Are you ever shocked by your appearance after a long day in the office? If so, you’re not alone, as a new pattern is emerging across social media.
Dubbed the ‘Office Air Theory’, TikTokers claim that spending time in the office is affecting their looks.
The phenomenon was first flagged by TikToker Noa Donlan, who has gained millions of followers posting about it.
‘I honestly noticed it for the first time back when I was a student in college, but it became more obvious to me once I started working full–time four years ago,’ Ms Donlan told PEOPLE.
‘I’d leave the house feeling put together, but when I looked in the office bathroom mirror at 12pm, my skin would be dry, my (now oily) hair would be flat, and I just wouldn’t feel like myself anymore!’
Now, experts say there might be some science behind Office Air Theory, which sounds very similar to ‘sick building syndrome’.
‘”Sick building syndrome” is the general name for symptoms that can develop after spending extended periods of time in air–conditioned environments,’ explained Dr Primrose Freestone, a microbiologist at the University of Leicester in an article for The Conversation.
‘Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, congested or runny nose, persistent cough or wheeze, skin irritation or rashes, trouble focusing on work and tiredness.’
Dubbed the ‘Office Air Theory’, TikTokers claim that spending time in the office is affecting their looks
Ms Nolan first posted a video about the concept in February, showing videos of her changing looks throughout the day.
‘Tell me you work in office sir without telling me,’ she captioned the video.
Hundreds of users flocked to the comments to discuss their experiences working in offices.
‘Why does this happen like what’s the science behind it pls,’ one user commented.
Another added: ‘My lips glass starts to get clunky, hair frizzy. Teeth yellower, skin dry and textured.’
And one joked: ‘Don’t forget coming home at the end of the day with the feeling of three new pimples brewing in your face.’
According to Dr Freestone, these people may be suffering from sick building syndrome.
‘The condition tends to occur in people who work in office settings, but can happen to anyone who spends extended periods of time in air–conditioned buildings such as hospitals,’ she explained.
Whether it’s cold air in the summer or hot air in the winter, your office is being pumped with air. And this can play havoc with the moisture in your skin, according to dermatologist Dr Catherine Chang (stock image)
‘The symptoms of sick building syndrome tend to get worse the longer you’re in a particular building, and are alleviated after you leave.’
Whether it’s cold air in the summer or hot air in the winter, your office is being pumped with air.
And this can play havoc with the moisture in your skin, according to dermatologist Dr Catherine Chang.
Taking to TikTok, she explained: ‘Often people feel dry in the office because there’s low humidity in the air.
‘Typically with air conditioning, that removes water from the air, which can make the air feel more dry – thereby leading to the feeling of more dryness in the skin, more fine lines, and wrinkles.’
And it’s not just the office that takes its toll on your skin.
Lou Sommereux, Clinical Director at Cosmex Clinic, previously warned that inner city living can be ‘rough on your skin.’
‘Air pollutants and harmful chemicals can penetrate deep into your skin and cause oxidative stress – weakening your skins natural defence barrier,’ she explained.
‘High exposure to these particles can result in pigmentation problems, uneven skin tone and blocked pores which leads to acne.
‘People with sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema, can be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution, as they have a compromised skin barrier to start with. That is why taking care of your skin and protecting it is crucial.’
If you’re struggling with dry skin in the office, thankfully there are several things you can do.
Dr Chang advises investing in a humidifier, reapplying a general moisturiser throughout the day, and adding a hyularonic acid into your skincare routine.
