New York Ranks as One of the Best States for Skin Health

You probably don't think about it much but your environment affects your skin. Everything from the air you breathe to the amount of sun you get plays a role in how your skin behaves. If you live in New York, here is some good news: this state ranks among the best in the country for skin health.

Here’s a closer look at how we stack up—and why it matters.

New York Lands at #4 in the Nation

According to a new report from goop, New York ranks 4th when it comes to the best states for supporting healthy skin. It’s based on things like pollution, UV exposure, air quality, and temperature.

We earned a top five spot because we have relatively low pollution (5th out of all 50 states), our air is fairly clean, and our average yearly temperature is mild at 49°F, which helps keep skin from drying out.

Cold, Clean, and Calm: What the Top States Have in Common

At the very top of the list is Alaska, followed by Vermont and Hawaii. Alaska leads the way thanks to super clean air, low sun exposure, and a chilly climate that helps minimize sun damage. Vermont scores high for reasons like less pollution, moderate sunshine, and cool temperatures.

Get our free mobile app

Hawaii ranks third, mostly for its great air quality and warm climate. It also gets a LOT of sunshine and has a high UV index, which can be tough on skin without proper protection.

The Northeast Is a Good Place for Your Skin

If you’re living in the Northeast, you’re in luck. Along with New York and Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island also made the top 10. These states share a few things in common: relatively clean air, moderate sun exposure, and cooler temperatures. Apparently cooler, less sunny environments actually is better for your skin in the long run.

Where Skin Has It the Toughest

On the flip side, states like Arizona, Utah, and Colorado rank at the bottom of the list. These areas have drier air, higher temperatures, and more intense UV exposure, which can put more stress on your skin. While the sunshine and warm climate may feel great, your skin is working harder to stay healthy in those environments.

What This Means for New Yorkers

Living in New York means your environment is giving your skin a break. It’s not too hot, not too polluted, and not overly sunny (no kidding), so it's a good balance for your skin. You still need to wear sunscreen, drink water, and take care of your skin every day. It’s nice to know our state is doing something good for us.