Why the air conditioner in your office could silently be damaging your skin

While most of us long for pleasant, nippy environs as soon as we step indoors, spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces can play havoc with your skin

Think of a bustling morning to work–you’re constantly in a haste, from the time you wake up to the moment you step into the office. But that’s not even the worst part–the pollution, heat, dirt, dust and other toxins in the environment are. Of course, all of it is man-made and floats in the air, ready to wreak havoc on your skin. All sweaty and icky, as soon as you step into your magnificently air-conditioned office, you almost experience a sense of euphoria—the cool atmosphere really feels that blissful. However, you’d be surprised to know that the pleasing nippy air could be really detrimental to your skin. Curious to know how? We ask two expert dermatologists to find out more.

Why an air conditioner does more harm than good

What happens to your skin when you stay in an air-conditioned environment for long hours? Clearer and fresher skin, zero sweat, minimal sebum secretion and enhanced longevity of make-up are benefits that will quickly ramble out of your mouth. What you fail to notice—both consciously and visibly—is how your skin is getting exceedingly dehydrated. “Yes, it appears that in an air-conditioned room your body loses the ability to sweat and due to this reason our facial skin shows less harmful effects which we usually observe in non-air conditioned areas–like oily or dry, sticky, impurities-loaded skin. But if we talk about the long-term effect of air conditioners on our skin, it is more or less as disastrous as compared to the harmful sun rays,” reveals Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, celebrity dermatologist and founder, ISAAC Luxe.

“While air conditioning benefits our skin and lungs by helping us avoid smoke and pollutant gases present in the urban environment, it also reduces air humidity,” shares Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Ambrosia Aesthetics. “Low humidity can dehydrate your skin over time by removing moisture from the lower layers of the skin, as well as the smoothness and glow that comes with it,” she adds.

Remember: Dried-out skin is the core trigger to many unwelcomed concerns that come as spin-offs of lacklustre and fatigued skin. And when you’re in an air-conditioned office, from AM to PM, things are only set to get worse. “Long-term exposure to dry room air in an air-conditioned environment, especially for those who spend their whole day in offices, experience dehydrated skin,” confirms Mittal Gupta. 

“Absence of moisture is characterised by dullness, loss of plumpness, elasticity and bounce. They act as risk factors which can exaggerate premature signs of ageing,” she warns. Sonavane cites the jeopardy for sensitive skin types, “While air conditioning is great for frizzy hair and can help prevent prickly heat and fungal skin infections, it can aggravate eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, as it disrupts your skin’s moisture balance.” Don’t let the emphasis on dryness and dehydration fool you; oily skin is at an equal risk of damage, or maybe even more. Deciphering the phenomenon, Mittal Gupta explains, “According to some research, the skin’s homeostasis can be thrown off by extreme heating or cooling. Cold, abrasive and dry air can make oily skin oilier and cause breakouts. Since air conditioners remove moisture from the skin, your skin detects this and responds by overproducing moisture to protect itself.” According to Sonavane, the majority of that moisture is essentially oil, denoting the potential deterioration of oily skin. 

The solutions are fairly simple, simpler than you think

You can’t skip attending office (or any of your other commitments), so trust these derm-approved tips to be the ultimate succour sheet. The first one is all about moisturising—go big on it, all day, every day. “Before entering an air-conditioned room or turning on the AC, wash your face properly and apply a thick, hydrating moisturiser,” recommends Mittal Gupta. “Humectant mists are a quick way to hydrate your skin in the middle of the day without removing your make-up,” says Sonavane. “If you do not have any mist in your home, you can make it by yourself by mixing rose water, glycerine and aloe vera gel and use it as a hydrating tonic for skin,” advises Mittal Gupta. Both skin experts strongly suggest keeping the hydration levels up by maximising your water intake and minimising your caffeine intake. Keep a humidifier (or a bowl of water) next to your work desk in order to keep the air moist, even when the atmosphere is fully dehumidified. Mittal Gupta also encourages one and all to engage in treatments like ‘skin boosters’ and ‘glow infusion’ as part of regular maintenance. She concludes by proposing slugging if the skin turns excessively dry.

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