For a departure on vacation or a business trip, we are increasingly required to travel, by car or public transport. In heated or air-conditioned spaces, the temperatures are optimized so that we can enjoy a trip in good conditions. However, have you ever felt that feeling of dry skin or thirst after traveling by train or plane? Air conditioning and overheated spaces deprive the eyes and mucous membranes of the necessary moisture.
Why the air is drier during a trip
In an airplane, when we are tens of kilometers high, the air comes from two places: on the one hand the air in the cabin is recycled (about 70% of the air), and on the other hand from the outside, renewing the air at 30%.
However, the atmosphere is drier at high altitude (drier than in the desert!). This leads to a hygrometry (measurement of the degree of humidity of the atmosphere) of the cabin is 10%, whereas in everyday life, in France for example, the hygrometry is around 60%. Thus, the humidity level in the cabin is very low. Humidification systems tend to raise the humidity level for passenger comfort, but this remains insufficient and does not exceed 25%.
In the train, there is a heating or air conditioning system that varies according to the season, sunshine or attendance. The air conditioning is always on. However, one of the principles of air conditioning is to cool the air and dry it out, allowing small spaces like the train to absorb the ambient humidity created by the activity of the passengers.
This low humidity, circulating air is good for keeping the air clean, but it does not help the water balance in our body.
In the car, the air conditioning is stronger at the front than at the rear. If it's aimed at your face, the dry air will dry out your eyes. The best seats are rather at the back, and allow you to benefit from optimal thermal comfort.
We are therefore constantly exposed to variations in temperature and humidity during a trip. In this way, we frequently observe a change in our body water content, sometimes going as far as discomfort linked to dehydration.
How our body gets dehydrated
When the air around us is dry, ie having low humidity, the water in our body is attracted to the drier air molecules in the atmosphere. We could compare this to the principle of evaporation, for example. Thus, during a flight, whether it is 2 or 12 hours, our body will lose its water, to the benefit of the air present in the cabin. So, in general, the body is dehydrated, causing the skin and mucous membranes to dry out.
Another phenomenon occurs, such as air conditioning directed directly towards the face, causing dry eyes, especially in people wearing contact lenses: the air sent will affect the lipid layer of the tear film of the eye, a natural protective barrier. Once damaged, the water in the tear film evaporates, causing a feeling of discomfort and dryness.
In short, cooler, drier air accentuates the effect of water loss through the eyes and mucous membranes.
The effects of dehydration while traveling
Air conditioners and overheated spaces deprive our bodies of the necessary humidity. As a result, dry skin and chapped lips are frequently observed. Also, the nasal mucosa will be dry, which to counterbalance the phenomenon will become a little more moist, which can eventually lead to rhinitis. Without this naturally produced moisture barrier, we will be more vulnerable to certain microbes. More generally, this dehydration will lead to a feeling of fatigue.
In the car in particular, the danger of driving while being dehydrated is omnipresent. Some studies claim that driving while dehydrated is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The consequences can be blurred vision, slow reflexes, dizziness, and generally a lack of concentration.
Result, your mouth, nose, throat, eyes or even your skin will become dry, nothing serious. Nevertheless, it is an uncomfortable feeling of fatigue and dehydration that is best avoided.
How to Avoid Dehydration While Traveling
Before the journey.
The solutions are simple and diverse, and begin before the journey even begins. The best way is to make sure to drink 1.5 of water a day, is it on a daily basis.
In addition, a good travel kit must take into account your hydration. Before you leave, get some moisturizer and a lip stick. As for the plane, bring a bottle of water before boarding. If the embarrassment due to dehydration is too strong, bringing moisturizing eye drops and a nasal spray is recommended, allowing to compensate for dry eyes and prevent nosebleeds. Do you have difficulty or do not like to drink water, do not feel thirsty or need more hydration from time to time? Hydratis will allow you to optimize the absorption of water by your body, thanks to a pellet in a glass of water, and will thus prevent dehydration for a trip in good conditions.
Prepare a healthy snack according to the length of the trip: mixtures of cucumbers and fresh fruits to help keep you hydrated.
During the trip :
During the trip, drink at least 1L every 4 hours. As the risk of dehydration is greater during travel, water intake should increase accordingly.
A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will promote your hydration. On the other hand, snacks often offered such as peanuts or cookies filled with salt, will cause a feeling of dehydration.
To avoid ruining all your efforts, say no to alcohol, whether in the 24 hours before or after the trip. Turning your gaze to the offer of a glass of wine during the flight will do you a favor! Indeed, alcohol causes a general state of dehydration (see article hangover).
For hydrated skin, occasionally apply a face cream or oil-rich serum to deeply hydrate the layers of your skin, along with a lip stick. In this way, pulled skin and chapped lips will be just a bad memory.
Also, keeping low air conditioning directed away from your face can help you avoid dry eye and its associated symptoms.
After the trip:
Don't forget to drink at least 1 liter of water in the hours following disembarkation.
Benefits with Hydratis
To be optimally hydrated for a meeting on the other side of the world, or a family trip, Hydratis enriches your water and prevents the inconveniences of dehydration. Two Hydratis pellets in a flask for the duration of the trip, and voila! Rich in mineral salts and trace elements, these pellets will lead to better water absorption. As a result, Hydratis will improve your body's protective mechanisms and relieve the feeling of tiredness or dry skin during a long drive.
