Is your face feeling drier than normal? Before you blame that big night out you just had, take a look at your work surroundings.

If you work in an office, chances are it has air conditioning. Although this may seem like a godsend in summer, it could also be doing bad things to your skin.

"Indoor weather conditions do affect our skin by causing dehydration and air conditioning is a big culprit, " says Eileen Mulligan, an experienced beautician and proprietor of Exclusive Care Beauty Salon in Dublin city centre.

"Air conditioning can affect the ability of the skin to bind and retain water, causing dehydration. The skin may also feel parched and tight, especially on the forehead and cheeks, due to water being evaporated.

"Dehydration can also cause a build-up of superficial dead skin cells on the skin, which may cause it to feel rough, " she continues.

Mulligan explains that this is the reason people who work in air-conditioned offices may notice their skin looking dull and losing some of its glow and brightness. Although dehydration can be easily treated, it can also lead to bigger problems.

"Some studies have shown a direct correlation between ageing of the skin and its dehydration level, " she warns.

"Dehydration can cause gaps in the barrier function on the skin surface, which can cause the skin to become sensitive in the long term and can accelerate premature ageing.

It is common for people to mistake dehydration, which affects the water content of the skin, with dryness, which affects the oil content of the skin. The body is made up of 70pc water and, as skin is its biggest organ, water is vital."

For those employees who want lustrous, glowing skin for the sunny summer months, this does not come as good news. However, according to Mulligan, the majority of the population do suffer from dehydration and it is one of the more common skin conditions she sees in her work. Drinking plenty of water and using a nourishing moisturiser can help beat that flaky look.

Although air conditioning might make you long for a job based outdoors, it's also worth noting that sun exposure and environmental conditions are scientifically proven to be the main cause of premature ageing , , the grass isn't always greener.

SOS , , SAVE OUR SKIN There are some easy ways to make sure your skin is in tip-top shape, even with the problems caused by of"ce air conditioning and outdoor exposure.

1) Drink at least two litres of water throughout the day.

2) Use a nourishing moisturiser or a barrier cream to protect the skin while working in an airconditioned area.

3) Exfoliate gently on a regular basis to help remove dead skin cells. This will also brighten your skin and make it appear smoother.

4) Gently cleanse your skin twice in the evening to make sure all pollution and dead skin cells are removed. Make circular motions with your finger on the skin to help lift make-up and dead skin cells and remove with damp cotton wool or a tepid facial towel.

5) Hydrating sprays or spritzes can be used at work to replace lost moisture.

6) Professional facials are recommended every four to six weeks. They can help to repair any damage caused by dehydration.