Lethbridge Outdistances Windsor and Eight More Canadian Cities Become Least Skin-Friendly Destinations: Here is a Study

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Lethbridge has emerged as Canada’s least skin-friendly destination, outdistancing Windsor and eight other cities in a new study assessing weather and environmental conditions. The ranking considers UV exposure, extreme heat, severe wind chill, winter dryness, ozone and particulate pollution, highlighting how different Canadian destinations can present distinct skincare challenges.

A new Canadian study has identified the cities where weather and environmental conditions may be hardest on skin. Lethbridge, Alberta, ranks first, followed by Windsor and Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo. Researchers assessed ultraviolet exposure, heat, extreme wind chill, winter moisture, air pollution and other environmental factors across major Canadian cities.

Why are some Canadian cities harder on skin?

The study by Laserbody MD examined environmental conditions that can place additional stress on skin throughout the year. Rather than focusing on one weather factor, the research combined several measurements, including high-UV days, days above 30°C, severe wind-chill days below -20°C, winter moisture levels, fine particulate pollution and ground-level ozone.

The findings highlight how different Canadian destinations can create very different skincare challenges. Some cities experience prolonged periods of intense cold and exceptionally dry air, while others face more frequent high-UV conditions or higher levels of air pollution.

The study produced a score out of 100 to rank the cities according to the overall severity of these conditions. Lethbridge emerged as the leading city in the ranking, while Windsor, Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Regina and Brantford completed the top five.

“This study offers travellers a useful perspective on how climate and environmental conditions can influence comfort across Canadian destinations. It also reinforces the importance of preparing for local weather rather than assuming every Canadian city presents the same conditions. Informed travellers can enjoy these destinations responsibly while taking sensible precautions.”— Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

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Why does Lethbridge rank as Canada’s least skin-friendly city?

Lethbridge in Alberta ranks first, with a combination of intense summer heat, high UV exposure, severe winter wind chill and low winter moisture.

The city records about 75.7 high-UV days annually and nearly 28 days when temperatures exceed 30°C. At the other end of the seasonal spectrum, around 42 days experience wind chills below -20°C. Winter air moisture is also particularly low, at about 3.20 grams per cubic metre.

These conditions can challenge the skin in different ways. Hot, dry conditions can increase water loss from the skin, while cold and dry winter air can contribute to irritation and dryness. Frequent UV exposure adds another concern, as ultraviolet radiation can damage skin over time.

The study also notes that Lethbridge has relatively limited urban greenery compared with some other cities in the ranking, potentially contributing to hotter conditions during warm periods.

How does Windsor compare with Lethbridge?

Windsor ranks second and presents a different combination of environmental pressures. The Ontario city records approximately 91.3 high-UV days each year, the second-highest figure in the study.

Its most notable environmental concern is ground-level ozone. Windsor records ozone concentrations of around 41.4 parts per billion, the highest among the cities examined. The study also records fine particulate pollution of about 8.9 micrograms per cubic metre.

The combination of frequent high-UV exposure and air pollution makes Windsor particularly challenging from the study’s perspective. Unlike Lethbridge, however, Windsor experiences considerably fewer severe wind-chill days, at approximately 6.7 annually.

This illustrates why the ranking considers several environmental variables rather than simply identifying the coldest or sunniest Canadian city.

What makes Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo a difficult place for skin?

Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo ranks third, recording about 84.3 high-UV days annually. That represents a substantial period when residents may experience stronger ultraviolet exposure.

The metropolitan area also recorded 71 facilities reporting air releases in 2024, placing it among the higher-ranking cities for this measure. The study additionally identifies elevated ozone levels as another environmental factor.

Severe cold is less dominant than in Lethbridge or Regina, with approximately 14.3 days of wind chills below -20°C. The city therefore demonstrates another pattern identified by the research: a combination of UV exposure and air-quality pressures can contribute significantly to an overall ranking even where extreme winter conditions are less frequent.

Why does Regina rank so highly?

Regina, Saskatchewan, is fourth and stands out primarily because of its severe winter conditions.

The city experiences approximately 84.3 days each year with wind chills below -20°C, the highest figure in the study. Winter moisture is also extremely low, at around 2.69 grams per cubic metre, making the air particularly dry.

Regina also experiences about 21.3 days above 30°C annually. That creates a significant seasonal contrast, with residents moving from very cold, dry winter conditions to hot summer weather.

The study also places Regina among the less-green cities in its ranking. Urban greenery can influence local temperatures, particularly during periods of summer heat, although the study’s overall score incorporates multiple environmental factors.

Why is Brantford among Canada’s top five?

