Your office is ruining your skin and hair, and science has the proof

If you work in an office, your workspace could be making your appearance shabby, breaking your skin out, flattening your hair and even discolouring your teeth. At least, this is what the "Office Air Theory" trend on social media claims. But, this might not just be a lame theory; there is possibly real science behind it. The trend started weeks ago when a person with the handle name Noa Donlan posted about it. She told PEOPLE that she first noticed the changes in her appearance while in college. It became more obvious when she started working at an office. "When I looked in the office bathroom mirror at 12 pm, my skin would be dry, my (now oily) hair would be flat, and I just wouldn't feel like myself anymore!" she said. Several people resonated with her and commented on their own experience. They said their lips and skin felt drier, hair frizzy, and by the end of the day, when they are out of work, their skin feels like it will sprout a pimple or two.

ACs remove humidity, dry the air, causing the skin to also lose moisture

With many people who work in offices sharing a similar experience, experts have also spoken. They think it is a clear case of "sick building syndrome". Dr Primrose Freestone, a microbiologist at the University of Leicester, wrote in an article for The Conversation, "Sick building syndrome is the general name for symptoms that can develop after spending extended periods of time in air–conditioned environments." ACs dry the air, reducing the humidity. In enclosed spaces where air is being pumped in, whether hot or cold, sick building syndrome is common. Offices and hospitals have regular air conditioning, removing the moisture from the environment and, as a result, from the skin and hair. Many people can also experience "headaches, dizziness, congested or runny nose, persistent cough or wheeze, skin irritation or rashes, trouble focusing on work and tiredness".

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City life makes the skin worse

Dr Freestone says the problem is alleviated after you leave the building. "The symptoms of sick building syndrome tend to get worse the longer you’re in a particular building, and are alleviated after you leave," he said. Both cold air and hot air are bad for the skin. As the skin loses moisture, it gets dry. When, after spending prolonged time in such an environment, you step out into the opposite area, your skin and body bear the brunt. People often fall sick in this scenario, and the skin is no exception. This is why people who work in offices notice a considerable change in how their skin feels. Add to this the city life, and it cannot get any worse. Lou Sommereux, Clinical Director at Cosmex Clinic, warned in a previous study, "Air pollutants and harmful chemicals can penetrate deep into your skin and cause oxidative stress – weakening your skin's natural defence barrier."