Best and worst UK areas for skin and hair health revealed

A new study has revealed the best and worst areas for skin and hair in the UK, measuring how many pollutants are in the water supplies and within the air across the different counties.

According to the research by Mira Showers, South London and Kent are the worst areas to live for overall skin and hair health, with London known for its high levels of air and water pollution.

South London has 1,000% more magnesium in its water supply than the average across England. The higher presence of these chemicals in water means the water is much harder, which can damage hair health, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. 

The area scored 95/100 in the weighted rank based on combined metrics measuring the levels of water and air pollutants. The area has the highest average of calcium (152.6) and magnesium (610.1) levels in their water sources, as well as the highest levels of nitrogen oxide (0.0998) and sulphur dioxide (0.0097).

Meanwhile, West Thames scored 60/100, with an average calcium level of 113.1 and an average magnesium level of 8.8 in its water sources.

Despite having lower levels of magnesium, the study found high levels of harmful compounds within the air, revealing levels of nitrogen oxide at 0.0830 and sulphur dioxide at 0.0086.

North London and Hertfordshire are the third worst in the ranking, with a comprehensive score of 57/100, an average calcium level of 123.9 and an average magnesium level of 11.9 in their water sources. Although magnesium levels are higher here than in West Thames, the levels of air pollutants are lower.

In comparison to locations above, Devon and Cornwall were found to be the best places for the healthiest skin and hair.

The study suggests that these areas have 70% less calcium in their water supply than the average across England, making it not only the overall best place to live for combined skin and hair health but also the best place for hair health individually.

Soft water, like the kind you can find in Devon and Cornwall, is less harsh and helps retain natural oils, promoting a healthier scalp and hair.

Devon and Cornwall also have 854% less air pollutants than South London, making it the best place to live in England for skin health and the least age-accelerating area in England.

Cumbria and Lancashire are the second-best areas to live for healthy skin and hair, while Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire follow in third place.