Here’s the shocking ways your office job could be ageing you — and six simple ways to prevent it
Did you know everything from where you sit to how often you disinfect your desk could affect how fast you age?
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WE all know workplace politics and demanding deadlines can get the better of our stress levels.
But did you know everything from where you sit to how often you disinfect your desk could affect how fast you age?
Sophie Bronstein looks at the perils at the office which may have something to do with those fine lines.
WINDOW SEAT
Is your desk next to the window? Great for watching the world go by but not so good for your skin.
Why? Glass only blocks out UVB rays, the type that cause sunburn. So while it is not possible for your skin to burn through a window, ageing UVA rays are still let through.
Always protect any exposed areas of skin including your face, decolletage, arms and hands with a high SPF if you are sitting near a window all day, even during winter — as although it might not be as hot, UVA rays can still be strong.
COFFEE
Relying on tea and coffee to get you through the day? You might want to think twice.
While small amounts of caffeine may be beneficial for your skin because it promotes cell regeneration, large amounts can have the opposite effect and cause dehydration.
This is because caffeine has a diuretic effect on your skin cells and can actually draw moisture out of them, leaving you with dull, lifeless-looking skin.
But if you have got no intention of cutting down on trips to the tearoom, then try switching to a detoxifying alternative such as green tea.
And use a day cream with ingredients such as jojoba and sunflower oil that will help to keep those moisture barriers strong and healthy.
AIR-CON
While air-conditioning can be wonderful during the summer, it definitely has its cons when it comes to our skin.
It is especially bad news if you already suffer from skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema.
Amped-up air-con can cause disruption to your skin’s natural moisture balance, meaning it can dry out severely.
The solution? Keep a hydrating spray, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Express hydrating spray (£5.49, ) on your desk to top up on moisture.
COMPUTER SCREEN
There is nothing more stressful than having a to-do list longer than your arm.
But experts say staring at your computer screen to try to get everything done can wreak havoc with your face. Computer screens emit blue light rays that penetrate into deep layers of your skin.
This can result in the breakdown of collagen and elastin — the two natural chemicals needed to maintain a youthful look.
Not to mention that squinting at your screen all day can cause delicate skin around your eyes to stretch, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.
You should try a hydrating eye mask, such as Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool firming eye gels (£25, ), to relieve some of the tension.
Plus a daily SPF infused with vitamins, such as Soap And Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid UVA/UVB SPF50+ (£15, ).
This will also help to shield your skin against dark spot-inducing rays.
NOISE
If you work in a particularly fast-paced, noisy environment you might not think it will affect your skin, even if it does give you a banging headache.
But high levels of noise actually increase the hormone adrenaline, which is linked to the body’s stress response.
Stress hormones result in skin inflammation, which can be a trigger for premature ageing.
So, popping your headphones on and listening to your favourite music might not only make you concentrate better — it will actually help to keep your stress levels balanced, too.
DESK GERMS
If you are chained to your desk answering calls all day, beware.
Phones can accumulate huge amounts of bacteria when they are not cleaned regularly, which can only mean bad news for breakouts if you are pressing these germs to your face.
Not only that, but the pressure of the phone on your skin can trap oil in your pores, which can create blemishes that, in turn, can lead to scarring.
Definitely not what you want if your goal is to stay fresh-faced.
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Make sure you give your phone a quick once-over with a wipe every couple of days to stop germs spreading.
Also invest in a mattifying spray, such as Avene Cleanance Expert, (now £11.25 from £15, ).
This will help to keep acne-causing bacteria at bay on your skin and stop excess oil production with just a few spritzes.