Credit: @noadonlan/TikTok
Viral Theory Claims ‘Office Air’ Is Making You Ugly At Work
A viral theory claims that the air in the office at work is making you ugly.
Nicknamed ‘Office Air Theory,’ TikTok users claim that the time they spend in the office impacts their looks.
The viral phenomenon was first popularized by TikToker Noa Donlan, who believes that the environment in her office was changing her appearance.
And it’s not only Noa who feels that her appearance is changing throughout her working day.
Many other corporate girls are facing the same struggle, with one saying: “At 5 pm I’m a mugshot.”
Another added: “Called miss in the mornings and ma’am by afternoon.”
Many people are sharing similar experiences they’ve had
It seems that we are all sharing the same feelings after a day in the office.
And people are surprised that it isn’t a unique experience, with one comment on the original video saying, ‘It happens to others as well?’
Many people have shared concerns about how their skin, makeup, and hair look after a day in the office.
People are sharing their anger about the situation in the comments on Noa’s videos, saying: “Corporate air is my biggest op,” and “My pretty hours end at 10 am.”
And, some people have a bone to pick with the lighting as well.
As well as feeling dry and crusty, this is highlighted by the lighting present in most offices.
One person said: “And the fluorescent lighting [is] enhancing ALL OF IT.”
And some are comparing it with other environments, which makes their skin flare, with one saying: “Office air is worse than boyfriend air.”
It must be bad then.
Is there more to it than just ‘office air’?
The symptoms people describe experiencing in the office are actually similar to a condition caused by poor circulation in buildings.
We spoke to Dr. Primrose Freestone, associate professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, to find out more about how the office can affect us.
Dr. Freestone explained that when the air conditioning malfunctions in a space such as an office, problems occur.
Sick building syndrome is the general name for symptoms you get while in an air-conditioned environment for more than a few hours.
Symptoms of this include: headaches, dizziness, congested or runny nose, persistent cough or wheeze, skin irritation or rashes.
It can also cause difficulties focusing on work and make you sleepy.
So, is the office actually making me ugly?
Well, it seems so.
Dr. Freestone highlighted that the longer you’re in a space such as an office, the symptoms tend to get worse.
However, these symptoms are relieved after you leave.
Viewers agree with this, with one saying: “And my glow starts coming back as soon as I start driving home.”
As much as we’d love to believe this is because we’re not at work anymore, it seems there is actually science behind it.
Is an office the worst place to work?
However, it seems that sick building syndrome and ‘office air’ aren’t exclusive to just the office girls.
“Any place that uses air conditioning as an environmental control can cause problems for its inhabitants,” say Dr. Freestone.
“There is no specific type of building that can be exempt from air quality problems.”
Rather than the office itself, a poorly maintained air conditioning unit is to blame for the ‘office air.’
However, as people who typically work in offices tend to spend up to eight hours per day in the same environment, they are exposed to what’s in the air for longer.
Am I more at risk?
It seems some of us are actually more at risk of getting sick from ‘office air’ too.
Dr. Freestone warned that people with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, are most at risk from malfunctioning air conditioning.
Also, Dr. Freestone said that it’s possible that people with pre-existing skin conditions may be worse affected.
“If the air conditioning makes the air humidity have a lower water content than outdoors, or if the air conditioning makes the air temperature lower than comfortable, either could make irritated skin more uncomfortable due to drying or over-cooling.”
How can I ‘office proof’ my skin?
Well, Dr. Freestone advises that good air conditioner maintenance is essential in preventing ventilation-related health problems.
Newsweek advises that hydration is key in all forms.
It’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough water, as well as using a rich moisturiser, a facial mist, and even investing in a small humidifier.
They also point out that hands and lips are particularly at risk of becoming dry.
And, there is advice out there from the girls who have firsthand experience of ‘office air.’
One creator recommended drinking a lot of water, using hair oil for frizzy hair, and a mini blush to touch up her makeup.
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