Edinburgh
When travelling abroad people are often aware of the damages UV rays can cause but sometimes this is forgotten when on a staycation! Without SPF protection, the sun can cause skin damage such as burns, premature aging and in worst cases, skin cancer.
UK staycations are more popular than ever, as people are choosing to go on holiday in the UK rather than abroad this year due to potential restrictions. However, it is important to be aware that pollen, pollution and UV exposure can cause skin issues especially in the summer months of July and August.
Transform Hospital Group has analysed the levels of UV, pollution, and grass pollen across our favourite UK staycation destinations. Revealing which locations are the best for your skin and which locations can have a detrimental impact on your skin.
What can cause risks to your skin?
Pollution can cause skin, eye, nose and throat irritation and is particular prevalent in the summer months and is worst in cities. The Air Quality Index that runs from 0-500 helps us measure pollution levels and a score over 300 is considered hazardous.
When travelling abroad people are often aware of the damages UV rays can cause but sometimes this is forgotten when on a staycation! Without SPF protection, the sun can cause skin damage such as burns, premature aging and in worst cases, skin cancer. The UV index spans levels from 1-11; 1-2 is considered low, 3-5 is moderate, 6-8 is high, 8-10 is very high and 11 is extreme.
Pollen count is high during the summer months and those who suffer from pollen allergies will feel the full impact. The allergy can cause the skin to become itchy and uncomfortable and according to expert’s grass pollen affects 95% of hay fever suffers, making it one of the most common pollen allergies.
How risky are popular UK staycation destinations?
Transform Hospital Group revealed which UK locations have a greater risk to your skin and which locations to visit to keep your skin healthy:
Cornwall
Cornwall is one the popular staycation destinations for brits, with 48% of people heading to the coastal destination this summer. They have an average UV level of 4 throughout the summer, so remembering to pack your SPF is important. Cornwall’s air pollution levels are just over the annual limit, however due to the coastal location’s pollen count being low, it can provide a pleasant trip for allergy sufferers.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands seems the place to visit if you want to experience a trip with fresh air, it is the only location on this list that falls below the annual pollution level. The UV level in the highland’s capital Inverness is only 3.3, making it ideal for those looking to protect their skin from pollution and harmful UV rays.
Lake District
The overall summer UV level in the Lake district is only 3, rising to 3.6 on a sunny day. Those wanting to stay clear of any sun damage may find the Lake district the perfect staycation. However, for those who suffer from pollen allergies may want to avoid it, as the countryside location has very high levels of grass pollen.
Edinburgh
If it is a city break you are looking for, Edinburgh offers a nice escape with low levels of UV to avoid sun damage. Nevertheless, due to it being in the city, pollution levels are one of the highest; it is 1.3 times over the annual limit.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one the most popular staycation locations in the UK, with 3 in 10 (31%) considering taking a visit. It’s pollution levels are lower than most destinations falling at 1.1 times the annual limit, but it may not be the location for hay fever sufferers with high levels of pollen.
It is important that whichever staycation holiday you decide to go on, ensure you are prepared for the potential risk it can have on your skin while you are there, whether you are making sure you pack the sun cream or antihistamine tablets.
