As a beauty editor, it is unsurprising, perhaps, to hear that I have an army of skincare products lining my desk. These are not just the formulas waiting to be reviewed for British Vogue, but also those I keep in arm’s reach to care for my skin throughout the day. I have problematic skin, and I know I am not alone when I say that coming into the office wreaks havoc with my complexion. How do I know that I am not alone? Because my TikTok is filled with like-minded individuals complaining about the impact of “office air”.
Vogue’s office skincare survival kit at a glance:
“Office air can be surprisingly hard on the skin barrier,” confirms consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. “Both air conditioning and central heating tend to reduce humidity, which increases water loss from the skin and can leave it feeling tight, dry or more sensitive over time. When the barrier becomes compromised, skin is often more prone to irritation, redness and flare-ups of conditions such as eczema.”
Securing the complete office skincare survival kit is far less complicated than you may think. The anti-office air essentials include hydrating, protective and smart desk formulas in the form of rich moisturisers, face mists and SPF. Calling on Dr Phillips’ recommendations, and the products I constantly restock on my very own desk, here are the skincare products that every office worker needs.
“Before heading into the office, I would focus on three essentials: hydration, antioxidant protection and sunscreen,” says Dr Phillips. This should include a formula like a vitamin C serum to “help neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution, while also supporting brightness and collagen production,” a moisturiser to “support the skin barrier and counteract the drying effects of air conditioning and central heating, both of which can leave skin feeling tight or dehydrated over time,” and SPF. The latter of which he stresses is a non-negotiable. “UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and window glass, so if you sit near a window or commute to work, your skin is still being exposed. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is a sensible everyday minimum.”
To combat the skin-stressing side effects of pollution or dust exposure, “I would focus on barrier support and antioxidants,” advises Dr Phillips. He says to specifically look out for ceramides, which “help strengthen the skin barrier, making it harder for irritants to penetrate”, as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to “help maintain hydration and prevent dryness.” But for the first layer of protection against oxidative stress, it’s vitamin C that you need in your routine. The derm says, “It helps neutralise free radicals generated by pollution and UV exposure, while supporting brightness and collagen production.” To round it off, check ingredient lists for niacinamide, which “helps calm inflammation and reinforce the barrier.”
Augustinus Bader
The Vitamin C Serum
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ergothioneine and Advanced TFC8
- Benefits: has a gel-like texture that layers seamlessly in your skincare routine without feeling oily
- Best for: non-greasy vitamin C serum
- How to apply: A little goes a long way, and lasts surprisingly long
- Size: 30ml
Why it’s Vogue-approved: I have used a wide variety of vitamin C serums over the years and typically find them to be greasy and challenging to layer with other products or under make-up. This is not the case with Augustinus Bader's The Vitamin C Serum. The lightweight, gel-like texture quickly absorbs without leaving behind a residue or causing cosmetics that follow to pill or ball. The fragrance-free formula is not oily and is free from the likes of silicones and parabens, which makes it easily tolerated by those with sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
It sets the named ingredient alongside ergothioneine to enhance its effects, niacinamide to support the skin barrier, algae evening complex to calm redness, and the signature Augustinus Bader TFC8 technology for cell renewal and to maximise the absorption of the aforementioned. The impact is immediate; skin is glowy and protected from oxidative stress, but the results are long-lasting too.
Sunday Riley
C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: C.E.O. has stood the test of time as one of the best vitamin C serums on the beauty shelves despite the huge quantity of new products launched in the category. Sunday Riley’s formula gives a potent 15 per cent dose of the brightening, powerhouse ingredient that has so many benefits for the complexion. Using a potent THD Ascorbate form, it has an immediate impact, boosting radiance while also working on dark spots and discolouration.
- Key ingredients:
Beauty Of Joseon
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Why it’s Vogue-approved: “I do not know what I did before testing Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum,” explains Vogue.com’s beauty shopping editor Kiana Murdern. “Finally, I have an elixir that keeps my acne at bay without removing my natural oils, via a blend of 60 per cent propolis extract, 2 per cent niacinamide, and 0.5 per cent BHA. These are whipped into a viscous, hydrating serum that my skin drinks up in seconds. I like to layer this K-beauty formula with a milky toner to lock in the moisture day or night.”
Skinceuticals
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
- Key ingredients: 15 per cent l-ascorbic acid, 1 per cent alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid
- Benefits: Smoothing, moisturising, firming, brightening
- Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, mature skin, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin
- How to apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
- Size: 30ml
Why it’s Vogue-approved: “Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works well for those with dry skin,” says Dr Corey L. Hartman. This Vogue-approved vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E.
Being proactive is what the derm advises in the fight against office skin. Loading the skin up with an ultra-nourishing moisturiser before you leave for work is an easy solution to prevent dehydration. “Use a moisturiser rich in barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help reduce moisture loss and maintain hydration throughout the day,” he recommends. “If the air feels particularly dry, a desk humidifier can also be helpful, as increasing ambient moisture may reduce some of that drying effect.”
