Why the “office air” is ruining your hair and makeup looks, according to an expert

Cakey makeup, flat hair, as well as oily yet somehow dry skin — these are just a few of my least favourite things after spending a day in the office. 

Despite taking the time to shower (IYKYK) and applying my beauty products in the morning, the same hair and makeup routine that would usually last me all day while out on the town just can’t seem to beat the dreaded effects of spending eight hours in an air-conditioned office. No matter how hard I try. 

And I’m not the only one. Office employees around the world have flocked to TikTok to share their grievances about the “corporate uglies.” Many blame it on what’s now being called “office air” — that strange phenomenon where simply being in the workplace leaves you feeling, and often looking, unattractive. And the worst part? All you’re doing is sitting and typing at your desk all day.

While the accusation against office environments might seem out of the blue, we asked consultant dermatologist, Dr Stephanie Ho of Stephanie Ho Dermatology, to explain how the atmosphere of indoor office environments can affect your skin, body, and overall mood. 

Is “office air” real?

“When people say, ‘office air’, they’re usually referring to the combination of artificial lighting, lack of ventilation, and constant exposure to electronics that make up the unique atmosphere inside most office environments,” says Dr Ho.

She explains that the lack of natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, and physical movement, as well as prolonged exposure to screens, fluorescent lights, and air-conditioning, can all negatively impact energy levels and appearance. 

Specifically, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems found in many office buildings recirculate air–which can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants like dust, mould spores, and even bacteria. This can irritate the skin, cause allergies and contribute to that feeling of stuffiness or fatigue. 

Low humidity also dries out both the skin and eyes, and over time, prolonged exposure to this kind of dry environment can strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier, leading to flaking, dullness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

Furthermore, when our bodies are deprived of sunlight for most of the day, our circadian rhythm gets thrown off, which can lead to poor sleep quality and lower energy levels.

Add to the list exposure to blue light from screens, which can accelerate signs of ageing, including fine lines and hyperpigmentation, as well as harsh fluorescent lighting that washes out your skin tone. It’s clear that these factors don’t exactly add up to be a magical recipe for glowing skin.

Dr Ho believes that together, all these environmental stressors form a scientifically supported explanation for why people might genuinely look and feel worse after spending long hours in an office. 

So yes, the “office air” and its effects are real, at least according to this one expert.   

How does “office air” affect our skin?

One of the most obvious and common side effects of being in an office all day is dry or dehydrated skin due to prolonged exposure to air conditioning. As the AC system removes humidity to cool the air, your skin loses moisture to the air, leading to dryness, dullness, and a lack of radiance. 

Additionally, the cooler temperatures of the office also reduce sweating and oil production, which can further add to skin dryness and dehydration.

Dr Ho says that other skin concerns arising from “office air” include dark circles from screen fatigue and poor sleep hygiene, wrinkles and fine lines which worsen due to repetitive expressions like frowning or raising of the eyebrows, as well as acne, which can be triggered by stress, heavy cosmetic use or constant touching of the face.

To prevent these, TikTok users like @lydia.chae are turning to hypochlorous acid sprays and face mists, known for their antimicrobial action and anti-inflammatory properties, to cleanse and disinfect the skin while also refreshing it throughout the day. 

Another thing to be wary of is constantly bending your neck to look down at your phone or work. Reason being: this can worsen transverse neck lines.

Dr Ho adds that the effects of “office air” are not just seen tangibly, but felt emotionally too, which may make you feel like you look even worse than you actually do. 

She explains: “Being in the office contributes to a sluggish or foggy feeling. Over time, it can lead to a sense of burnout, reduced productivity, and feeling ‘less attractive’ because your skin looks dull, your posture is worse, and your mood is low.”

How can you beat the “office air” effect

While it might be tempting to put in your resignation in an attempt to escape the horrid corporate uglies, don’t give up just yet. These tips shared by Dr Ho might just be the answers to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing while working in the office.

1. Keep skin hydrated

Dr Ho recommends applying a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin or squalene to hydrate the skin and improve the skin barrier. 

To protect against visible light, be sure to use a sunscreen that contains iron oxide.

And don’t forget about the rest of your body — regular lip balm and hand cream are recommended as well. 

2. Take short breaks from your screen

Every 20 minutes, look into the distance, preferably at some greenery, for around five to 10 minutes to give your eyes a rest. 

Apply eyedrops if needed, and if you feel like your screen is causing too much of an eye strain, you might want to look into investing in glasses with a blue light filter.

3. Move more

Whenever possible, try to eat somewhere other than your desk and grab lunch at a place within walking distance.

This will give you the chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air and sunlight while going there and back.

But lunch isn’t the only time you should move around. When you’re taking a break from your screen for your eyes, kill two birds with one stone and take a lap around your office. Better yet, head to the pantry and get more water to stay hydrated.  

4. Hydrate with plenty of sugar-free fluids

Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids without sugar, such as green tea, to properly hydrate your body in addition to eating a lunch that’s high in protein and vegetables and low in carbohydrates to avoid the post-prandial slump. 

Adequate hydration will help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent dryness, which strengthens it against environmental stressors (AKA the AC) at work.

Dr Ho also recommends taking hydrolysed collagen and other supplements to support mitochondrial function and prevent oxidative stress of the skin.

5. Add a humidifier near the desk to combat dry air

Last but not least, a humidifier can help to maintain your skin’s hydration levels by introducing water vapour into the air in the dry office environment.

Hopefully, when used in conjunction with all the other suggestions, your skin will be properly hydrated and glowing while at work!