Unhealthiest UK Areas for Skin: Climate Data Reveals Surprising Insights
When it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant skin, the environment you live in plays a pivotal role. From air pollution to humidity, wind speeds, and temperature variations, several factors can influence how your skin ages and reacts. Recent research conducted by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha has unveiled the most and least damaging areas in the UK for skin health, giving invaluable insights into environmental stressors and how to combat them.
The UK’s Most Damaging Regions for Skin
Portsmouth Tops the List
Portsmouth is officially the most detrimental UK area for skin health, scoring 68.40 on the study’s scale.
•High Wind Speeds: Averaging 13mph, Portsmouth’s winds strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.
•Above-Average Humidity: At 82%, the region’s dampness, combined with pollution levels of 13.45μg/m³, clogs pores and accelerates aging.
•Warmer Climate: With an annual average temperature of 12.28°C, residents are more exposed to UV radiation and dehydration risks.
Plymouth and Poole Follow Closely
•Plymouth: Ranked second (65.92), this coastal city faces heavy precipitation averaging 0.19mm, weakening the skin barrier.
•Poole: At third place (65.26), its constant 11mph winds increase sensitivity and redness, contributing to premature aging.
Top 10 Most Damaging UK Areas for Skin
Rank City Skin Score (/100)
1 Portsmouth 68.40
2 Plymouth 65.92
3 Poole 65.26
4 Swansea 63.49
5 Eastbourne 62.94
6 Hastings 61.25
7 Hove 60.67
8 Blackburn 60.66
9 Cardiff 58.15
10 Bolton 56.89
The UK’s Best Regions for Skin Health
Dundee Takes the Crown
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Dundee scores the lowest (21.98), boasting the most skin-friendly conditions:
•Minimal Pollution: The city reports air pollution levels of just 8.68μg/m³, well below the national average.
•Gentle Winds: Averaging 7mph, the calmer weather reduces skin dehydration risks.
Scotland Dominates Healthy Skin Rankings
•Newcastle upon Tyne (23.89) and Gateshead (24.58) follow Dundee, thanks to cooler temperatures and moderate humidity levels that prevent excess oil production or dehydration.
•Edinburgh (26.19) and Aberdeen (26.85) also rank highly, proving that Scotland’s cooler climate is a boon for skin.
Top 10 Best UK Areas for Skin
Rank City Skin Score (/100)
1 Dundee 21.98
2 Newcastle upon Tyne 23.89
3 Gateshead 24.58
4 Edinburgh 26.19
5 Darlington 26.65
6 Aberdeen 26.85
7 Stockton-on-Tees 27.35
8 Telford 30.07
9 Sunderland 30.08
10 Middlesbrough 30.60
What These Findings Mean for You
Living in harsher environments doesn’t mean your skin is doomed. By adapting your skincare routine to counteract environmental factors, you can mitigate damage and maintain a healthy complexion.
Expert Tips for Protecting Your Skin
1.Moisturize Daily: Combat wind-induced dryness with hydrating creams.
2.Use SPF Regularly: Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can harm your skin.
3.Hydrating Serums: Balance humidity levels with products containing hyaluronic acid.
4.Antioxidant-Rich Skincare: Neutralize pollution-related free radicals with vitamin C serums.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The study used data from Open-Meteo to assess key skin-affecting metrics, including:
•Air pollution: Clogged pores and irritation.
•Humidity: Balancing moisture levels in the skin.
•Wind speed: Increasing dryness and sensitivity.
•Temperature: Impacting hydration and aging.
•Precipitation: Weakening the skin’s natural barrier.
Each metric was weighted equally to calculate a total score for 100 UK cities.
Conclusion
The environment can be a silent contributor to skin health issues. Whether you’re in wind-battered Portsmouth or pollution-free Dundee, being proactive with your skincare regimen is key. By understanding these environmental stressors and tailoring your routine, you can achieve resilient, glowing skin—no matter where you live in the UK.
Source: Fresha
Stephi LaReine is a multi-award-winning Liverpool UK based content creator, journalist and influencer and digital storyteller. Since launching stephilareine.com in 2014, she has written over a thousand articles spanning fashion, beauty, health, lifestyle, and conscious travel. With a background in trend forecasting, neurodivergent advocacy, and longevity research, Stephi brings a unique lens to every post—blending scientific insight with a soulful, poetic voice.
She’s collaborated with leading global brands and has been featured across fashion week panels, travel campaigns, and health optimization forums.
Her content is rooted in lived experience, personal curiosity, and a relentless drive to empower women to take up space, explore the world boldly, and live longer, more radiant lives. Every article is a step toward building a kinder, smarter, more colourful world.
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