The one formidable foe of students who enjoy outwardly presenting their personal flair is “school air.”
There is no scientific backing to explain it. In fact, it was an ordinary, oversaturated day on TikTok when this term emerged and proliferated. The gist is quite simple: despite hours of prepping, you end a school day looking less fabulous than at home.
Understandably, questions about the validity of such a claim were raised. But it seems that in the tropical heat of a humid country such as the Philippines, it’s a no-brainer why the term caught on among young Filipinas.
Here are tips to fight the “school air.”
Moisturize your skin
Daily moisturizing is crucial for healthy skin, especially for areas like your face, ears, neck, and chest. These areas are sensitive to environmental changes and shed cells rapidly, thus needing moisture to repair and promote younger skin cells. Using moisturizer also helps reduce the chances of developing either extreme dryness or oiliness, keeping your skin balanced. You can also add a brightening serum to your skincare routine for vibrant skin!
Be mindful of your makeup’s expiry
In addition to moisturizing, using expired makeup risks causing clogged pores and bacterial growth on the skin. It is important to be conscious of how long your makeup has been in storage to avoid these health hazards. Make it a habit to check expiration dates and, as much as possible, replace products as needed to maintain healthy skin.
Avoid frequent use of heat tools on hair
Excessive heat from styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons damages the surface of hair strands. It can leave your hair dry, lacking luster, and susceptible to splitting. Aim to minimize heat styling to once a week or less, allowing your hair to repair and recover. When heat styling cannot be avoided, be sure to use a heat protectant first.
Invest in hair care
Like skin, our hair needs care too! Hair masks and hair oils are products that specifically target the hydration, repair, and protection of the hair and scalp. Regular hair care will reward you with healthier hair that stays resilient amidst environmental stress.
Take care of your health
Above all, it is most important to be healthy. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Beyond enhancing your daily look, these habits support your overall well-being and vitality, ensuring you look and feel your best every day.
There may be no scientific evidence to correlate “school air” to a worn-out look at the end of a school day. Still, there are ways to look less lethargic, whether during a math class or physical education!
