Global Skin Aging Index: 15 Countries That Age Your Skin Fastest

Using data from 157 countries, the Wellnesspulse Research team compiled an Environmental Skin Aging Index to identify which regions have the lowest and highest environmental impact on skin aging based on solar radiation and air pollution levels. The results suggest that people living in Northern European countries may fare better in terms of skin aging than those living in Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.

For many people, preserving a youthful appearance is at the top of their anti-aging priority list. Skin aging and how to prevent or reduce wrinkles and other signs of maturing skin are popular topics for several reasons, including a growing awareness of skin health, research discoveries on skin aging, unrealistic body standards proliferated by social media, and the fashion and beauty industry.

Skin aging is a complex process involving two types of activities: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic skin aging occurs over time and involves natural physiological processes in the skin, while extrinsic aging is related to environmental and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, air pollution, nutrition, stress, and others.

While an individual can usually modify lifestyle choices, environmental factors are more challenging to control directly since they are typically influenced by a person's living location and its environmental conditions.

That’s why identifying countries with environmental factors that may significantly impact skin aging is beneficial. Understanding the potential risks could help people living in those locations take the steps that might contribute to preventing premature skin aging.

To address this need, the Wellnesspulse Research team created an Environmental Skin Aging Index using data from 157 countries to identify the countries with the lowest and highest impact on skin aging due to environmental factors.

A global analysis of environmental skin aging

The team analyzed six environmental skin aging factors in each country, including overall solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, particulate matter, ozone, and NO2 pollution levels, as well as the prevalence of tobacco use — an indirect indicator of second-hand smoke exposure.

The countries received an index score of 0 to 100 as a composite value of all analyzed environmental factor data. A lower index score suggests a region has a lower adverse effect on skin aging from all analyzed environmental factors than a higher index score. Moreover, countries were ranked from 1–157 based on their index and each environmental factor score.

Learn more about the index composition, research, and analysis methods in the Methodology section.

The world map below presents the global analysis of the impact on skin aging due to environmental factors, highlighting each country's rank and index score. Take a look and see where your region stands.

Top 15 countries with the highest Skin Aging Index scores

The analysis showed that the environmental factors in Egypt may have the most negative effects on skin aging.

Apart from Egypt, Western Asia countries dominate the list. All analyzed Arabian Peninsula countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, appear in the top 15 countries with the highest index scores globally.

High solar and UV radiation levels, as well as elevated air pollution, are the main factors that contribute to the high skin aging index scores of these countries. For example, all countries on the list had overall solar radiation scores of around 70 or higher. This means that the solar radiation levels in these regions generally are the most intense in the world, and people living there may be at higher risk of photoaging.

#1 Egypt

Home to the Great Pyramid, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, Egypt was number one on the list, with an index score of 81.67. It ranked 1st in overall solar radiation and 5th in PM2.5 pollution levels globally. Moreover, the country ranked 11th in ozone concentrations and 30th in NO2 pollution.

#2 Qatar

This Middle Eastern country had the second-highest index score of 81.51 and ranked 2nd in global solar radiation. Interestingly, Qatar had the highest levels of ozone, PM2.5, and NO2, which ranked it at number one in those categories. Current World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines recommend a PM2.5 level of 5 μg/m3 or less. PM2.5 levels in Qatar were nearly 88 μg/m3.

#3 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab country in the Middle East, scored 79.29 on the Environmental Skin Aging Index list. It ranked 3rd in solar radiation, 10th in ozone concentration, and 21st in UV radiation levels globally.

#4 Chile

Chile had an index score of 79.06. Index values showed its ozone level ranking was much lower than that of the previous countries on the list, coming in at number 106. Still, the country ranked 4th globally in solar radiation, 23rd in NO2 levels, and 20th for tobacco use prevalence, with around 35% of adults in Chile using tobacco products. For the analysis, we assumed that increased tobacco consumption corresponds to a higher likelihood of secondhand smoke exposure, which may lead to accelerated skin aging.

#5 Yemen

Mountainous and arid, Yemen scored 77.76 on the skin aging index. The country ranked 5th in overall solar radiation and 3rd in UV radiation. Yemen also ranked higher in PM2.5 levels, coming in at number 30.