Tatcha
Water Cream
Why it’s Vogue-approved: My parched skin drinks up this ultra-hydrating gel-textured formula from Tatcha, which is not only my favourite product in the Japanese-inspired label’s extensive arsenal but one of my favourite moisturisers of all time for the simple reason that it leaves my skin soft, smooth and intensely nourished, all without feeling too heavy. It is the perfect summer formula. “This oil-free, water-based moisturiser delivers lightweight hydration and minimises the appearance of pores,” dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick says. “It’s made with Japanese botanicals that help balance and purify oily skin.” The formula whips ingredients like Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex and Japanese leopard lily into a silky, oil-free cream that refines the look of pores, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion.
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A cult-favourite everything cream, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm has been an absolute skin saviour for me over the years. From healing a destroyed skin barrier following a severe allergic reaction, to soothing scar tissue post-surgery – it’s my ultimate desert island product and one that I recommend to anyone that’ll listen. As with all La Roche-Posay products, it’s formulated with the brand’s signature mineral-rich thermal spring water with hydrating and soothing properties, but what really kicks the product into gear is the combination of hydration-boosting vitamin B5 and glycerin, plus amino acid-rich cicaplast.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, glycerin, cicaplast
CeraVe
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 For Normal To Dry Skin
- Type: Lotion
- Sun Protection Factor: 50
- Mineral/chemical: Both
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A hybrid sunscreen formula, this dermatologist-backed powerhouse from CeraVe contains both chemical and mineral sun filters to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Added ceramides keep the skin moisturised while niacinamide and vitamin E work to restore the skin barrier and balance complexion.
Elemis
Pro Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
- Key ingredients: micronised sunscreen, skin-tightening Mimosa extract and elasticity-boosting padina pavonica
- Benefits: has a weightless gel formula that melts into the complexion and softens skin on contact, provides broad spectrum sun protection from harmful UV rays
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Here is a cream that epitomises the adage “you get what you pay for.” While it immediately softens and conditions skin of all ages, its blend of clinically proven collagen-promoting factors makes it the ultimate formula for those with mature and dry skin. In all our years of trialling beauty, no moisturiser has come close to its time-tested acclaim, and while it’s on the spenny side, we can confirm it is a sure investment for eternally supple skin.
When outdoors, SPF needs to be reapplied every two hours. That is not the same as when you’re inside, however. “If you are sitting in a cool, air-conditioned office at a computer all day, sunscreen does not usually need to be reapplied every two hours in the same way it would outside,” confirms the expert. “However, if you sit close to large windows with significant daylight exposure, or you are heading back outdoors later in the day, it is sensible to top it up once during the day.”
Beauty Of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
- Type: Lotion
- Sun Protection Factor: 50
- Mineral/chemical: chemical
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This Beauty of Joseon formula recently went viral – and quite rightly. This K Beauty product is an airy emulsion of rice water and calming extracts that you can apply over the eyes, with zero stinging or white cast – the perfect sun protection for sensitive skin types. Light and hydrating, it absorbs quickly and dries down to a glowy satin finish, so it is also essential for anyone on the quest for glass skin.
Thank You Farmer
Sun Project Water Sun Cream
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A formula with both mineral and chemical filters delivers a happy medium, avoiding both the white cast caused by the former, as well as the potential irritation caused by the latter. That’s indeed the case with this weightless lotion, which appears transparent on skin and lends a dewy gleam. Worth noting: It does have a light scent, but that dissipates quickly.
- SPF level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Chemical or physical: Chemical (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate 6.80 per cent, homosalate 6 per cent, ethylhexyl salicylate 4.50 per cent, octocrylene 2.5 per cent, titanium dioxide 1.40 per cent)
Medik8
Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
- Type: light cream
- Texture: Mid-weight moisturiser
- Sun Protection Factor: 50+
- Mineral/chemical: chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, blueberry seed oil, carnosine
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Consider this your ultimate all-bases-covered SPF formula. A standout SPF for all skin types, Medik8’s offering is brilliant for those with mature skin because it’s incredibly nourishing. Offering the highest levels of protection against UVA and UVB rays, it also fends off blue light, infrared radiation, air pollution and glycation, all of which can compromise our all-important collagen and elastin stores. Invisible and hydrating, it also boasts a light-activated DNA repair enzyme known as photolyase that supports the skin’s natural repair mechanisms to restore and revitalise skin after UV exposure. A brilliant addition to any skincare routine.
