Should I shower after flying?

But as the flights get longer, the microbes on your skin can grow and that can get a bit smelly, says Tetro. If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that's not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length!



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There's something magical about items like the toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, and hand sanitizer after a long flight. Clean skin and teeth can keep you feeling refreshed. While on the plane (or right after it lands) be sure to brush your teeth, apply deodorant, and wash your face and hands.

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“The key to good post-plane hair is washing and blow-drying your hair the day of your flight and not using too much product,” says Atkin.

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At the Airport Airline Lounges: Some airline lounges have showers. Even if you don't have membership in the airline's lounge program, you can still get a day pass and use the facilities. Added bonus: You can usually get a rejuvenating breakfast (or at least some coffee) before you head out.

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If you don't shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space—particularly your bed.

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Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are. Try to time your meals with local mealtimes too. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the effects of dry cabin air.

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Water retention—sometimes called fluid retention or edema —is a common health issue with various causes. It can be temporary and mild, like after an airplane flight, or a symptom of a serious issue like heart or kidney failure.

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Depending on the length of your flight, you should definitely brush your teeth at least once, especially after a meal. Food debris and sugary foods are the primary causes of plaque build-up in your mouth. If you are flying frequently, it won't be long before it leads to gingivitis (or periodontitis).

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Limit naps in the days following your arrival.
If you need it, taking a short nap can help you stay awake during the day. But napping for more than 30 minutes can keep you from falling asleep at night. Try to stay awake until your normal bedtime and get up on time the next day.

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Space is already at a premium on a plane, so you don't want to add anything that will make you feel even more confined. This is not the time for skintight jeans (although you may want to carry a jean jacket). “As a passenger, I always wear ponte knit pants, which offer stretch and are stylish,” says Caris.

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Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

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Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.

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It is widely acknowledged that jet lag is worse when travelling east, but this has nothing to do with the direction of Earth's rotation. Like many creatures, humans have a circadian rhythm that follows a 24-hour period and is kept in sync by the eyes' response to natural light levels over the day.

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If you're prone to ear clogging or pain on planes, try swallowing or chewing gum during takeoff and landing. This naturally opens up the Eustachian tubes, allowing the air in your middle ear to equalize, but if you have continuous pain or loss of hearing come see us at the Ear, Nose and Throat Institute.

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Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.

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“This means that the skin on your face and body can become incredibly dehydrated, even on a short flight.” The consequences can appear in the form of oily skin, breakouts and puffiness, as the skin desperately tries to hang on to water and compensate for the arid conditions.

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