A new trend called 'office-air glow-down' is popular on social media. In this trend, users post videos showing themselves looking vibrant in the morning, dressed in cheerful clothes, but by evening, their glow has faded. Many attribute this to the office air, a concept known as the office air theory. But does office air really drain your glow? Let's find out with insights from Dr. Chandni Jain Gupta, a dermatologist and aesthetic physician from Atlantis Healthcare, New Delhi.
Essentially, this condition occurs when skin loses its brightness after spending the day in a closed office environment. Online, people believe recycled air and artificial lighting make the face appear tired and aged, leading to dullness by evening.
Factors like poor ventilation and air conditioning are key contributors to this loss of glow.
- Low humidity: Air conditioning reduces moisture in the air. Extended exposure to such dry air causes skin to lose moisture quickly, resulting in a stretched, dull, and dehydrated appearance.
- Weakening of the skin barrier: Dry air damages the skin's protective barrier, making it more sensitive and prone to issues like eczema and irritation.
- Oily scalp and hair: Dry conditions prompt the scalp to produce more sebum to compensate, leading to sticky, oily hair by evening.
- Dehydration shock: The combination of heat, sweat, dust during the commute, and the cold office environment can lead to skin dehydration.
Is this just an office issue?
No, this isn't an office issue. In fact, such effects can happen in any enclosed space with low humidity, such as your home or a shopping mall. Additionally, lifestyle factors like inadequate water intake, prolonged screen time, and excess caffeine consumption can also affect your complexion.