Can ‘office Air’ Really Affect How Your Skin And Hair Looks?

• “Office Air Theory” is trending on social media, with claims that office environments can negatively impact skin and hair throughout the day.
• Experts say there is some truth to the trend, as low humidity and dry indoor air can dehydrate skin.
• Stress, screen time, hormones, and hygiene habits can also play a role.
• Staying hydrated, moisturizing, and avoiding touching your face throughout the day can also help.

A new theory about skin and hair health has been gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok.

Known as the “office air theory,” proponents claim that indoor environments, such as offices, can negatively affect the appearance and health of skin and hair. 

In one now-viral TikTok video, creator Noa Donlan attempted to document the effects of “office air,” showing how, at 9 am, her hair appears “clean, skin clear,” and “face not puffy.” However, by 1 pm the same day, her hair is “oily, eye bags dark,” and her face looks “puffy.”

In other videos she has shared, Donlan suggests that air quality and other factors in an office environment can contribute to a variety of dermatological issues, including dry or greasy skin and frizzy hair. 

The comment sections of these videos are full of people sharing similar experiences, which may seem to lend credibility to the claims.

But can “office air” really affect the health of your skin and hair, or is it just another overhyped social media trend? 

How office environments can affect skin and hair

Brendan Camp, MD, a double board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said the “office air theory” straddles the line between fact and fiction. 

He explained that when people say “office air” is affecting their skin or hair, they’re usually referring to factors like air conditioning, heating, and ventilation, all of which can contribute to low humidity in a workspace.

“A lot of offices do have low humidity levels,” he told Healthline. “The low humidity in offices can pull water from the skin, leading to dehydration.”

A little dehydration may not seem like a big issue, but Camp noted that even a small change can make skin look dull and feel dry, which explains why your face may not appear as perky as it did in the early morning.

“When the skin is dehydrated, it can sometimes overcompensate by producing more oil,” he said, pointing out that dehydration can also alter your skin barrier. 

“When you have an altered skin barrier, your skin can be more prone to inflammation, which may present as eczema or even acne.” 

Other factors can contribute to changing appearance throughout the day

Camp said the biggest misconception about the viral “theory” is that “office air” is the primary cause of changes in skin and hair appearance throughout the day.

In reality, he said it may be due to other factors.

“Beyond air quality, stress is a big one and impacts a lot more than people think,” he said. 

“Stress causes inflammation, which can impact the skin. On top of that, it can also cause hormonal imbalances, which can further affect your skin.” 

He noted that screen time can also be a factor.

“After a long day of staring at the screen, the eyes may feel strained and can appear more tired looking,” Camp said.

Camp also pointed out that shared office environments can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria. Frequently touched surfaces like keyboards, desks, phones, and door handles can transfer germs to your hands and, ultimately, your face. 

Touching your face throughout the day can introduce germs to your skin, potentially causing irritation, breakouts, or, in some cases, infections.

How to protect your skin while at work 

“Some easy ways to help protect the skin daily are to use a moisturizer to support the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated,” Camp said. 

Other helpful habits include using a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove buildup, avoiding touching your face, and keeping items like your phone and keyboard clean. 

You may also benefit from using a hydrating facial mist during the day, and choosing lightweight, noncomedogenic skin care and makeup products that won’t clog pores.

“Don’t forget your daily SPF either,” Camp added. 

Camp also suggests incorporating a humidifier into your workspace, if possible.

“Other things that may help include blue light glasses to reduce eyestrain,” he said. 

“It’s also important to manage stress levels, prioritize good sleep, and stay hydrated by drinking water, since dehydration can contribute to dry skin, too.” 

“Office air theory” is overhyped online

Ultimately, while the “office air theory” may be overblown on social media, the underlying factors behind it are real.

However, small, consistent habits can make a noticeable difference in maintaining how your skin and hair look and feel throughout the workday.