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After being jolted awake by a blaring 4 a.m. alarm, you shuffle to the bathroom, half asleep, to prep for work. Drowsily, you apply makeup and spray dry shampoo at the roots before commuting to the office.
As lunchtime approaches, you steal a quick glance at your reflection. To your astonishment, foundation has seeped into your smile lines and under-eye creases, powder has splotched to form a patch hugging your dry skin. Have I looked like this all morning? According to TikTok, this experience is shared by many, and it’s called the “office air” phenomenon.
The theory? Something in the workplace environment negatively affects makeup application and overall appearance. Some folks believe it’s the sterile fluorescent lighting, the inadequate air circulation, or the constant heating and air conditioning, while others blame “people’s bad vibes” as the culprit.
According to our experts, spending most of the day in an office can lead to skin dryness and even aggravate pre-existing conditions like eczema. Office environments often have low humidity due to constant air conditioning or central heating and a lack of ventilation due to sealed windows. This leads to moisture loss in the skin and hair, contributing to overall dryness
These office conditions can lead to various negative consequences such as: Hair will lose shine and become frizzy, particularly those with wavy, curled, or coiled (Afro-textured) hair types. Nails may become brittle. Lips and hands can be particularly prone to dehydration, leading to chapping.