Is Your Workspace Ageing You?

Words by Ashleigh Lennen 

There is no mistaking the damage that the solar constant has on our skin.

From causing premature ageing to sun damage and skin cancer, the effects are significant. It’s scientifically proven that 80% of ageing is caused by photodamage, so what happens if you spend most of your day working inside an office?

You probably think sunscreen is not essential, right? Wrong. The source of light emitted from the sun is what truly causes damage to your healthy skin cells. These are called UVA and UVB light.

UVA light is what contributes to premature ageing, and wrinkles while also causing various types of skin cancers, including the deadly melanoma.

So what’s the link?

Low levels of UVA light is known to be emitted from fluorescent and halogen light bulbs, commonly found in office suites. From your desk, at a distance of over 25cm from these lights, your DNA is deemed safe from ultraviolet radiation, and there is much less risk involved in comparison to the impact of the sun.

It is important, however, to consider that consistent exposure eventually takes its toll. This is where we bring in adequate skincare and protection. As a rule of thumb, sunscreen is the first skincare product that everyone should consider purchasing. It is as crucial to practice indoor skin protection as it is to apply sunscreen when outdoors.