Office workers are increasingly sharing experiences online about their skin turning rough and hair going flat by the afternoon, unlike when they left home in the morning. Experts say the office environment can affect appearance but note that the claims are somewhat exaggerated.
On Saturday, Newsweek reported that "Office Air Theory" is spreading among workers, triggered by a video posted by TikTok influencer Noah Donlan.
"When I leave the house, I look put together, but by noon when I look in the office bathroom mirror, my skin is dry and my hair is greasy and flat — I no longer look like myself," Donlan said. Online users agreed, saying that central heating and cooling systems and stagnant indoor air cause their appearance to deteriorate and energy levels to drop as the day goes on.
Experts acknowledged that office air can partially affect appearance but drew a line, calling the claims exaggerated. Dermatologist Hajal Jafari said low humidity is the biggest issue. "It draws moisture from the skin, which can make it feel dry or sensitive as the day wears on," Jafari explained, adding that "the claims made online are not entirely wrong but are somewhat overstated."
Indoor air quality expert Glen Golt pointed to a combination of factors. "Office air often presents dryness, insufficient filtering, and high carbon dioxide levels all at once," Golt said. "This can affect the skin, hair, and eyes, creating a dull or fatigued appearance by the end of the day."
Unlike residential spaces, offices often have systems that recirculate air for extended periods. Humidity levels typically remain at just 20 to 30 percent, and carbon dioxide concentrations commonly reach 800 to 1,200 ppm.
Golt also flagged volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as an easily overlooked factor. VOCs released from furniture and strong cleaning agents can lower office air quality. Shared office spaces often use low-cost plywood or engineered wood, and strong disinfectant cleaners are frequently applied. Still, Golt said, "it is rare for office air alone to cause serious health problems in healthy individuals."
Experts recommended using moisturizers, facial mists, and small humidifiers, as well as hand creams and lip balms containing ceramides. "Even a little humidity control and breaks to get fresh air can make a noticeable difference," Golt said. "The problem may not be your face — it may be the air around you."
