Happy Work, Happy Skin.

Understanding the Link Between Work Habits and Skin Health

The modern workplace can take a toll on your skin.
Long hours, high stress, artificial lighting, and constant screen exposure can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and premature ageing. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, small changes to your daily routine may help protect your skin and support its long-term health.

How This Can Present on Skin:

Everyday work habits and environments can gradually show up on your skin in different ways.

• Screen Time: Emerging research suggests that blue light exposure from screens may contribute to pigmentation, oxidative stress, and accelerated ageing.

• Stress: High cortisol levels from chronic work stress can worsen breakouts, inflammation, or flare-ups.

• Air Conditioning/Heating: Indoor climate control can dry out your skin and weaken the barrier.

• Unhealthy Habits: Skipping hydration, poor nutrition, and neglecting SPF can accelerate skin imbalances and visible ageing.

• Physical Contact with the Elements: Direct exposure to heat (e.g. kitchens, factories), cold, humidity, or airborne substances can cause irritation, dryness, or flare-ups - particularly on the hands, face, and exposed areas. Regular handwashing or contact with chemicals may also lead to barrier damage and sensitivity.

Tips for Skin-Friendly Work Habits

Manage Stress at Work
Incorporate small mindfulness practices, stretch breaks, or breathing exercises to lower cortisol and protect your skin.
(Explore more in [Happy mind, Happy Skin].)

Hydrate from the Inside Out
Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip regularly throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated supports your body’s natural functions — including those that maintain skin hydration.
(Explore more in [Happy Hydration, Happy Skin].)

Replenish with Moisture
Use a barrier-friendly moisturiser or mist during the day, especially in heated or air-conditioned environments.
(Explore more in [Happy Skincare Products, Happy Skin].)

Take Screen Breaks
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can ease eye strain and may help indirectly reduce stress, supporting skin health.

Snack Smart
Fuel your skin with nutrients. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, berries, and vegetables nearby instead of processed options.
(Explore more in [Happy Gut, Happy Skin].)

Keep Your Workstation Clean
Wipe down your keyboard, phone, and desk regularly to reduce bacteria transfer to your face.

Working Indoors or Outdoors?
Daily sun protection is recommended for everyone, whether you work outside, inside near a window, or even indoors away from direct sunlight.
UVA rays — the ones that contribute to skin ageing — can penetrate windows and cause cumulative damage over time.
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen all year round is one of the simplest ways to help protect your skin.
(Explore more in [Happy Sun, Happy Skin].)

Protect Against Blue Light
Use a broad-spectrum SPF or moisturiser that includes blue light defence (look for iron oxides or antioxidant-rich formulas).
Research indicates that blue light exposure from screens may contribute to skin ageing and pigmentation, although further study is needed. Protecting your skin with antioxidants and sunscreen remains a good everyday habit.

Need Extra Support?

If work-related issues are affecting your well-being, speak with your employer or HR about changes that could improve your environment. A workplace coach or mentor may help with balance and performance.

Is There Public National Guidance on the Effect of Work Environments on Skin Health?

Not really. While UK health and safety law, particularly under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, recognises workplace skin hazards like irritants and allergens, broader influences such as chronic stress, poor air quality, and prolonged screen exposure are not explicitly addressed in relation to skin health.

Yet, the workplace is increasingly linked to flare-ups of conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. Chronic stress can impair skin barrier function, and indoor environments with low humidity or high levels of pollutants can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation. Despite this, national guidance doesn't currently list skin health as a benefit of improved workplace environments.

The Skin Well™ believes this matters. Because when skin is left out of the workplace wellbeing conversation, the public is left without the full picture.

Trusted Sources (Not a Complete Catalogue)

Here are several UK resources offering guidance on workplace-related factors affecting skin health:

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Skin at Work
  Provides comprehensive advice on preventing work-related skin diseases, including dermatitis, through appropriate risk assessments and control measures.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/employ/whatare.htm

• HSE – Managing the Risks from Skin Exposure
  Offers detailed guidance on managing exposure to skin irritants and sensitisers in the workplace, emphasising the importance of protective measures and employee training.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/managerisk.htm

• British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) – Hand Dermatitis
  Discusses the causes and prevention of hand dermatitis, a common occupational skin condition, with practical advice on skin care and protection.
  https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hand-dermatitis-hand-eczema/

• HSE – Work-related Contact Dermatitis in Health Services
  Highlights the prevalence of contact dermatitis among healthcare professionals and outlines strategies for prevention and management.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/employ/highrisk/healthcare.htm

• HSE – Managing Workplace Stress
  Provides resources and tools for employers to manage stress in the workplace, which can indirectly impact skin health through stress-induced flare-ups.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

• PHS – Workplace Hygiene
  Discusses the importance of maintaining hygiene in the workplace to prevent skin infections and promote overall skin health.
  https://www.phs.co.uk/workplace-hygiene/