#6 Niger

Known for its high temperatures and a notably long dry season, this West African country had an index score of 76.82 and ranked 6th in global solar radiation. PM2.5 levels were high, at around 85 μg/m3, which ranked the country at number two in PM2.5 concentrations.

#7 Oman

Oman, which is bordered by the sea on two sides, scored 76.69. The country experiences scorching summers which potentially helped rank it 7th in overall solar radiation. Oman’s PM2.5 level was relatively very high at 45 μg/m3, placing it in the number 27 spot globally. Moreover, the region ranked 25th out of 157 countries for ozone levels.

#8 Bahrain

Surrounded by water, this island country had a skin aging index score of 76.49. It ranked 4th in PM2.5 levels, which were around 67 μg/m3. Ozone levels were high as well, placing the country at number five for ambient ozone concentrations. In addition, Bahrain ranked 8th globally in solar radiation and NO2 levels.

#9 Kuwait

Kuwait's index score came in at 75.05 and the country ranked 9th in global solar radiation levels. Ozone and NO2 levels in Kuwait were high, placing it in the number three spot for both pollutants. The region also had significant PM2.5 concentrations of around 58 μg/m3, which ranked it 14th for this contaminant.

#10 Chad

This landlocked country in Central Africa ranked 10th in solar radiation levels globally and received a skin aging index score of 74.47. Air pollution is likely less of a problem in Chad, as it ranked 62nd in ozone and 143rd in NO2 levels. Still, PM2.5 levels were high, which placed it in the number 20 spot globally for particulate matter concentrations.

#11 Jordan

With its rocky desert terrain, Jordan scored 74.22 on the Skin Aging Index and ranked 11th in solar radiation levels. It also ranked 8th in ozone concentrations and had a high NO2 concentration score of 80.50, saving a 14th spot globally. PM2.5 levels were 28 μg/m3, which is lower than some of the other countries on the list.

#12 Pakistan

Coming in at number 12, Pakistan scored 72.70 on the Environmental Skin Aging Index. It ranked 9th in ozone concentrations and came in at number 12 for solar radiation globally. PM2.5 levels were around 58 μg/m3, ranking it 12th for that specific contaminant.

#13 Afghanistan

Since it borders Pakistan, it's not surprising that Afghanistan's index score is similar, at 72.23. The country ranked 6th in particulate matter concentrations, with PM2.5 levels of 64 μg/m3. It also ranked 13th in global solar radiation levels. Like its neighboring country, second-hand smoke may be an issue, as just over one-quarter (28%) of Afghanistan's population uses tobacco.

#14 Mauritania

This Northwest African country had an index score of 71.40 and ranked 14th in overall solar radiation. However, with its PM2.5 concentrations of 77 μg/m3, Mauritania ranked 3rd in that category. Still, it had lower NO2 and ozone concentrations compared to other regions on the list. Second-hand smoke may be less of a skin-aging factor in this region, as only around 14% of adults in Mauritania use tobacco products.

#15 Eritrea

Eritrea’s Environmental Skin Aging score came in at 70.57 and it ranked 15th in solar radiation levels. The country ranked 5th in skin-damaging UV radiation levels but came in at number 129 for its NO2 levels. PM2.5 levels were 41 μg/m3, landing it at number 33 globally for particulate matter concentrations.

Top 15 countries with the lowest Skin Aging Index scores

Countries from Northern Europe dominate the list of best countries for your skin in the Environmental Skin Aging Index. Notably, solar radiation metrics play a key role in ranking these 15 countries among the best globally.

For example, countries with the highest index values in the previous list had solar radiation scores 1,200 times greater than regions with the lowest index values.

#1 Ireland

Ireland, known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ thanks to its abundance of green, rolling hills, typically experiences mild winters, cool summers, and frequently cloudy skies. The region’s Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 15.15 is the lowest among the countries analyzed.

Ireland ranks the lowest globally in terms of solar radiation and ranked 156th in UV radiation levels, which is better than most countries on the list. While PM2.5 levels were also low, at around 11 μg/m3, it’s still 2.3 times higher than current WHO guidelines of 5 μg/m3 or less. Additionally, Ireland ranked 62nd globally in NO2 concentrations.

#2 Norway

Norway, also known as ‘the land of the Vikings,’ is considered one of Europe's ‘wettest’ countries, with mild winters and cool summers. The region received an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 15.37 — similar to Ireland's result.

