Can ‘Office Air’ Really Affect How Your Skin and Hair Looks?

A new viral theory circulating on social media platforms claims ‘office air’ can negatively affect the health and appearance of your skin and hair. Mihajlo Ckovric/Stocksy “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