Natural or “true” redheads are not very common (only 2%-5% of the population) and being one comes with some unique skin care challenges. Being a little girl with naturally red hair and freckles was difficult at times and I didn’t like it very much, but now at fifty, I embrace my unique God-given hair color and do all I can to protect and preserve the fair, pale complexion that accompanies it. Following are three tips to remember if you are a redhead that I hope you will find helpful!
#1 Skin care tip for Redheads –Sun Protection is a Must
By all means redheads have to realize that their fair skin is much more susceptible to burning and developing skin cancers than any other type. I have never been in a tanning bed, I use sunless tanners instead. Always wear a sun block with at least a 30 SPF every time you are out in the sun for longer than half an hour at a time. I sometimes use 50 SPF for even greater protection. I wear sunglasses religiously to protect my eyes from damaging sun rays. In 2005, researchers at Duke University determined that people with red hair have melanin pigments that encourage cell oxidation of the type that causes cancer cell mutations. Even if we red heads take precautions from the sun, we are still more susceptible to skin cancers including melanoma. Redheads should also wear makeup with at least and SPF of 15 every single day.
#2 Skin care tip for Redheads – Wash and Moisturize for Sensitive Skin
I use a noncomedogenic soap that is dermatologist tested and gentle enough for sensitive skin. My skin is oily in the summer months but tends to dry out in the winter. I’ve tried different soaps for my face, but the one I’ve used consistently now for at least ten years and love is the “Purpose Cleansing Bar” by Johnson and Johnson. It also comes in a wash, but personally I prefer the bar soap. It doesn’t clog my pores and I use it daily all year long. It doesn’t aggravate my oily skin in summer and it moisturizes my dry winter face beautifully!
#3 Skin care tip for Redheads – No More Heavy Makeup
The natural look is in vogue these days when it comes to wearing makeup and especially so for true redheads. I’ll be honest; I’m still trying to conform to a more natural look. Those of us with freckles on the face tend to want to cover them up with a heavy application of foundation. But in the redhead’s case, less is more according to the experts. It is even suggested that redheads should use just a tinted moisturizer and let the freckles show through. Right now, I’m wearing the lightest shade of ivory foundation in the Estee Lauder brand, but plan to try switching to just a tinted moisturizer. Lighter makeup is better for everyone, but the redhead’s skin tends to be thinner than most so less makeup should be used on the face to prevent pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other irritations. Finally, I avoid any facial product that contains alcohol, fragrances, alpha hydroxy acids, and essential oils which tend to irritate my face.
Be proud of the creamy fair complexion that comes with being a true redhead and take care of it. Start by following these three basic skin care tips for redheads!
References:
Duke University: Duke Chemists Find Possible Reason Why Redheads Have More Skin Cancer
http://today.duke.edu/2005/08/redheads.html
http://www.purposeskincare.com/productGuideBar
Personal experience