Sure, I can blame my poor diet or genetics for my skin woes, but TikTok is persuading me to point fingers at ‘office air.’ Apparently, spending too much time indoors—typing away on my computer in what often feels like zero-below environment—can cause dryness, tightness and more. I needed to know if heading to the office is actually ruining my skin, so I asked two dermatologists to weigh in on this latest theory—plus, tips on how to protect my skin against any aggressors (I’m looking at you, NYC pollution).
TikTok’s ‘Office Air’ Had Me Paranoid About My Skin—So I Asked Dermatologists
Let’s find out
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Published May 15, 2025
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Meet the Experts
- Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. She is a member of The American Academy of Dermatology, The Women’s Dermatologic Society and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery; holds faculty appointments at Yale; and serves as a medical expert for mainstream media outlets.
- Dr. Toral Vaidya is a dermatology resident physician with an interest in skin of color, cosmetic dermatology and skincare education. She has over 10 years of experience in clinical research and medical writing, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
What Is Office Air?
According to Dr. Gohara, ‘office air’ refers to dry, recycled air found in most climate-controlled spaces. “Think of it like airplane air—constant, low-humidity air that can pull moisture from your skin over time. This leads to dryness, tightness, flakiness and even inflammation, making your skin feel less vibrant throughout the day,” she explains. The phenomenon popped up on TikTok as creators (some who call themselves Corporate Girlies) shared their skin concerns spending hours in the office. One creator said it best: “Not to be [dramatic] but the office air conditioning literally ruins my day.”
So Should I Be Worried About Office Air?
According to the experts, it can actually affect your skin. Just writing this now in the office, I feel a bit of dryness and irritation brewing happening on my skin. “While TikTok has given it a catchy name, dermatologists have long recognized that dry, recycled air in offices has very real impacts on skin health. Whether you’re noticing extra dryness in the winter or simply feeling tighter skin after long work days, the phenomenon is both genuine and significant,” Dr. Gorhara shares.
What Is Office Air Doing to My Skin?
Office air can lead to dryness, irritation and even flare-ups like eczema or breakouts. Since we’re spending more time indoors—often under extreme weather due to air conditioning or heating systems—the air can also result in dullness, tightness and dehydration. “Modern workplaces typically lack proper ventilation and it usually filters and recycles air without moisture,” explains Dr. Vaidya. “Increased exposure to air can strip your skin of natural moisture, leading to dryness or dullness over time.” This can also trickle down your hair as it can lose its shine, softness or definition. And let me not talk about if you’re wearing makeup. If you don’t use a trusty setting spray, you might experience dry patches or creasing.
How to Combat Office Air
If you think you’re dealing with office air, the experts share helpful tips to keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Don’t forget tiny dry spots. While your face can be the main area, Dr. Gorhara reminds us to keep tinier areas such as your lips, cuticles and knuckles moisturized throughout the day.
- Start with a hydrating shower routine. “Think of your shower as the first line of defense—hydrating here is like suiting up in a raincoat before heading into a storm. Protecting your skin barrier while you’re still damp means you’re better prepared to battle the day’s dry air,” says Dr. Gorhara. She recommends investing in a body wash (like Dove’s) to lock in moisture and protect your skin.
- Consider a hydrating skincare routine, too. After cleansing your face, Dr. Vaidya suggests a lightweight moisturizer “packaged with hyaluronic acid to help bind water to the skin and keep it supple throughout the day.”
- Don’t forget tiny dry spots. While your face can be the main area, Dr. Gorhara reminds us to keep tinier areas such as your lips, cuticles and knuckles moisturized throughout the day.
- Invest in an air purifier. If you have the luxury of having your own desk or a private office space, consider buying an air purifier to improve the air quality. But if you’re like me, and you move around a lot in the office, consider a tiny USB-plugged humidifier instead. “This is a game changer—adding personal moisture right where you need it most,” adds Dr. Gorhara.
- Opt for a water-based makeup routine. Aside from your body and skincare routine, the experts recommend investing in makeup products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane for an extra boost of hydration. I also suggest a mist to refresh your skin during your lunch break.
- Blotting papers are a must. “When it comes to shine, blotting papers over powder as they can help control excess oil without further drying your skin,” says Dr. Gorhara.
In sum, office air is very real, but also very preventable. It’s no secret that dry indoor environments can equal moisture loss and skin barrier disruption. But prepping skin before heading in and keeping it moisturized throughout the day can be a great way to combat dryness and dullness. It’s not a lost cause!
