The summer months can cause skin irritation to those who suffer from pollen allergies; with increased pollution and UV exposure causing additional issues. It is therefore important to ensure we keep our skin protected during this period and prevent as much damage as possible.
Research by Transform Hospital Group has revealed which locations across the UK are most likely to cause skin irritation through pollution, UV exposure and pollen.
South-West Region Sits Second Highest for Pollen Count
A high pollen count has people digging out the hay fever tablets for relief. Pollen can cause skin inflammation, making it itchy and uncomfortable. Throughout the summer months, pollen thrives in most green spaces as grass, nettles and weeds produces large amounts.
Transform has ranked the UKs regions by pollen count, placing the South-West second place and London top of the list. The South of England has a large number of plants that produce plenty of pollen meaning that this location is best avoided for allergy sufferers.
Bath and Plymouth in Top 10 Cities for UV Exposure
Once the sun finally comes out in the UK, it can result in high levels of skin damage through burns, premature aging and worst-case scenario, skin cancer. Although the sun may not be out all the time in the UK, the summer months provide a higher level of UV rays due to a thinner ozone layer and even five minutes of sun can lead to skin damage if spf is not applied.
South-West cities such as Bath (5th) and Plymouth (8th) were placed in the top ten for UV exposure according to Transform’s findings, while northern cities Bradford and Sheffield made up the top two respectively.
London is the most polluted area in the UK
Pollution levels, especially in the summer months can be a large contributor to unwanted skin, eye, nose and throat irritation. It is more prevalent in built up areas where it gets trapped between buildings which explains why London sits top of the pile.
London areas Feltham, Hayes and Kensington all fall in the top five polluted areas according to analysis of pollution data from IQAir. While South-West areas Weymouth and Martock make the top 10.
It is always important to protect your skin and picking your staycation of choice could be a dealbreaker. Helen Green, Skincare Expert from Transform said: “Many of us will be having staycations in the UK this summer so it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with this and to choose the location wisely.”
She also recommended some treatments if your skin has previously been irritated in the summer months: “For those looking to give their skin a little tlc or rejuvenate that youthful plumpness, I recommend our Profhilo treatment which is a ‘beneath the skin’ moisturising treatment that activates collagen, elastin and skin receptors to improve and restore firmness of the skin. This is something that will work well for skin that is looking tired from being exposed to sun damage, allergies and pollution.”
