Answering the phones 

 

Your phone can accumulate a lot of bacteria. When you place the phone on your skin to make a call, your skin is not only in direct contact with the bacteria, but it also starts to perspire¹ and even trap oil in the pores. 

 

Worst yet, the pressure of the phone on your skin creates blemishes². Keep a bottle of something mattifying on your desk like the Avene Cleanance Expert, which regulates the production of sebum (oil) to mattify the skin, limits the spread of acne causing bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation. 

 

Staring at a computer screen all day 

 

Discussing the impact of looking at a computer all day, Dr. Justine Hextall, on behalf of The Harley Medical Group, said: 'There seems to be emerging evidence that light from cell phones and computer screens, which is referred to as high energy visible light (HEV wavelength³ of 4-500 NM), can in fact penetrate⁴ into the deeper levels of the skin. 

 

'This results in free radical⁵ damage that is upregulating an enzyme⁶ MMP-1. This enzyme breaks down skin collagen and elastin, the structures that keep the skin firm and youthful, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention sagging⁷ skin.'

 

Sitting next to the window 

 

Having a desk next to the window may be great for having a nosy⁸ outside, but it's not so great for you skin. 

 

Dr. Justine Hextall said: 'Glass filters out only UVB rays. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper, can still get through. That's why many adults have more freckles⁹ on their right side than their left - it's from UV exposure on that side through the car window when driving.' 

 

To protect yourself, keep some SPF on your desk and apply sunscreen to any exposed areas throughout the day (like your hands, forearms, and face).

 

Being exposed to the air conditioning

 

Corinne Morley, skincare expert at Trilogy, explains that central heating, along with air conditioning, can severely¹⁰ dry out your skin. 

 

'The closer you sit to a radiator¹¹, the more detrimental¹² it may be, because the air may be hotter,' she said. 'If you already have skin conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, air-conditioning can make them worse, disrupting the skin's natural moisture balance.'

 

Drinking too much coffee 

 

It's always hard to turn down a coffee but GP and Skincare Specialist on behalf of Skincere, Dr. Anita Sturnham, has revealed how your coffee addiction¹³ can be ruining your skin. 

 

She said: 'Like most things in life, everything in moderation is the general recommendation for good health. Small quantities of caffeine may actually be beneficial for the skin but we know that those caffeine junkies who regularly guzzle¹⁴ tea and coffee throughout the day are more prone¹⁵ to dry and dehydrated skin as caffeine has a diuretic effect and draws water out of our cells, this can leave you with dull and lifeless looking skin.'