Does your skin also worsen when you go to the office? It has been renamed as "office air" on social media, and it can be avoided with skincare
Let us paint a scene for you as if we were in a movie: in the morning, you arrive at the office with skin so perfect that not even a K-beauty skincare (or J-beauty) campaign could compete: flawless base, practically invisible, zero imperfections, and perfectly styled hair. Three hours later, something mysterious and awful has happened: you’re sitting at your desk and there’s nothing left of your perfect face. Your skin feels tight yet shiny, foundation has separated highlighting fine lines you never noticed, and pimples appear out of nowhere. You’re not going crazy, it’s the office air. Luckily, it’s not a lost battle, here’s how to win it.
How to keep your skin safe from office air
Office air: what is it?
@noadonlan As soon as I walk though those office doors I age 10 years and get 2 new pimples #officeair #officehumor #corporatelife #officelife #worktok The Office (Main Theme) - Knightsbridge
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is office air? Obviously, it all started on the most creative social platform for this kind of topic: TikTok. The term “office air” was coined on the platform to describe that small daily aesthetic trauma that happens during work hours without you doing literally anything. It’s the phenomenon where you enter the office with firm, glowing skin, perfect makeup, and neat hair. And just a few hours later, your complexion is duller, makeup has faded, sudden shine appears, and dryness pops up here and there.
Why does it happen?
@noadonlan Replying to @Leah Office Air: WHY does this only happen in the office?? My (very unscientific) theories Am I missing anything?? #officeair #worktok #corporatelife #9to5 #officelife What the Hell - Avril Lavigne
The reason is pretty logical once you think about it: blasting heat, air conditioning that shoots cold, dry air like the Sahara, and almost nonexistent ventilation and air circulation create an environment where your skin loses hydration visibly. According to Healthline, citing a PubMed study, dry office air can increase micro-inflammations, irritate the skin, and trigger those little pimples that weren’t there in the morning. The problem is compounded even more. As reported by The Guardian, stress, temperature swings between the metro, bus, and office, artificial lighting: all contribute to sabotaging your appearance. The result is exactly what you see when you finally get home.
How to fight office air
Here, in case it wasn’t clear, it’s a war: on one side, office air with dry air and various bacteria; on the other, you with our tips. First trick for your office: a humidifier to replenish the water that the air conditioning steals. Can’t convince your office? No problem: get a desk humidifier. If you’re not wearing makeup, a rich moisturizing cream and lip balm every couple of hours helps keep your face hydrated. If you are wearing foundation, concealer, and friends, opt for a hydrating face mist, to spritz whenever you feel dryness without ruining your makeup. And finally, a classic: drink water.
