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
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
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

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

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM
Modern hotel bedroom corner with bedside table and hanging light

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM
Workers repairing railway tracks during maintenance

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM
Scenic view of St Vincent coastline with small islands and turquoise waters

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM
Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on runway

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM
Railway signals glowing red at sunset

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM

September Rail Work on North Downs Line May Impact Trips

Sep 12, 2025 19:22 PM

SAS Opens First Non-Stop Route Between Copenhagen and Seoul

Sep 12, 2025 18:35 PM
People enjoying food festival outdoors

Abergavenny Prepares for Food Festival with New Transport Arrangements

Sep 12, 2025 16:49 PM
Ryanair plane on snowy runway at sunrise

Ryanair Confirms Partnership with Skyscanner

Sep 12, 2025 15:23 PM
Cars lining up outside Berlin Brandenburg Airport terminal under a covered roadway

New Platform Lets Passengers Book Rental Cars Directly at Berlin Airport

Sep 12, 2025 05:36 AM
Hotel glowing with festive lights

Organized Holiday Packages Introduced for Winter Visitors in the Lake District

Sep 11, 2025 22:43 PM
Modern bedroom with decorative pillows and lamps

Napa Valley Expands Stays Ahead of 2028 Opening

Sep 11, 2025 21:26 PM

Travelers Face Rising Threat from Fake Airline Sites

Sep 11, 2025 20:39 PM

Stockport Bridge Works to Affect Key Travel Routes This Autumn

Sep 11, 2025 19:42 PM
Close-up of Wizz Air aircraft tails on airport apron

Wizz Air to Wind Down Vienna Base

Sep 11, 2025 19:25 PM
Airplane approaching for landing against blue sky

Skyhub PAD Reopens Key Connection from Paderborn

Sep 11, 2025 00:38 AM