Brantford, Ontario, ranks fifth. It records around 84.3 high-UV days annually and has ground-level ozone concentrations that are among the highest in the study.

The city also had 31 facilities reporting air releases during the period examined. However, Brantford has a relatively high proportion of parkland, with about 80% of the city covered by parkland according to the supplied research.

Its position demonstrates that a strong environmental feature in one category does not necessarily offset challenges in others. High UV exposure and ozone levels remain important components of the overall assessment.

Which other Canadian cities appear in the top 10?

The remaining five cities are St. Catharines-Niagara, Calgary, Hamilton, Saskatoon and Montréal.

St. Catharines-Niagara records the highest number of high-UV days in the study, at approximately 94.3 annually. Calgary has around 51.3 high-UV days and 36.7 severe wind-chill days, while the study identifies a significant long-term decline in the city’s greenness.

Hamilton records around 76.3 high-UV days and 4 severe wind-chill days. The city also has the largest industrial particulate total among the leading cities identified in the research.

Saskatoon has relatively few high-UV days, at about 32 annually, but experiences approximately 84 severe wind-chill days. Its winter air moisture level is identified as the lowest in the study.

Montréal completes the top 10. It records approximately 61.3 high-UV days and 13.7 severe wind-chill days, while the research identifies it as having the highest number of air-releasing facilities among the leading cities.

What does the study mean for travellers?

For travellers, the ranking is less about avoiding particular Canadian destinations and more about understanding the environmental conditions that can affect comfort and skincare during a visit.

A winter trip to Regina or Saskatoon can involve very cold temperatures, strong wind chill and exceptionally dry air. Summer travel to cities such as Lethbridge or St. Catharines-Niagara can involve substantial UV exposure and periods of high temperatures.

Travellers should therefore consider seasonal conditions when packing. Sun protection, moisturising products, suitable clothing and adequate hydration can be useful depending on the destination and time of year.

The study’s findings also underline that UV exposure is not exclusively a summer concern. The skincare expert quoted in the research noted that ultraviolet radiation can pass through cloud cover and that snow can reflect sunlight towards the face, potentially increasing exposure during winter.

How can travellers protect their skin?

The study cites Health Canada guidance recommending sun protection when the UV Index reaches 3 or higher. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above is recommended, with reapplication every couple of hours when spending extended periods outdoors.

Cold-weather travellers should also account for low humidity and wind. Moisturising products can help support the skin barrier, while appropriate clothing can reduce direct exposure to cold air.

For visitors travelling during periods of intense sunshine, limiting prolonged direct exposure and using protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen can reduce UV exposure.

Ultimately, the ranking should be viewed as an environmental comparison rather than a medical assessment of individual risk. Skin sensitivity varies considerably between people, and travellers with existing skin conditions may require more specific advice from a healthcare professional. Lethbridge, Alberta, has the least skin-friendly weather in the country, with extreme cold, dry air, and high UV levels, according to an October 2026 report on skincare in Canada. This newly released study by Laserbody MD reveals the top 10 cities where Canadians need to take extra care of their skin due to harsh weather. 

Canada’s diverse climate creates different skincare challenges

The study highlights the considerable climatic variation across Canada’s urban destinations. Lethbridge combines heat, UV exposure, severe winter wind chill and dry air, while Windsor’s ranking is more strongly influenced by UV exposure, ozone and particulate pollution.

Regina and Saskatoon demonstrate the impact of extreme winter conditions, while St. Catharines-Niagara illustrates how a city can rank highly because of frequent high-UV days despite experiencing relatively few extreme wind-chill events.

For Canada’s tourism sector, the findings also offer a reminder that weather conditions can influence visitor comfort throughout the year. Travellers choosing destinations for winter breaks, summer holidays or outdoor activities may benefit from checking seasonal UV, temperature and air-quality conditions before departure.

The ranking ultimately presents a broader picture of Canada’s urban environments, showing that skin-related environmental pressures can come from heat, sunlight, cold, dryness and air quality rather than from any single factor.

The study shows that Canada’s skin-related travel challenges vary significantly between destinations. Lethbridge faces a combination of heat, UV exposure, cold and dry air, while other cities experience different pressures. For travellers, understanding seasonal conditions, using appropriate sun protection and protecting skin from harsh weather can support a more comfortable journey.

Canada’s least skin-friendly cities reflect the country’s diverse climate and environmental conditions. Lethbridge leads the ranking because of its combination of UV, heat, extreme cold and dry air, while other cities face different challenges. For travellers, understanding seasonal conditions can help them prepare appropriately and protect their skin outdoors.