What to do to protect your skin while working from home

Skipping your commute isn't a magic pill for your skin.

Woman working from home on sofa

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

Working at home sounds like a dream for your skin right now, doesn't it? No more pollution from the tube or traffic, less fluorescent lighting and #nomakeup - brilliant!

Well, sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but working from home does still require you to pay attention to what you're putting on your skin, as there are a whole host of indoor pollutants you should be aware of.

If you've been on a bit of a cleaning spree recently, good for you! It isn't, however, good for your skin. Harsh chemicals give off fumes which can irritate skin, break down collagen and bring out redness, rashes and breakouts, as well as clogging your pores.

Think that gorgeous candle you got for Christmas is the perfect remedy for stress right now? While it looks and smells lovely, some mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on the air quality and release harsh chemicals into the air.

Finally, the big one: blue light from our phones and laptops can cause skin damage, inflammation and weakening of the skin’s surface. It's not all bad news, though. There are lots of anti-pollution beauty products out there that are perfectly suited to life indoors.

Here are our top picks:

We may receive commission for purchases made through our links

Gallery

Best skincare products for working from home

PRIORIu00ae LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser1 of 9

PRIORI® LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser

This formula removes impurities and debris while expertly exfoliating the surface of the skin to improve its overall tone and texture. Not only that, this innovative formula also enhances the skin's barrier functions to improve its environmental defenses. A specialist Anti-Irritant Complex calms and soothes the skin, while LCA Complex provides hydration, renewal and antioxidant protection in one.

This Works In Transit Pollution Shield2 of 9

This Works In Transit Pollution Shield

This daily anti-pollution defensive shield protects skin from damaging pollutants and keeps it hydrated throughout the day. Advanced ingredients capture carbon particles, heavy metals and prematurely ageing particulate matter before they enter the skin and clog the pores. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated throughout the day and Aloe vera and chamomile extract soothe redness and irritation.

Sukin Oil Balancing Anti-Pollution Masque3 of 9

Sukin Oil Balancing Anti-Pollution Masque

Everyone needs a weekly mask session, and this one from Sukin contains bamboo charcoal to assist in the absorption of toxins and impurities. Rooibos tea, willow herb and Aloe vera revitalise and refresh blemish prone skin and quince, bilberry and pomegranate extracts tighten pores and reduce shine.

BYONIKu00ae CONCUR Face Mist4 of 9

BYONIK® CONCUR Face Mist

Recharge your skin during the day with a few spritzes of the BYONIK CONCUR Facial Mist which helps protect the skin against environmental stressors. The high level of antioxidants in the facial mist go to work instantly to tackle free radicals and help repair and protect the skin barrier.

Babor Perfect Glow Perfect Glow - 7 x 2ml5 of 9

Babor Perfect Glow Perfect Glow - 7 x 2ml

This formula provides intense hydration, smoothing and plumping uneven texture. The light-reflecting pigments give you a radiant glow, so even if you do need to pop to the shops, you can go make-up free. Perfection Peptide-3 encourages cell renewal while Cocoa Peptides trap free radicals and protect the skin against blue light emitted from smartphones and computer screens.

BYONIKu00ae SEAL6 of 9

BYONIK® SEAL

Not getting too much fresh air right now? Look to the BYONIK SEAL to freshen up your skin. The active ingredient black oat provides deep moisturising and gives your skin immediate vitality. Provitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and biotin combined with rich ceramides help your skin create a seal of freshness, protecting it from environmental damage - indoor and out!

Face by REN Clean Skincare Flash Defence Anti-pollution Mist7 of 9

Face by REN Clean Skincare Flash Defence Anti-pollution Mist

This anti-pollution mist is infused with biosaccharide gum, zinc, and magnanese amino acids from wakame seaweed. The non-greasy formula is designed to protect your skin from damage by free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Paula's Choice Defense Moisturiser SPF 308 of 9

Paula's Choice Defense Moisturiser SPF 30

Illuminate, hydrate and protect your skin with Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30. This lightweight day cream helps to illuminate, hydrate and protect your skin. Its Anti Pollution Factor blend has over a dozen plant and vitamin powered antioxidants to neutralise the effects of environmental pollutants and blue light.

PRIORIu00ae Tetra fx250 SPF 509 of 9

PRIORI® Tetra fx250 SPF 50

This product has four levels of protection that adapt to provide what your skin needs. It's enriched with a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen, proprietary Infrared and HEV Protection Complex, antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes to shield you from the environmental elements indoors and outdoors that can be harmful to your skin.

What to read next:

The best make-up removers for all skin types

The best slippers to feel cosy in while you're working from home

All the beauty treatments you can absolutely master from home

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us