Is the Office Bad For Your Skin?

It may sound like a lame excuse of pulling a 'sickie' but in fact there is proof that some of your office habits could not only be ageing your skin but could actually be detrimental to your health too. Don't go handing in your notice just yet; here at Face the Future HQ we have it sussed.

Temperature control

A recent study proved that men and women have different body temperatures, therefore backing the common theory that women are always cold and men are always warm! This may have put an end to the bedtime duvet debates but in the work place it isn't so easy.If you're lucky enough to have an office with air conditioning (relevant for the 2 out of 365 days of the year that we have a heat wave) then you will be unlucky enough to suffer some of the effects of an artificial cooling system. Air conditioning can dry out your skin, leaving it cracked, tight and irritable. If you already suffer from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, this can be made worse the closer you sit to the air vent.In contrast, central heating can be just as detrimental. Try to sit away from heaters and do the old fashioned trick of layering up! Avoid using artificial heating in settings you can control like at home and in your car. This will limit your exposure and help maintain the correct moisture levels in your skin.

Coffee breaks

We are constantly being told the negative effects that caffeine has on our health and too much isn't great for your skin either. Try drinking no more than 3 cups of caffeinated drinks a day.It's important to stay hydrated throughout your 9-5 and this can only truly be done by drinking water. Aim for 2-3l of water a day. If you struggle, try infusing it with fruit or mint to add some flavour.

Sunblock

Recent studies showed that the HEV blue light from phones, tablets and computers could in fact contribute to ageing. Dr Murad, founder of Murad skincare, advises everybody should wear a broad-spectrum sunblock throughout the day, especially office workers. Sunblock should be reapplied every 2-3 hours for maximum protection.This is also important for natural UV protection too. Many office workers find they can show signs of ageing on one side of the face more than the other due to their placement near office windows.

Late nights

Long working hours and late nights can wreak havoc on your skin's happiness. It's true we need on average 6-9 hours of sleep a night. It's in this time our cells heal and repair from daily damage. Late nights in the office can make it difficult to switch off at bedtime. Arriving home late can also mean you pick up bad habits like sleeping in makeup or skipping your nighttime facial routine. Don't be tempted to cut corners when it comes to your skincare. Make up wipes are not a desktop substitute for your evening cleanse

Lack of exercise

Remember when your grandparents used to tell you to “get some fresh air if you felt groggy? It turns out they weren't wrong. Being stuck inside day-to-day often means we have a lack of exercise, clean air and natural light. This means low serotonin levels and low vitamin D levels. We're not suggesting you ask your boss for a roof top office (don't do this, I tried) but try walking home, cycling or spending some time doing outside activities after hours.