body’s natural cooling process, which signals that it’s time for some shut-eye.