Chinese office workers deploy parasols at desks to combat workplace-induced skin damage

Chinese office workers are taking extreme measures against workplace-induced skin damage, deploying parasols at their desks and layering on sunscreen indoors as concerns over deteriorating complexions spread across social media.

The phenomenon gained traction after a RedNote user from Jiangsu province documented a visible darkening of his skin and persistent eye strain within just one month of starting a new job. His post struck a nerve, prompting other workers to share similar experiences, one reported looking noticeably paler after taking leave, while another complained about constant exposure to second-hand smoke in shared workspaces.

Indoor sun protection becomes workplace trend

Workers are now setting up parasols beside their computers, wearing sun hats and face coverings, and applying heavy coats of sunscreen to faces and arms despite being indoors. The countermeasures reflect growing awareness of what users are calling "office ageing".

Lighting designer Yoki told mainland media that the root cause lies in widespread use of cool-toned office lighting, deliberately chosen by employers to keep staff alert and theoretically boost productivity. But Yoki cautioned that harsh lighting represents only one element of broader environmental problems affecting office workers.

The trend extends beyond sun protection. To manage workplace anxiety, some employees have begun repurposing empty milk-tea cups as makeshift desk humidifiers or keeping unconventional "pets" such as rocks and mango pits on their workstations.

The viral spread of anti-ageing tips on platforms like RedNote signals mounting concern among China's office workforce about the physical toll of indoor work environments, a worry that transcends mere vanity to touch on questions of workplace health standards and employer responsibility for environmental conditions.

Source: South China Morning Post