Skin Staycation: The BEST and WORST UK staycation locations for healthy skin revealed

New data has revealed the best (and worst) UK staycation locations for skin health by analysing environmental conditions such as pollution, humidity, temperature, precipitation and wind- and London isn’t the worst!

The study, by skincare brand Clarins, compared 50 major towns and cities across the UK, shows the best place for skin health is the port city of Sunderland, while the worst is Stevenage in Hertfordshire.

Northern coast boasts the best conditions for skin to thrive

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease and domestic travel picks up, the research revealed that those seeking healthier skin would benefit from relocating to the coastal city of Sunderland, thanks to low levels of skin damaging features.

This was closely followed in the rankings by other northern coast locations such as Newcastle upon Tyne (2) and Dundee (4).

Clarins’ skin experts define skin-healthy air as that which is low in pollutants, low in humidity, low in temperature, low in precipitation and low in wind. The ratings are defined by a comparative ranking between locations.

The 10 BEST places for healthy skin in the UK:

1. Sunderland

2. Newcastle upon Tyne

3. Royal Leamington Spa

4. Dundee

5. Edinburgh

6. York

7. Coventry

8. Stoke-on-Trent

9. Birmingham

10. Middlesborough

These dreamy UK coastal locations are a skin NIGHTMARE

The study also discovered the worst places to live if you want good skin. Stevenage in Hertfordshire managed to top the list.

Luton, Bedfordshire came in second and Swansea, Wales came in third. This is due to the higher levels of pollutants, wind, humidity, temperature and precipitation, all of which interact negatively with the skin and can cause dryness, irritation and the exacerbation of conditions like eczema, acne or psoriasis.

Those visiting these locations should consider using products containing SPF and pollution protection, to mitigate the risks associated with lower quality conditions.

Surprisingly, popular UK coastal locations, such as Eastbourne (9) and Brighton (10) also made the top ten worst places for skin in the UK.

The 10 WORST locations for skin health in the UK:

1. Stevenage

2. Luton

3. Swansea

4. Northampton

5. Plymouth

6. Christchurch

7. Bristol

8. Sheffield

9. Eastbourne

10. Brighton

Searches through Google for terms relating to skin health have increased 18% since September, with dermatologists warning of the detrimental effects of stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic on the condition of our skin.

Marie Schmid, Head of Training at Clarins UK, said:

“We know good skin health comes from an array of factors, including the products we use, the foods we eat, the amount of water we ingest and so on. What’s been interesting from a skin health perspective in the pandemic is that while our skin hasn’t been as affected by the outdoor elements, it has been affected by the stresses – and wearing masks – associated with the pandemic.

“We’re all excited to get back outdoors and our study reveals the best places to go- and even relocate to- if you want to give your skin a real treat, and the places where extra skin precautions should be considered.

“At the same time, we encourage everyone – regardless of age, gender or ethnicity – to remain vigilant to their skin health and to invest in the right products to keep their skin healthy and happy.”