Holidaymakers jetting off on holiday are being warned that jumping straight into a hot shower after a flight could do more harm than good.
The shower and spa experts at Vidalux.co.uk say hot showers can worsen post-flight swelling in the ankles and feet, dry out skin and even affect blood circulation.
Many travellers head straight for the shower after flying to relax and freshen up but the experts say this could in fact leave us feeling worse.
The dry cabin air, dehydration and long periods of sitting after a flight already puts our bodies under stress and a hot shower can put extra strain on your skin and circulation.
Instead, travellers should opt for a cool or lukewarm shower, allowing them to feel fresh while tackling dry skin and poor blood circulation.
Taking a milder shower can also help your body regulate its temperature more effectively, reduce fluid retention, and make it easier to adjust to new time zones.
This simple step can help travellers recover faster after a long flight.
Andy Ellis, shower specialist at Vidalux.co.uk said: “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.
“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
Swelling in the ankles and feet is common after flying and hot water can make this issue worse by causing the blood vessels to dilate further. Instead, opt for a cool or lukewarm shower to help ease the swelling.
Dry skin
Planes are extremely dry and they can leave you feeling dehydrated. This is because the low humidity levels cause the air to pull moisture from our skin, lips and eyes. Hot showers also strip natural oils from the skin which can worsen dryness or irritation after a flight.
Blood circulation and pressure
Long periods of sitting and cabin pressure changes can lead to poor circulation. As hot showers cause blood vessels to dilate, blood pressure can drop further.
Jet lag
Hot showers can interfere with your sleep schedule, especially if you’re already suffering from jet lag. The hot water raises your body’s core temperature which can make you feel more awake. Taking a hot shower after an evening flight can disrupt your body’s natural cooling process which signals it’s time to sleep.
