Many office workers share this doubt: they leave home looking polished and presentable, but after spending most of the day at the office, their complexion turns dull, their skin becomes dry and itchy, and their head feels foggy. By the time they get home, it feels as if they have aged several years, and they look worse overall.
"This idea that work makes people less attractive is not just a joke, and it may not only be caused by staying up late or high stress. In fact, the office environment may be quietly lowering people's appearance," said Dr. Han Chao from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital).
Afternoon Headaches and Itchy Skin: White-Collar Workers in Office Buildings Are Not as "Glowing" as They Seem
Dr. Han Chao said that not long ago, a 28-year-old woman named Xiao Liu, who often came to his clinic for skin care, told him that she had recently joined a large internet company in Hangzhou's CBD but had developed strange symptoms.
After only three months on the job, she frequently experienced afternoon headaches, itchy skin, oily facial skin, and dry eyes, which caused a sharp drop in concentration. Strangely, many colleagues in the same work area also had similar discomfort, and their symptoms clearly worsened after 2 p.m. each day. But when she returned home from work, her headaches and dry eyes eased on their own within one to two hours.
Similarly, in Dr. Han Chao's clinic, there was also a 35-year-old male employee. His consulting company had rushed into a newly renovated office just one week after the renovation was completed. Although he had no history of allergies, he gradually developed facial itching and redness, along with dryness in his eyes and nose. When he rested at home on weekends, his skin discomfort improved, but as soon as he returned to the office on Monday, it immediately recurred. Many colleagues also experienced throat discomfort and dizziness at the same time.
Regarding these two cases, Dr. Han Chao explained that they are typical manifestations of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The World Health Organization formally defined the concept of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in 1979. It refers to a series of nonspecific symptoms experienced by people living or working in a specific building due to the combined effects of indoor environmental factors.
"Work Makes You Less Attractive" Is Real: These Four Characteristics Identify the Cause
"Sick Building Syndrome has four key characteristics: discomfort quickly appears after entering the building; multiple people in the same space are affected together; symptoms noticeably ease several hours after leaving the building; and it is triggered by multiple overlapping pollutants, making it difficult to pinpoint a single source. WHO data also show that indoor air pollution causes about 3.2 million premature deaths each year," the doctor said.
The common health effects of Sick Building Syndrome are skin itching and redness, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as systemic reactions such as headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration. Numerous studies have shown that offices contain many hidden factors that harm the skin.
Air conditioning running year-round can push indoor humidity down to 30% to 40%, far below the 50% to 60% that is suitable for the skin. After moisture is lost from the stratum corneum, the skin barrier is damaged, making tightness, flaking, and fine dry lines more likely. Skin can also become oily on the surface while dry underneath, and it will spontaneously secrete more oil to "save itself."
Frequent temperature changes also strain the skin. In summer, rushing from high outdoor temperatures into a cold office, and in winter, switching back and forth between heated rooms and the outdoors, causes skin blood vessels to repeatedly constrict and dilate. Sensitive skin may become red, red blood vessels may worsen, and the skin's tolerance gradually decreases.
In addition, office spaces are enclosed and poorly ventilated, so dust, skin flakes, PM2.5, and printer toner particles float in the air and attach to the face, clogging pores and easily causing closed comedones. If air conditioning filters are not cleaned for a long time, the air blown out can also carry mold and bacteria, irritating both the skin and the respiratory tract.
Long hours in front of electronic screens also matter. Although blue light does not directly tan the skin, it can increase skin oxidation and trigger dullness and pigmentation. Combined with prolonged sitting, often forgetting to drink water, slowed blood circulation, poorer blood supply to the skin, and insufficient sleep from staying up late, the skin's self-repair ability declines, making the whole person look sallow and dull.
"Many people mistakenly think that worsening skin and dizziness are simply due to poor constitution or being too tired from work. They repeatedly try symptomatic treatments with little effect, while overlooking the office environment as the root cause," Dr. Han reminded.
These Small Changes May Save Your Appearance
Environmental self-rescue: When conditions allow, open windows regularly for ventilation, 15 to 30 minutes each time; remind property management to regularly clean air conditioning filters and ducts; place a small humidifier at your workstation and try to maintain indoor humidity at 40% to 60%; get up and move every one to two hours and go to the hallway to breathe fresh air.
Skin care tips: Do basic moisturizing well. Those with dry skin can keep a moisturizing spray on hand and replenish care during lunch breaks. Those sitting near windows should also take indoor sun protection measures. In the afternoon, cleanse the face gently to reduce dust and particulate matter on the skin. Drink more water and do not wait until you are thirsty to replenish fluids.
Identifying warning signs: If symptoms only occur on workdays and improve at home, suspect environmental factors first, and suggest that the workplace test carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and TVOC. If symptoms persist even after leaving the office and are accompanied by fever or severe coughing, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other diseases.
Comments