Bali named worst holiday hotspot
For skin health in global study
Holidaymakers may be soaking up the sun at popular tropical destinations, but a new study reveals that some of these dream getaways come with an invisible cost: severe skin damage.
According to research conducted by Aventus Clinic, Bali is the most dangerous destination in the world for skin health. Extreme UV levels, high humidity, and severe pollution combine to create a hazardous environment.
The study assessed global tourist hotspots based on five environmental factors that impact skin health: UV index, average sunshine hours during summer, seasonal temperatures, humidity levels, and air pollution. These were used to calculate a “Skin Risk Score” out of 100, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of long-term skin damage and accelerated ageing.
Bali scored a perfect 100, placing it firmly at the top of the danger list. The Indonesian island, famous for its beaches and tropical scenery, also brings intense sun exposure with a UV index of 11 during peak season. Combined with 85% humidity and high pollution levels, this punishes unprotected skin.
Dr Suhail Alam, Medical Director at Aventus Clinic, explains: “At UV levels of 11 and above, skin can burn in under 10 minutes without protection. But combining extreme UV with high humidity and pollution creates a perfect condition for accelerated skin ageing and long-term damage.”
Asian cities dominate the skin risk rankings
Following Bali, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia ranks second with a Skin Risk Score of 86. The city experiences UV levels of 12 – the highest recorded in the study – alongside humidity of 83% and pollution nearly on par with Bali. Despite slightly fewer hours of sunshine, its environmental conditions pose almost as much risk to skin health as the Indonesian hotspot.
Dubai, though not tropical, comes in third with an 83. The United Arab Emirates’ tourism hub experiences sweltering summer temperatures peaking at 41°C and enjoys 11 hours of sunshine daily. While its humidity is lower at 59%, the relentless sun exposure and heat still pose significant challenges to skin.
Bangkok and Seoul claim the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Bangkok matches Kuala Lumpur with UV levels of 12 but suffers from severe air quality, ranking among the worst in the study. Meanwhile, Seoul has the highest pollution levels of any city in the research, contributing to its Skin Risk Score of 74 despite more temperate weather.
Singapore, another popular Southeast Asian destination, takes sixth place. While UV exposure remains high at level 11, Singapore benefits from relatively cleaner air than its regional neighbours. The city’s pollution score 60, much lower than Seoul’s 90, helps reduce its overall risk.
Cleaner air makes a difference
Despite UV levels reaching a maximum of 12, the Maldives lands in seventh place thanks to its relatively low pollution score of 48. As a result, it ranks safer than many urban locations with dirtier air.
Cozumel, a sun-soaked Mexican island, proves that not all tropical locations are equally hazardous. Ranking eighth with a Skin Risk Score of 60, it matches Bali’s 85% humidity and the Maldives’ UV levels but benefits from the cleanest air in the study, with a pollution rating of just 28.
Marrakech comes ninth, offering a different skin risk profile. The Moroccan city has the lowest humidity of all destinations surveyed at 50% and the second-highest average temperatures, reaching 38°C. While still posing considerable skin threats, mainly due to intense heat and sun, its lower humidity provides some relief.
Santorini rounds out the top ten as the safest of the high-risk destinations. Despite boasting the most extended sunshine duration at 13 hours daily, the Greek island features lower temperatures, reduced humidity, and a relatively low pollution score of 47. With a Skin Risk Score of 54, Santorini is nearly twice as skin-friendly as Bali.
What does this mean for travellers?
While the allure of exotic beaches and sunny getaways is undeniable, the research emphasises the importance of evaluating environmental factors beyond sunshine. Combining UV exposure with humidity and pollution can drastically increase the risk of skin damage, even at destinations that might seem safe.
“Tropical destinations with high tourism appeal often present the greatest threats to skin health,” said Dr Alam. “Travellers should consider these multiple environmental factors when planning trips and adapt their skin protection routines accordingly, rather than focusing solely on sunscreen application.”
This includes using broad-spectrum sun protection, limiting sun exposure during peak hours, and protecting skin from air pollutants, especially in cities with poor air quality.
Mediterranean destinations like Santorini may offer a better balance for those seeking a healthier glow without risking their skin. While still sunny, they generally feature cleaner air and more moderate humidity, creating less stress on the skin.
The takeaway
The study’s findings provide a valuable new perspective on travel planning. It’s not just about how sunny a destination is, but how environmental conditions interact to affect your skin. Understanding these risks could mean distinguishing between a radiant glow and lasting skin damage for holidaymakers chasing the sun.
Image: Bali, famous for its beaches and tropical scenery, brings intense sun exposure with a UV index of 11 during peak season. Credit: Khairul Leon
