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!
“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.
Feeling especially parched post-flight? Hitting the tub can help with that issue, too. “At high altitudes, air is devoid of moisture – which causes dehydration,” says Yuan. “The steam from the bath hydrates and brings relief to the nose and throat.”
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.
Dehydrates you
Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels, Dr. Goldman explains, because about 50 percent of the air circulating in the cabin is pulled from the outside, and at high altitudes the air is almost completely devoid of moisture. This might cause your throat, nose and skin to feel dry.
The cabin can play havoc with your ears, sinuses, gut and sleep. gut problems – just accept that you're going to fart more. You can also feel more sleepy than usual. That's due to the body not being able to absorb as much oxygen from the cabin air at altitude than it would on the ground.
Prioritize rest. After a serious time-zone change, “I love to take a nap,” says Kristal Hicks of Top Tier Travel Group. Even if you're someone who can sleep on planes, a proper nap in a bed feels more restful, because you get to extend your body, Hicks says.
After the flight
First, get some fresh air and sunshine (if possible) in the hours after your arrival. Some people swear by walking barefoot to feel grounded once more. Plan for a good night's sleep, and try to adjust to your new time zone as quickly as possible.
Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two. Blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of the arm or leg can cause swelling.
“When we fly our skin becomes dehydrated, especially on long-haul flights,” explains Consultant Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall. “Essentially the recycled air in the cabin is incredibly drying. This lack of moisture starts to affect our skin barrier and we see an increase in trans-epidermal water loss.
Symptoms are worse the farther you travel
Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.
Airplane acne is a real thing, and many travelers are affected by it. The dry air on airplanes can irritate your skin, no matter what type you have. For those with already dry skin, the air on a plane can exacerbate the dryness, while those with oily skin could produce excess oils to compensate for the dryness.
First, shower.
I think being refreshed and clean is the first step to feeling your best, and it also acts as a second alarm clock when waking up for early flights. The warm water and fresh scents help to awaken the senses, and it's always a good idea to be alert when dealing with airports.
"When you're sitting in the same position for a little while, maybe you're wearing headphones—there can be a build-up of sebum and oil," says Dr. Garshick. "And you're not exposed to kind of the outside air so there's a theoretical risk of just build-up contributing to a greasy weathered look."
Flying makes your hair drier and full of static, so on your travel day, give it a moisture boost by using a leave-in conditioner like Nexxus Hydra-Light Leave-In Conditioning Foam. Also, if you're prone to fly-aways, try tying a silk scarf around your head to create a barrier between it and the static-inducing seat.
Jet lag is when your normal sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. It usually improves within a few days as your body adjusts to the new time zone.
Bananas and dark chocolates are also great post-flight snack options as they help to ease tiredness and relax the muscles. A decoction of ginger in warm water addresses your digestive issues as well,” she says.
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.
Oxygen. Lower oxygen levels contribute to the fatigue you're feeling. Because plane cabins are pressurized to simulate a 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, your blood absorbs less oxygen at those altitudes. This can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a lack of mental sharpness.
You may feel discomfort and notice minor swelling in your abdomen area as well. Luckily jet belly shouldn't last more than one week after you land and can be relieved using different techniques and by taking natural supplements.
Short-haul is a flight lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Medium-haul is defined by flights lasting between 3-6 hours. And lastly, long-haul flights are those that extend beyond 6 hours.