After reports on the impact of ‘office air’ are revealed, Living360 sits down with experts to find out what it means for our hair, makeup and skin.
There are few things more demoralising than waking up early to preen your hair and face before work only to get to the end of the day and wonder with widened eyes ‘what happened?’
This is pretty much my daily experience. When the clock says 5.30pm and my skin is oily, my hair is frizzy, I can’t help but ask myself: why do I even bother?
I was convinced it was perhaps my own doing. Maybe I was using the wrong products, or my face just is that oily
I don’t think I’ve ever felt as seen by the internet as I did when my For You Page was flooded with ‘office air’ TikToks. Many of these responses were from women — like me — who feel depleted after leaving their workplace. According to them, the cause may be related to our office air — but what can we do about it?
Is ‘office air’ a thing?
The good news is that according to the experts, it’s not all in our heads.
Dr Opel Baker, a GP at Mayfield Clinic, explains: “Air-conditioned or centrally heated offices are often dry and poorly ventilated. Combined with long hours of sitting, artificial lighting and screen fatigue, this can translate into a duller, more fatigued appearance.”
And the office air isn’t much better for our hair, either.
Raul Torres, a hair stylist at Backstage Salon, says “[This] can dry out both the hair shaft and scalp. This often leads to static, frizz and brittleness, making hair more prone to breakage. He adds that this can also cause flaking or itchiness in the scalp as well.
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Why does office air make me oily?
All the setting sprays, mattifying primers and translucent powders in the world couldn’t seem to keep my face oil-free on office days.
Dr Susan Mayou, a consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, explains that while the low humidity caused by air conditioning and central heating in an office can lead to dehydration, it might actually result in oily skin.
“Dry environments can trigger a compensatory increase in oil production, which may contribute to congestion and breakouts,” she says.
This, paired with makeup, can be an even worse combination. Iryna Khomyakova, a makeup artist at Backstage, adds that this can cause makeup to look patchy or textured as the day goes on.
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How to maintain your skin and hair in the office
There is, however, no need to abandon your curling iron or makeup bag before heading to the office.
Raul recommends using a hair mist, and if you’re feeling extra, a small humidifier near your desk to promote moisture. Dr Susan adds that hydration starts from the inside, so be sure to drink plenty of water in the office, too.
Additionally, be as hygienic as possible — avoiding touching your hair or face throughout the day, as this can transfer oils and dust, which may cause damage or breakouts.
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Products to use on office days
While the culprit in this case is the office, there are things you can do at home to prevent the effects of office air.
For haircare, Raul says focus on hydration. “In the morning, apply a lightweight leave-in serum or treatment to shield hair from dryness. Use a nourishing conditioner or hair mask containing humectants such as glycerine or panthenol in the evening to lock in moisture.”
Iryna adds that focusing on the correct skincare can help the appearance of your skin during the working day. She recommends using products with vitamin C in the morning, as it supports brighter skin.
When it comes to cleansing, she says “over-cleansing can strip the skin of essential lipids, weaken the barrier and trigger excess oil production”, adding that a gentle cleanser morning and night is sufficient.
Feature image: Pexels
