Experts advise against hot showers after long flights, here's why
23 August 2024 14:03
After a flight lasting several hours, or even over ten hours, many people dream of a shower, often very long and hot. However, experts warn that it's better to forget about it.
After a long flight, whether we're at home or in a hotel, we usually head straight for the shower. Experts emphasise, however, that the way we choose to refresh ourselves is important.
Never do this
Specialists recommend avoiding hot showers after long flights and instead opting for a bath in cooler water. Travys Carinci, the customer service manager at Qantas Airlines, who travels 100,000 kilometres per month, shares this opinion.
“I skip overly hot showers which, even though it is tempting after a long flight, is a surefire way to dry out your skin,” says Carinci in an interview with CN Traveller.
They recommend making changes
Experts emphasise that hot showers can not only dry out the skin but also cause other health problems, such as eczema or exacerbating acne, because very high-temperature water removes our skin's natural protective barrier.
A cold shower is a much better solution, especially after long flights and changing time zones. According to experts quoted by CN Traveller, cooler water positively affects circulation, providing us with a significant energy boost.
“Cold water stimulates the production of noradrenaline and beta-endorphins. Electrical impulses are sent from our nerve endings to our brain when we take cold showers, and this chemical reaction may have an antidepressant effect on some individuals,” explains an expert quoted by CN Traveller.
