From applying SPF to drinking enough water, we know how important it is to take care of our skin. But what if your skin health is affected by where you live?
A new study from cleansing, dehydrating and moisturizing specialists HouseFresh has revealed the best and worst cities in America for healthy skin.
Assessing skin health in 328 cities, researchers traveled from city to city to measure air pollution, hard water and UV rays, all factors that can affect your skin.
"Skin health is something the United States takes very seriously, with more than $18 billion spent on skincare in 2021 alone, more than any other country in the world," said HouseFresh to editor James Booth. "With environmental factors such as air pollution still affecting over 40% of people living in rural areas, the HouseFresh team wanted to know how they affect your skin and what can be done to prevent further damage."
To construct the index, each indicator (air pollution, UV radiation and water hardness) is assigned a weight of 33.33, which gives 100.
Cities scored higher for cleaner air, less UV radiation, and softer water, while other cities scored lower for higher pollution and more UV radiation.
The 5 Worst American Cities for Skin Health
1. Scottsdale, AR
2. Crown, California
3. Chandler, Arizona
4.Mesa, Arizona
5. Phoenix, Arizona
The study found that Scottsdale, Arizona, was the worst city in the United States for skin health, and Auburn, Maine, the best place for skin.
“Studies have shown that air pollution, hard water and UV radiation levels have a detrimental effect on our skin. For example, excessive exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer and other skin diseases such as solar elastosis,” Booth said.
"Air pollution can cause a number of health problems if inhaled, but it can also cause premature aging of the skin. At the same time, swimming in hard water can aggravate problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
Usman Qureshi, cosmetologist, dermatologist, esthetician and founder of Luxe Skin Clinic in Glasgow, Scotland, told Newsweek : “ UV rays can cause significant DNA damage to our skin cells, leading to skin cancer. cause aging. It can also cause blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
Similarly, air pollution can have a real impact on skin health. Hard water can affect the skin and cause issues like eczema, clogged pores, and even acne.
Top 5 US Cities for Skin Health
1. Auburn, Maine
2. Bangor, Maine
3. Augusta, Maine
4. Bozman, Montana
5. Lewiston, Maine
"We often forget about air pollution and how the environment can affect the health of our skin. "Wherever we are, heavy metals, gases and other substances enter our skin, even if we don't we're not aware of it," Qureshi said.
"Hard water is really bad for your skin, especially if you already have sensitive or problem skin. "Hard water contains magnesium and calcium, which together can create free radicals," he says." It's clear that free radicals destroy collagen, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and can lead to fine lines and wrinkles."
After Scottsdale, the worst US cities for skin health are Corona, California and Chandler, Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, with high pollution, water hardness and UV index.
If you plan on getting active while taking care of your skin, you can buy something in Maine, home to three of the top 10 cities in the US for skin conditions. Montpelier, Vermont and Duluth, Minnesota also have good skin health scores.
“Given the impact of these environmental factors on our skin, it makes sense that people in poorer cities are concerned about the health of their skin. However, people can take steps to reduce environmental damage to their skin,” Booth said.
These steps include consistently using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying moisturizer immediately after showering, and washing your face with a high-quality cleanser at the end. of the day to remove impurities. stick to your skin.
When it comes to overall skin health, Qureshi also shares her recommendations.
"I also recommend eating a varied and balanced diet including antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, exfoliating three times a week, and developing a skincare routine - no hot water -," he said. he adds.