London: Living in London prematurely ages your skin by three-and-a-half years, according to new research.

Pollution, smoking, stress and poor sun-care are the principal contributing factors, said the study by a skin treatments firm.

It suggested people in north-east London were likely to have the oldest skin in the country, appearing nearly four years older than they should.

Lack of sleep, bad diet and poor sun-care were to blame, the study said.

Dermatologist Dr Sean Lanigan said: “The skin is a barometer for our general well-being so those not feeling comfortable in theirs should address various lifestyle factors.”

Researchers devised the “skin age” formula based on factors such as stress, sleep levels, diet, social habits, and pollution levels that all can contribute to premature skin ageing.