Our sensitive, freckly redhead skin means this time of year can wreak havoc on our delicate faces. Colder air outside can steal moisture from our skin, while indoor heating can also cause dryness.
Taking care of your redhead skin is important regardless of the weather. Here, we take a look at the top tips for ensuring your skin is always glowing –– no matter what time of year it is!
1. Moisturize daily
Your lightweight summer moisturizer won’t cut it in these colder months. Choose one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help bind moisture to the skin and keep it healthy and hydrated.
READ: 9 Redhead Friendly Facial Moisturizers
Try: Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer Glycerin 20% Skin Protectant or Reviva Collagen Night Cream for Hydrating, for Normal To Dry Skin
2. Eat smart
Change up your diet and add some healthy fats like walnuts and avocados which are thought to help dry skin. Drink plenty of water.
3. Exfoliate weekly
Get rid of unwanted dry flaky skin by gently exfoliating. Try to avoid “physical” scrubs that contain bits of grain in it; these can be rough on sensitive skin and can cause more problems than they solve. Instead, look for a chemical exfoliant. There are two main types of chemical exfoliants. AHA’s (Alpha hydroxy acids) include ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid, while BHA’s (Beta hydroxy acids) include salicylic acid. We recommend exfoliating 1-2 times a week, depending on how much your redhead skin needs it.
Try: Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant & 2% BHA Liquid Travel Duo
4. Use an antioxidant serum
Antioxidant serums are great for using all year round. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as niacinamide. If you’re sensitive, be careful with anything containing vitamin A or C in as these can cause a bit of redness and discomfort until the skin adjusts.
Try: PCA SKIN C-Quench Antioxidant Face Serum or MD Complete Retinol Vitamin C Concentrate Serum
5. Don’t forget your SPF
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you should skip this vital step! Believe it or not, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the cloud, so make sure you’ve stocked up on your favorite facial SPF (50, obvs) to protect skin from sun damage and sunspots.
READ: Why Redheads Need to Keep Wearing Sunscreen This Fall and Winter
Try: Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
6. Use a mild cleanser
Find a cleanser to use every day with zero perfume/fragrance. Ingredients like chamomile and oatmeal are great for sensitive skin. Using the wrong cleanser each day can strip the skin of its vital top barrier and lead to dryness, irritation, and even blemishes.
Try: Eminence Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser
7. Have warm, not boiling, showers
Many of us love a good hot shower especially during the colder months but try to refrain. It’s doing your skin no good. Instead, opt for a warm shower.
READ: 5 Shower Smarter Tips to Avoid Dry, Redhead Skin
8. Pamper yourself with a weekly face mask
There are many skin masks out there, but don’t be scared to dabble in a bit of home DIY. Honey, oatmeal, avocado, and mashed banana are all ingredients you can find in your cupboard that help to nourish and moisturize skin.
READ: 6 Favorite Face Masks for Redheads in 2020
Rock it like a Redhead!
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