I’m A Beauty Writer With Oily Skin, Here’s How I “Office-Proof” My Face

As a born-and-bred city girl, I was convinced that my skin was battle-hardened enough to handle anything: Tube grime, smog, high-rise rooms with safety windows that don’t open, and so on. But once I left university and switched late-night library sessions for early morning office starts, I realised that all of my routines were in need of a transformation – skincare included.

Soon after starting my new job, I started experiencing uncomfortable closed comedones and dry, flaky skin – alarming stuff for a naturally oily girl. I sought to rectify the issue with targeted products to help stave off any random breakouts, and soothe my skin from office-induced irritation.

How can office environments impact skin?

“Modern offices can affect the skin in a number of ways,” explains Dr Alexis Granite, dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd.

Compromised skin barrier

“Spending long periods of time exposed to air conditioning and heating systems can reduce your moisture levels, which in turn can lead to skin dehydration and a compromised skin barrier,” she says.

Skin irritation

That’s not all. Indoor air pollutants from carpets, paint, cleaning products and office equipment can all contribute to irritation and inflammation. “A consistent flow of fresh, clean outdoor air is beneficial to our skin because it dilutes indoor pollutants and supports overall wellbeing,” Granite continues. The good news is that filtered air can be equally beneficial, as long as the filtration system in your office is well-maintained.

Dryness and sensitivity

What about prolonged exposure to artificial lighting? Well, it may contribute to oxidative stress and pigmentation changes over time. “Fluorescent lighting may exacerbate rosacea or melasma in sensitive individuals, while artificial light may also emit heat, further drying out the skin and compromising the skin barrier,” says Granite. “Low natural light exposure can also indirectly affect your skin through reduced vitamin D synthesis – altering your circadian rhythm, which can then impact the skin’s repair processes.”

UV damage

There is a flipside to this, though. As dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur explains, spending hours on the upper floors of a high-rise building could mean that skin is actually exposed to UV radiation – quite the opposite of the low natural light exposure Granite mentioned.

The reality is that both are possible – especially if you sit near a window and have low but consistent sun exposure on one side of your face or body. This is why daily SPF use, as well as antioxidant-rich serums, are crucial. “A core aspect to achieving skin health is reducing oxidative stress,” Du-Harpur says. “Glutathione is a master antioxidant and it regulates the production of vitamin C, too.”

How I “office-proofed” my skin

First, I looked to streamline my double cleansing routine, sifting out heavier products for gentle cleansing balms, exfoliators and moisturisers. This helped minimise the congestion and clogged pores, leaving my skin less blocked up after a long week in the office.

Next, I prioritised getting some fresh air during the day where possible. Not only does it improve your cardiovascular health, but outdoor air can help to dilute any pollutants or toxins that may have made their way onto your face during the day.