- “This is a great, reliable and effective sunscreen for all skin types. As with all Medik8 formulas, you know there’s science behind it you can trust, and I love the protective and reparative nature of this product with the addition of phytolyase. The formula itself is lightweight and non-greasy, so it’s easy and effortless to apply every day under my make-up, which is what I look for in the best face SPFs,” – Jess Diner, Vogue global wellness and beauty director
Kosas
DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Chemical or physical: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 21.7%)
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
- SPF level: 30
- Texture: Fluid
- Size: 40ml
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Ideal as a make-up base, Kosas’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula can also be worn on its own to revive the skin with a hint of dewy tint. “Mineral-filter based, this formula is still easy to apply and reapply quickly and evenly, thanks to a peachy-pink tint that helps neutralise the typical bluish-white cast of zinc oxide,” Aparovich says. (In addition to the pinkish original hue, the formula comes in the warm, golden Sunlit shade.) “While protecting your skin from sun damage, the smart formula also blends skincare ingredients like ceramides, peptides, galactoarabinan, bioflavonoids, allantoin, and glycoproteins,” Aparovich continues. “These moisturise and comfort the skin and support its protective barrier throughout UV exposure.” She adds that the SPF works for dry and normal skin types and is also suitable for sensitive skin. Pro tip: If using it as a makeup base, let the product dry for three to five minutes before layering it with other products.
The Vogue editorial team are huge fans of a spritz to combat the afternoon slump, not only to revive our skin but also our moods. “Face mists can be helpful, but I would see them as a supplement rather than a substitute for a good moisturiser,” says Dr Phillips. “They can provide a quick boost of hydration and comfort in dry office environments where air conditioning or heating may leave the skin feeling tight or dehydrated. Some also contain useful humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help attract water to the skin.”
Clinisoothe Skin Purifier
Why it’s Vogue-approved: “This is my non-negotiable,” skin expert and facialist Libi Roos tells me, who is a fan of this hypochlorous mist to help shield the skin as an antibacterial, antimicrobial solution against the likes of pollution. “Mist your face and body if you’re prone to chest or back breakouts,” she adds before concluding, “Nothing else quite does what this does.”
Allies Of Skin
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Packing enough hard-working ingredients to rival a serum, the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist is not only a stalwart on my desk but in my wash bag for its advanced hydrating properties. The formula includes buzzy ingredients like niacinamide to balance and soothe, as well as probiotics and silk amino acids to provide nourishment. The mist provides a brightening effect too.
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Probiotics 2% NAD+ Serum Mist
Why it’s Vogue-approved: I’m addicted to spritzing the lightweight fine mist of Korean label Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice formula, which is infused with a skin-loving complex of five types of ceramides. The beauty is that you can keep spraying without your skin feeling wet, acting as a light sprinkling of hydrating ingredients like panthenol and plant-based squalane.
Ultra Violette
Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Working double duty, this formula from game-changing SPF brand Ultra Violette is both a refreshing mist and sun protection, boasting a high SPF50. While topping you up on your sun-shielding, it is also enriching the skin with nourishing vitamin E and oil-balancing niacinamide.
FAQs
Is blue light from screens actually damaging to skin?
According to the skin expert, “Blue light from screens is not something I would consider a major skin concern. The amount emitted by phones, laptops and indoor devices is relatively low and not thought to cause meaningful damage in everyday use.” He stresses that sun exposure is far more impactful on the skin. “Solar blue light forms part of high-energy visible light and has been shown to stimulate pigment production, increase the activity of enzymes that break down collagen and contribute to premature skin ageing. This is particularly relevant for those prone to hyperpigmentation or melasma. For that reason, I would keep the focus on sensible daily photoprotection. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides are especially useful, as they help protect against visible light, while some newer formulations also include filters designed to defend against high-energy visible light.”
Should I be reapplying moisturiser?
This comes down to formula. An effective moisturiser should provide all-day hydration. “If you are using a good moisturiser in the morning, there is not usually a need to reapply it throughout the working day,” Dr Phillips agrees. “A well-formulated product should maintain hydration for several hours and help support the skin barrier.”
That being said, “If your skin still feels dry despite moisturising, it may be a sign that you need a richer emollient rather than more frequent reapplication. Adding a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid underneath your moisturiser can also be helpful.”
Can touching my face at work really cause breakouts?
I am constantly told by derms to stop touching my face during the working day but can this involuntary act really cause breakouts? Dr Phillips doesn’t think so. “Touching your face at work is not, in itself, a direct cause of breakouts. Acne is not a hygiene issue, and it is primarily driven by factors such as genetics, hormones, excess oil production and inflammation.”
However, he adds that it should be avoided if possible. “Repeatedly resting your hands on your face as well as friction from phones or leaning on your desk can sometimes aggravate the skin and contribute to irritation or mechanical acne in those who are prone to it. Heavy, occlusive make-up can also trap oil and debris within the pores, increasing the likelihood of congestion. To counter this, keep skincare simple and consistent.”
Meet the expert
- Dr Derrick Phillips is a consultant dermatologist