@vaatsalya.c on TikTok

One of the possible explanations for “school air” by a TikTok user.

Students of all genders and styles have their looks at the mercy of one thing: school air.

No matter how much I style my hair in the morning or perfect my skincare routine, by the time I head to my car at the end of the day, my hair is scraggly and deflated, my skin is dry, and my outfit doesn’t fit as perfectly as it did before I left my house that morning. For some reason, I find that this situation especially happens during the school day rather than other all-day activities.

To begin with, the indoor air quality of schools is commonly above the healthy limit in several categories that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. This may explain respiratory issues and illness in schools, but outwardly appearance is more difficult to connect air quality to.

So, in order to defy this pseudo-science that TikTok has created, there are ways to combat this unpreventable phenomenon.

Makeup

Makeup can quickly become crusty in so-called “school air.” Having makeup that is flaky and has poor texture can be detrimental to any look as well as feel unpleasant on the skin. The key to avoiding this is to pick high-quality, non-expired products and correctly prepare your face. Exfoliated, moisturized skin with fresh and well-made makeup dodges the cakey look that school air can produce.

Skin

Moisturizing is the most crucial thing to do when battling school air—dry and dull skin is often a result of the environment. Along with a strong moisturizer for the face, hands, and other skin surfaces, adding a brightening serum to a skincare routine can instantly bring life back into a lethargic complexion. On the other end of the spectrum, however, many deal with their face becoming oilier throughout the school day. Niacinamide is a great way to reduce oil production, so adding a serum including this ingredient is a great option. Additionally, for all skin types, many brands offer “anti-pollution” products, which protect your skin from air occupied by harmful materials.

Hair

Hair is one of the most difficult things to rein in when it comes to school air. If your issues tend to be that your hair feels dry, frizzy, and crunchy, then opt for using hair oil on the ends after a hair mask weekly in order to lock in hydration. Additionally, avoid using heat tools whenever possible. If you have an issue with deflated, limp, and lifeless hair throughout the day, use a light volumizing spray in the morning and brush your hair when you get the chance throughout the day to evenly distribute oils and give your hair a bounce. Whenever possible, avoid touching your hair with your dirty hands—this goes for your face too.

General Appearance

Sometimes, school runs us down visually, and the exact issue is hard to pinpoint. Because of this, maintaining your general and everyday health is essential to having a healthy glow that overpowers school air. Staying hydrated, eating healthy (and actually having breakfast), and staying active give you the energy to look energized and healthy throughout the school day.

Even though there is no true cause of “school air,” many teenagers suffer from the detriment that being in a classroom has to their appearance. So, in order to maintain a put-together and well-managed look, there are many options that will prevent you from looking worn-out and crusty.