If you’re in a Coronavirus impacted state, you most likely were told to work from home until further notice. Occasionally working from home can be too good to be true. Being that comfortable in your own element often decreases motivation to get real work done. 

Then again, it does have its benefits. Not having to change out of pajamas, or leave your bed, or even put on shoes, but the greatest benefit of all, protecting your skin. 

Many of us nine-to-fivers don’t realize the damaging effects of our office conditions. Things like pollution, air conditioning, dehydration and increased screen time can all reduce necessary moisture and speed up aging. Below we’ve highlighted a few office triggers and solutions to apply once we’re all back in office again. 

Pollution 

Us city dwellers are exposed to maximum levels of pollution way before we even enter the office. Whether you walk, train, bus or drive to work, pollution is only heightened when you clock in. All this dirt sticks to the skin and penetrates if not cleaned properly. We suggest grabbing an anti-pollution mist to stick in your desk drawer to get rid of impurities quick. 

Air conditioning 

What is it about air conditioning settings at work? It’s either you’re too hot, or too cold. Hot or cold, air conditioning sucks the moisture out of skin causing dryness and itchiness. To lock in moisture, make sure you have a lotion nearby. 

Dehydration

Do you ever find yourself drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a work day and none on the weekends? Easy access to state-of-the-art coffee machines in office kitchens has created a bad and water lacking habit. Water flushes toxins out of the body and keeps skin soft and flakey free. So no matter how busy you are, or close to the coffee machine you sit, reach for water instead. An easy cheat is buying a 24 or 32 ounce water bottle, requiring less trips to the water hole. 

Screen time

In the obsessive social media climate, companies are producing more and more content, products, services and data than ever before. We get it, staring at a screen is part of your job. By now you probably know excess screen time can upset eyesight and sleep patterns. But did you know it could also cause “computer face” or intense hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin). Don’t get discouraged, though. You could do one of two things. Or both. Buy a moisturizer with SPF and HEV light protection. Apply daily. Or head to a local lens store and opt for blue filter blocking glasses. 

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Now is the perfect time to take extra care of your skin, gentlemen. Monitor it and pay attention to what it needs. We’ll be sharing some of our at-home skin care tips soon.

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Cover photo by Erik Lucatero.