Have you ever noticed that you look different after a long day at the office? You're not alone. A new phenomenon is making the rounds on social media, called the "Office Air Theory."
TikToker Noa Donlan, who has millions of followers, made this phenomenon known by showing how spending long hours in the office changes her appearance.
“I first noticed it when I was a student, but it became more apparent when I started working full-time four years ago,” Donlan told PEOPLE. “I would leave the house looking neat, but when I looked in the mirror in the office bathroom at 12:00, my skin was dry, my hair (now oily) was flat, and I didn’t feel like myself anymore!”
Scientists now claim that there may be a real basis behind the theory: it resembles the phenomenon known as "sick building syndrome."
“'Sick building syndrome' describes symptoms that can develop after prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments,” microbiologist Dr. Primrose Freestone from the University of Leicester explained to The Conversation.
"Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, stuffy or runny nose, persistent cough, skin irritations or rashes, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue."
TikToker Donlan posted a video in February, showing the change in appearance throughout the day, captioning it: “Show me you work in the office without telling me.” Hundreds of users shared their experiences in the comments: some noted dry lips, dull hair, yellower teeth, and dry skin; others expressed the feeling of new pimples appearing throughout the day.
According to Dr. Freestone, these people may be suffering from sick building syndrome, which occurs primarily in those who work in offices, but also in hospitals or other air-conditioned buildings. Symptoms usually worsen with time in the building and improve after leaving.
Dermatologist Dr. Catherine Chang adds that air conditioning can affect skin moisture. “People often feel dry in the office because of low air humidity. Air conditioning removes moisture, making the skin drier and promoting fine lines and wrinkles.”
Lou Sommereux from Clinica Cosmex warned that city living also takes its toll on the skin: pollutants and chemicals penetrate deep into the skin and cause oxidative stress, weakening the skin's natural barrier. This can lead to uneven pigmentation, clogged pores and acne, especially in people with sensitive skin or eczema.
For those who suffer from dry skin in the office, Dr. Chang recommends using a humidifier, reapplying moisturizer throughout the day, and adding hyaluronic acid to your skin care routine.
Regular skin care and protection are essential to cope with the impacts of office air. /GazetaExpress/
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