Norway had the second-lowest solar radiation scores out of all countries analyzed. The country boasts a relatively low PM2.5 exposure of 9 μg/m3, ranking it 144th globally. However, PM2.5 concentrations in the country are still 1.8 times higher than WHO guidelines.

#3 Sweden

Sweden, known for its spectacular northern lights displays, has a humid continental and subarctic climate. It had an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 16.70.

Sweden also had the third-lowest solar radiation score in the world. Moreover, like Norway, Sweden had a relatively low PM2.5 pollution level of just over 8 μg/m3, which ranked it 152nd globally.

#4 Estonia

With half the country covered in forests, Estonia has an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 18.46. It experiences moderately warm summers, cold winters, and significant rainfall throughout the year.

The analysis showed that Estonia had the fourth-lowest solar radiation score and low PM2.5 levels of 10 μg/m3. However, the country’s NO2 levels ranked it at number 31 worldwide for that particular contaminant.

#5 United Kingdom

Like Ireland, the United Kingdom has an oceanic climate with mild winters, warm summers, and high rainfall.

The Environmental Skin Aging Index for the United Kingdom is 20.33, placing it 5th on the list. The country ranked 128th in particulate matter concentrations, with PM2.5 levels around 14 μg/m3. It also had the fifth-lowest solar radiation levels. However, since almost 23% of people in the U.K. use tobacco products, secondary smoke exposure may be an issue.

#6 Denmark

Consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark is yet another country on the list with an oceanic climate. The region received an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 20.94.

The analysis found that Denmark had low solar radiation levels, ranking it 152nd globally. However, out of 157 countries, it ranks 48th for NO2 levels and 79th for ozone concentrations.

#7 Lithuania

Lithuania is a land of rolling hills, forests, and more than 700 rivers and creeks. With an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 22.54, the country ranks 7th globally for the least environmental impact on skin aging.

Lithuania has one of the lowest sun exposure levels in the world, and PM2.5 levels in the country were around 16 μg/m3, which ranked it 124th globally.

#8 Latvia

Like Lithuania, Latvia is rich in woodlands and experiences cold, snowy winters, and warm summers. Latvia ranks 8th on the list with an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 23.41. The analysis showed that this country ranked 41st in NO2 concentrations and 10th in tobacco use prevalence. So, NO2 and second-hand smoke levels could potentially impact skin aging in this region.

However, Latvia's low solar radiation level score of 4.64 helped it secure a spot on the list.

#9 New Zealand

New Zealand boasts a mild climate with sunshine and moderate rainfall. The Environmental Skin Aging Index score for New Zealand is 24.40, which places the country in the 9th spot worldwide.

New Zealand ranked 143rd out of 157 countries for ambient ozone levels, and 156th for particulate matter, with PM2.5 pollution levels at just under 7 μg/m3.

#10 Netherlands

The Netherlands experiences an oceanic climate and is famous for its vast and vibrant tulip fields. With an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 25.25, it ranks in the top 10 worldwide for having the least impact on skin aging.

In the Netherlands, PM2.5 concentrations are just over 17 μg/m3, ranking it 116th for that specific contaminant. However, the country ranks 10th out of 157 countries for its higher NO2 levels.

#11 Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a country known for art, literature, and fine wines, scored 25.57 on the Environmental Skin Aging Index. Climate-wise, the region has cool winters and mildly warm summers.

It made the list of the top 15 countries least likely to impact skin aging primarily due to its low UV rank of 147 and solar radiation rank of 150. While PM2.5 levels in Luxembourg are relatively low at 13 μg/m3, they are still above WHO guidelines.

In addition, the country ranks 17th in NO2 levels, putting it in a higher category for this pollutant.

#12 Belgium

Belgium, Luxembourg's neighbor, scored similarly at 26.80. Winters in this region can be cool, damp, and foggy, while the summers tend to be mild.

While the country's solar and UV radiation levels were low, ranking 146th and 153rd, respectively, it ranked 6th in NO2 levels, which is significantly higher than its neighboring country. PM2.5 concentrations in Belgium are around 18 μg/m3, placing it at number 132 out of 157 countries for particulate matter pollution. However, it ranked 77th in ozone concentrations.

#13 Canada

Canada, the only country on the list from the North American continent, scored 27.24 on the Environmental Skin Aging Index. This vast region experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, though the weather can differ depending on location.

