Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin

By TravelWiseDec 1, 2023 20:53 PMNews
Share:
Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin
Experts explained when to take a shower - before or after a flight. Source: Pexels

No matter how tempting the prospect of taking a hot bath or shower after a long and tiring flight may seem, the soaring temperatures can be harmful to the skin, according to an experienced traveler.

Travis Carinci, a customer service manager at Qantas who flies an average of 59,952 miles a month, said he skips this procedure. He told CN Traveller about the reason.

The fact is that the skin suffers a lot in a confined space with dry air. No wonder passengers are advised to drink enough and moisturize their body and face before, during, and after the flight.

In contrast, hot showers can only harm the skin by drying it out even more. Travis Carinci said, "I don't take super hot showers, which, while tempting after a long flight, are a surefire way to dry out your skin."

Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin
Experts explained why a hot bath can be dangerous after a flight. Source: Pexels

However, taking a bath or at least washing your face after a flight should be a mandatory procedure for everyone.

No matter how sterile your seat looks on the plane, it's impossible to say with 100% certainty that there are no bacteria or fungi left on your body after the flight.

They can lurk on armrests, seat belts, window curtains, tray tables, toilet handles, etc. for several days. This is just one reason to wash your hands and face immediately after boarding.

At home, you should also wash your body with soap. However, it is better to do this with warm or cool water, which will refresh you after a tiring flight and not dry out your skin.

Also, no one is guaranteed that there will not be a sick passenger on the plane who can infect neighbors.

Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin
After a flight, it is necessary to wash up. Source: Pexels

As for showering before a flight, it is better not to take it, warned Bruce Green, a certified scientist and founder of the SOS skincare serum line, in a conversation with the Daily Star.

According to him, one of the main reasons why it is not recommended to wash before a flight is the risk of disrupting the body's natural fat and water balance.

That is, the protective layer of oils that moisturizes the skin during the day may not have time to recover before landing, so the body will become more vulnerable to dry air and bacteria.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Protester with a megaphone during a public demonstration in Italy

Nationwide Transport Strikes Announced Across Italy for November

Nov 1, 2025 23:54 PM
Passengers waiting at a train station platform in sunlight as a train approaches

Travel Update: Limited Train Service to Rome’s Main Airport

Nov 1, 2025 21:41 PM

Jacksonville Becomes New Departure Point for Caribbean Cruises

Nov 1, 2025 20:57 PM

airBaltic Launches Direct Flights Between Gran Canaria and Ljubljana

Nov 1, 2025 03:25 AM
Aerial view of Zürich’s Old Town and Lake Zürich at sunrise

Long Weekend in Zürich: Three Days of Art, Nature and Calm

Nov 1, 2025 02:42 AM
Railway workers conducting maintenance on train tracks in Rome

November Rail Works to Disrupt Train Services Across Rome

Nov 1, 2025 00:38 AM
A thatched-roof pavilion overlooking clear turquoise water in the Maldives

New Resort Opening Marks Growing Interest in the Maldives’ Lesser-Known Atolls

Oct 31, 2025 19:43 PM
Airplane taking off over snow-covered Alps in winter

Manchester Airport adds direct flights to Europe’s top winter destinations

Oct 31, 2025 05:29 AM
Ryanair aircraft approaching an airport runway on a clear day

New European Travel Options as Ryanair Expands from Malmö in 2026

Oct 31, 2025 04:36 AM

Historic Florence Monastery to Welcome Guests Again After Major Restoration

Oct 30, 2025 22:48 PM

Pegasus Begins Flights Connecting Türkiye and Spain

Oct 30, 2025 21:32 PM
Lightning storm over a grassy field during severe weather in Germany

Germany’s Weather Service Cautions Hikers as Storms Approach

Oct 30, 2025 01:26 AM
Crowded football stadium in Doha during a night match at one of Qatar’s major venues

Qatar Opens Bookings for FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Travel Packages Ahead of December Tournament

Oct 30, 2025 00:49 AM
A group of giraffes standing in tall grass in Kafue National Park, Zambia

Zambia’s Wilderness to Host New Environmentally Conscious Safari Retreat

Oct 29, 2025 22:33 PM
airBaltic aircraft wing flying above the clouds on a clear day

airBaltic Announces Winter Routes and Launches Major Flight Discounts

Oct 29, 2025 16:24 PM

SAS Expands Copenhagen Hub with New Routes for Winter 2025/26

Oct 29, 2025 15:47 PM

New Anantara Itinerary Lets Travelers Explore Thailand’s Islands by Land and Sea

Oct 29, 2025 00:31 AM
Lufthansa Boeing 747 taxiing at an international airport

Lufthansa Group Unveils Major Route Changes for Summer 2026

Oct 28, 2025 22:34 PM
Luxury cruise ship docked under clear blue sky

New Mediterranean and Northern Europe Voyages Unveiled for 2027

Oct 28, 2025 21:28 PM
Passengers waiting at an empty airport terminal during travel disruption

Widespread Strikes to Disrupt Air Travel Across Italy on October 29

Oct 28, 2025 04:42 AM
AirAsia X aircraft taking off against a cloudy sky

AirAsia X Announces Route Expansion and Fare Discounts for 18th Anniversary

Oct 28, 2025 03:35 AM
Crowds gather at decorated wooden stalls during a festive winter market in a European town square

From Markets to Museums: Barnsley’s Winter Side

Oct 27, 2025 22:37 PM

Direct Flights Between Exeter and Manchester Return After Five-Year Gap

Oct 27, 2025 21:23 PM

Historic Steam Trains to Run Festive Routes from London

Oct 27, 2025 20:46 PM
Lufthansa aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Daily Munich–Tokyo Flights Strengthen Europe–Japan Travel Links

Oct 27, 2025 19:39 PM
Coventry Cathedral spire standing above the ruins of the old church after wartime destruction

City of Coventry Marks Blitz Anniversary with Public Events

Oct 26, 2025 23:32 PM