Rhiannon Ingle
Now that we've reached the halfway point in January, I'm sure many of us are still desperately trying to keep to our New Year's resolutions and stay on top of all our goals for 2024.
If one of your resolutions to was to finally get on top of your skincare routine then you may want to listen up as one skincare expert has issued a major warning over 'office air' damaging your skin.
OK - so, by now, I'm sure we all know about 'boyfriend air' but what on earth is 'office air'?
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Now, 'boyfriend air' is a term used to describe how spending time with your boyfriend can leave you looking dishevelled and not as put together as usual.
It usually comes about through a combination of bad bathroom products - I'm looking at you 3 in 1 - less time spent on hair and make-up, and the after effects of bedroom antics.
But how does any of that translate into the office workplace?
Well, as people begin their return to offices following the festive period, many may be noticing a pattern between their skin drying out and going into work.
While this could possibly be down to the stress of your job, the problem could be much simpler and linked to the actual air in your office as the exposure to office air conditioning can strip away the natural moisture in skin and leave hair feeling brittle.
Darcy Laceby, skin expert at Absolute Collagen, has explained the impact air conditioning can have.
She said: "Air conditioning works by extracting the moisture out of the air to reduce the humidity to then cool or heat a room. However, it could also be having a similar effect on your skin, resulting in dry, flaky skin.
"This can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also speed up the ageing process, with wrinkles and fine lines looking more pronounced. For those with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, this environment can even exacerbate your symptoms."
Yikes.
She also noted that your hair may also suffer from the same 'drying effect', adding: "This is because when your hair is exposed to cool air for extended periods of time it can become dry, brittle and more susceptible to breakage."
So - what do the experts recommend you do to for combatting the dreaded 'office air'?
They suggest drinking plenty of water to ensure your lips, skin and hair are not drying out in an air-conditioned office as well as investing in some hydrating products to lock in moisture for while you work your 9 to 5.
Another tip is to make sure you are taking regular breaks from the dry air - whether that's stepping outside for ten minutes every few hours or going for a lunchtime walk.
And lastly is taking supplements to support your skin and hair from the inside out.
There you have it, folks!