ATTENTION: calling all workaholics! Stress, keyboard bacteria, air conditioning, a lack of fresh air (not to mention that third cup of coffee we all need by 3pm) …the typical work environment can be completely disastrous on your complexion. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to combat some of the most common skin stressors of a typical workday and environment.
Problem: Air conditioner
Anyone else feel like the office is always either too hot or too cold? We have yet to find the perfect office temperature, but both air scenarios seem to leave skin feeling stripped of moisture. Cold air leaves skin feeling dry and tight, while hot air leaves it splotchy.
Solution: Skin Toner
A few spritzes during the day can go a long way in protecting your skin’s natural levels of moisture. In the cold air, a face mist will hydrate skin and add some much-needed moisture. In the warm air, it will help skin calm and cool down. Our summer favorites: Rose water spray and Vitamin C toner!
Problem: Caffeinated Drinks
Our daily fuel, our sweet solution, our light at the end of the tunnel: caffeine! Some days seem impossible to get through without our favorite soda or good ol’ cup ( or cups) of joe, but caffeine overload can do more damage than good to our skin in the long run. Caffeine can cause dehydration and works as a diuretic. This drains the body of fluids and moisture while leaving skin feeling dry and flaky.
Solution: H2O
We’ve all heard this before but we cannot emphasize it enough: DRINK MORE WATER! Water helps flush toxins from the body and the skin to restore a glowing complexion. Keep a large bottle of water handy at all times. For flavor, add a few slices of cucumber and lemon (or a few drops of lemon essential oil) for a refreshing boost.
Problem: Air Quality
The dry, polluted, and recycled air in an office can cause some serious skin concerns like dryness, flaking, irritation, itching, and redness. Between smoke, cleaning products, pollen, pollution, and more all in an enclosed space, your pores are probably begging for some fresh air by the end of the day!
Solution: Purify the Air
Investing in an essential oil diffuser is a fun way to decontaminate office air while improving your mood as well as your skin. Use essential oils such as lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree to help purify the air in the office, breathe more easily, and fight airborne bacteria.
Problem: Germs
Surfaces around the office such as desks, keyboards, printers, your computer mouse, door handles, and even walls accumulate mounds of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can clog your pores, irritate the skin, and weaken your immune system.
Solution: Natural Disinfectant
One way to sanitize office surfaces without exposing ourselves to harsh chemicals is making an all-natural essential oil disinfecting solution. Combine equal parts water, lemon essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and tea tree essential oil into a spray bottle and wipe down your work surfaces daily. Lemon oil fights bacteria while tea tree and peppermint oil are effective in fighting against major illnesses like the flu.
Problem: UV Exposure
Contrary to popular belief, working indoors does not mean we’re safe from UV exposure and the damage it causes our skin. Experts say that there’s more risk of UV damage inside our offices than outside, especially if you sit next to a window. This concentrated exposure to the sun increases risk potential for age spots, sun spots, and hyper-pigmentation.
Solution: SPF
Wear at least SPF 30 EVERY SINGLE DAY and reapply every 3-4 hours even if you’re indoors from 9-5.
