Revealed: How much is YOUR London postcode damaging your skin and hair?

To determine the best and worst areas to live for skin and hair health, a new study by Mira Showers measured pollutant levels in water supplies and the air across various counties in the UK. Each area was then ranked and given a score out of 100.

The study’s findings, which highlight the significant impact of water pollutants on skin and hair health, reveal that South London and Kent are particularly detrimental.

The area scored 95 out of 100 in the weighted rank based on combined metrics measuring the levels of water and air pollutants. Its water sources had the highest average calcium (152.6) and magnesium (610.1) levels. The area also had the highest levels of nitrogen oxide (0.0998) and sulphur dioxide (0.0097).

High levels of these minerals in hard water make it difficult for hair to retain moisture, leaving it brittle, prone to breakage, and dry.

South London has 137% more air pollutants than the national average.

SW, SM, SE, DA, CR, and BR postcodes are most affected by these high levels.

West London scored only slightly better, with an average calcium level of (113.1) and an average magnesium level of (8.8). Overall, the west side of the Thames ranked 60 out of 100, making it the second worst place to live for your skin and your hair in the UK.

North London had calcium levels of (123.9) and magnesium levels of (11.9). North London and some parts of Hertfordshire scored 57, making it the third-worst place to live for skin and hair in the UK.
East London, with postcodes starting with ‘E’ and some ‘RM’ postcodes, recorded calcium levels of (140.8) and magnesium levels of (81.8). This part of London actually comes fifth in the ranking, scoring 46. Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire take fourth place at scoring 52/100 in the ranking.

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Devon and Cornwall 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.