The top ten sunniest cities in the UK revealed

With temperatures reaching 40 degrees for the first time on record in the UK this year, it’s predicted that we could be in for a record-breaking summer. But what does this mean for Brits’ skin and hair health?

Hair transplant and dermatology specialists, Aventus Clinic, reveal the top ten’ sunniest cities’ in the UK and therefore most at risk from sun damage.

To create the new ranking, Aventus Clinic analysed cities across the UK and delved into factors such as average UV, average sunshine days per month, average sunshine hours, and chance of rain in August¹. The locations most at risk from sun damage include:

Brighton

London

Exeter

Peterborough

Norwich

Southampton

Doncaster

Nottingham

Coventry

Cardiff

Taking the crown as the ‘sunniest city’ in the UK, Brighton is also potentially most at risk of early ageing. In August, the South East city has an average UV rating of 4 and high averages of sunshine days (12.2) per month, sunshine hours per day (9.1), and has a low chance of rain (19%).

Higher risk of sun damage means extra precautions should be taken to protect your hair and skin. Dr Anny Choudhry, Aesthetics Physician at Aventus Clinic, comments: “The Sun we love is one of the harshest irritants for the skin. The skin absorbs UV rays and visible light, which can cause pigmentation and accelerate ageing. Those living in the city of Brighton need to be extra careful these next few months when heading out in the sun, and I suggest using SPF 50 on the face and spraying hair with a protectant, even if you’re just popping out for an hour.”

After recording its hottest temperature of the year in July, London takes second place in the new ranking. Also based in the South of England, the city averages high ratings in August across UV rays (4), sunshine days per month (15.5), sunshine hours per day (7.9), and has a low chance of rain (22%). Further echoing the dangers in the capital, The London Fire Brigade recently declared a ‘major incident’ in July as fires destroyed homes due to the unprecedented heat, which highlights just how damaging the sun’s rays can be on our skin and hair².

Exeter ranks third in Aventus’ new list with 14.8 across sunshine days per month, 8 sunshine hours per day, and a 23% chance of rain in August.. A combination of these factors, plus a high UV score (4), makes for a dangerous atmosphere and could result in skin becoming more photosensitive for Exeter’s residents.

Skin and hair experts at Aventus Clinic identified seven other UK cities that are likely to see increases in sun exposure, including Peterborough, Norwich, Southampton, Doncaster, Nottingham, Coventry, and Cardiff.

Dr Anny Choudhry adds: “Sun damage can result in skin conditions like actinic keratosis and more serious problems such as skin cancers. It’s therefore vital that we have a good understanding of how we can protect ourselves.

“It’s the obvious suggestion, but we all need to wear sunscreen to help protect against acute and long-term sun damage. In terms of ingredients to avoid, people should stay away from retinol during the heatwaves this summer, as it can give the skin time to repair and build its natural defence. If skin conditions have already become prominent, treatments including medical skin peels and PRP skin rejuvenation could reduce things like skin pigmentation and discolouration disorders.

“To promote healthy skin in the summer months, it would be a good idea to increase vitamin C usage. Moisturisers with this ingredient are a good place to start as it helps hydrate the skin, alleviating hypersensitivity and photosensitivity. It will also encourage glowing skin.

“Other active ingredients to avoid prior to sun exposure or in direct sunlight include hydroquinones and exfoliating acids like BHAs, AHAS, salicylic acid and lactic acid.”

Hair health is also extremely important to take care of whilst the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays are at an all-time high. Dr Suhail Alam, medical director and specialist in hair restoration at Aventus Clinic adds: “If the hair is exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time, it can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, frizzy, and thin.

“A small but effective way to protect the hair is applying a thin layer of SPF to your hairline to avoid root damage. If the root of the hair is protected, then it will prevent skin cell loss, which will ensure the hair remains strong.

“If you’re popping out of the house quickly, a loose-fitting hat would help protect the hair. Not only would this provide full coverage from the sun, but a loose hat will ensure no strain is being applied to the hair, which could ultimately lead to breakage.

“Lastly, I’d suggest nourishing the hair with conditioning masks as well as running cold water over it after it’s been washed. This will give the hair an extra layer of protection for when you step outside into the summer heat.”