To determine the best and worst areas to live for skin and hair, a new study by Mira Showers measured how many pollutants are in our water supplies and within the air across different counties in the UK. Each area was then ranked and given a score out of 100.
According to the research, South London and Kent are the worst areas to live for overall skin and hair health, and London is known for high levels of air and water pollution.
South London also has a staggering 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 out of 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. The area also had the highest levels of nitrogen oxide (0.0998) and sulphur dioxide (0.0097).
South London has 137% more air pollutants than the national average.
The West Thames area had lower levels of magnesium but higher levels of harmful compounds
West Thames scored 60 out of 100 in our study, 35 points behind South London and Kent. The area has 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, there are high levels of harmful compounds within the air, with data 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 out of 100, have 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 notably lower.
For the healthiest skin and hair, Devon and Cornwall are the best places to be
Devon and Cornwall also have 854% less air pollutants than South London and 70% less calcium in their water supply than the average across England, making it the best place to live for combined skin and hair health and the best place for hair health individually.
Soft water, like the kind 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 and score 12 out of 100 on the ranking. Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire follow in third place, scoring also 12.