Residents in San Francisco are likely to have little sun damage. The city has a very low amount of tanning beds (plus California regulates tanning beds, unlike some other states) and also has a relatively small amount of sunny days. There is a lot of rain, which leads to high humidity, but the weather doesn't vary much throughout the year so skin doesn't have to readjust often. San Francisco also has one of the lowest rates of smokers in the country. Dr. Audrey Kunin, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DERMAdoctor, says smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin because it prevents oxygen from reaching the skin.
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No. 8: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has one of the lowest rates of skin cancer in the country according to the Center for Disease Control -- maybe because the sun shines only 50 percent of the year. The low amount of tanning beds, only 2.1 for every 100,000 people, probably helps as well. Another fun fact: D.C. residents drink more wine per capita than any other state. Looks like they're getting their antioxidants.
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No. 7: San Antonio, Texas
The state of Texas also has one of the lowest instances of skin cancer in the country, and that combined with San Antonio's lack of tanning facilities (3.4 for every 100,000 people) help balance out the high humidity. (If humidity is an issue where you live, find out how to keep your makeup looking fresh here.)
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No. 6: New York, New York
New York may have some pollution, but it's lack of tanning salons, relative lack of sunshine (about 58 percent of the days each year are sunny), average levels of humidity and low instances of skin cancer mean skin is still likely to look great.
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No. 5: Billings, Montana
"Big Sky Country" isn't just referring to the lack of tall buildings. Billings, Montana also has some of the cleanest air in the country, which is great for skin. There are a lot of tanning salons in the area, but the moderate humidity and average amount of sunshine make up for it. If you do live here, just be sure to opt for a spray tan instead of a tanning bed, OK? (Or go bronze, safely, by yourself with these tips.)
In a perfect world, we'd all have flawless-looking skin. In reality, few of us are that lucky. However, some of you are fortunate enough to live where the conditions are ideal for skin. We looked at pollution levels, amount of sunshine, tanning beds per capita, humidity, number of smokers, stress, diet and more to find the places best suited for your skin. Check them out, maybe it's time to relocate?