The country ranked 7th in NO2 concentrations — a ranking that's worse than 13 countries on the previous list. Yet, Canada ranked 151st in particulate matter concentrations, with low PM2.5 levels of close to 9 μg/m3.

#14 Germany

Famous for its world-renowned beer and bratwurst, Germany, with its generally temperate climate featuring cold winters and warm summers, had an index score of 28.07.

The country ranked 11th globally for NO2 levels and 61st for ozone, but 118th in particulate matter concentrations, with PM2.5 levels at around 17 μg/m3. Solar and UV radiation levels were low, as Germany ranked 144th and 141st in these metrics, respectively.

#15 Belarus

Nestled in the center of Europe and home to one of the last remaining sections of primeval forest, Belarus scored 28.57 on the Environmental Skin Aging Index.

The country ranked 143rd for solar radiation and 145th for UV radiation levels, but its PM2.5 concentrations of around 24 μg/m3 placed it at number 76 out of 157 countries for this contaminant. Belarus also ranked 21st in NO2 levels. So, despite low sun exposure, air pollution in this and other countries on the list may still pose risks for skin aging.

How did the United States rank?

According to Google Trends, skin aging is a popular topic in the U.S. For the past five years, the country has ranked first globally for interest in the Google search term 'skin aging.' In addition, the U.S. held a global anti-aging market share of around 29% in 2024.

With an Environmental Skin Aging Index score of 50.30, the U.S. ranks 92nd out of the 157 countries analyzed.

The U.S. is one of the largest countries, and our analysis averages metrics nationwide. Consequently, some regions in America may experience a greater negative impact on skin aging — for example, due to state-level variations in solar radiation.

The U.S. ranked 9th in NO2 pollution levels worldwide but did reasonably well in PM2.5 concentrations at 11 μg/m3 (146th place globally).

The country also ranks 38th worldwide in ozone pollution, which is relatively high.

The full dataset of global rankings

Below is a presentation of the complete dataset, offering detailed insights into the impact on skin aging due to environmental factors for each country.

Methodology

Wellnesspulse researchers conducted the analysis and selected metrics for the skin aging index based on the following criteria:

• Took evidence from the recent relevant peer‐reviewed scientific review articles found;
• Included only external environmental factors independent of a lifestyle;
• Covered diverse outcomes of skin aging (pigmentation, sagging, wrinkling, thinning, dryness, lentigines, and more).

Using the above criteria, six metrics were selected to compose the index: the overall solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation level, particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), nitrous dioxide (NO2) pollution, and the prevalence of tobacco use (as an indirect indicator of the second-hand smoke exposure level).

The table summarizes all the metrics selected for the index and other related information:

Researchers conducted the analysis using the steps below:

1. Collected the long-term data for each metric from all analyzed countries
2. Analyzed the data quality and statistical parameters
3. Examined the correlations between selected metrics
4. Conducted the metric data transformations (if needed) and checked the statistical parameters and correlations afterward
5. Standardized all the metric data to 0–100 ranges
6. Assigned weights to the metrics and calculated index scores for each country analyzed

The Wellnesspulse Research team analyzed data for each metric from 157 countries. Moreover, researchers chose a long-term analysis, pooling several years of data, to potentially eliminate short-term anomalies and provide a clearer view of trends over time. The years pooled for analysis for each metric are provided in the table in this section above.

The index value for each country ranges from 0 to 100. According to the research, a lower index score suggests that a region may have a lower negative effect on skin aging from environmental factors analyzed compared to a higher index score.

Limitations and important considerations:

• Metrics were selected based on Wellnesspulse research results and the team’s knowledge of the topic at the time of the analysis.
• Selected metrics cover environmental factors that potentially contribute to extrinsic skin aging.
• Extrinsic skin aging effects may differ based on many factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, genetics, skin type and its condition, skincare routines, other existing diseases and health conditions, stress levels, lifestyle, cultural differences, etc. In addition, intrinsic factors and lifestyle may contribute to the effects of environmental factors on skin aging. Certain extreme environmental events (e.g., extreme weather conditions, wildfires, etc.) may also impact skin aging.
• The metrics analyzed do not necessarily have an additive effect on skin aging.
• The results should be considered generalized for each country, and they are more significant for larger countries, as the index provides an average score for the whole country of a particular land area.