4 Winter Skin Mistakes You Are Probably Making

Winter is a tough time for the largest organ in our body: the skin. It can cause oily skin to become dry skin or normal skin to become flaky. Winter can also cause rosacea, redness, itchiness and more.

Here are 4 winter skin mistakes redheads are probably making:

1. Not wearing SPF

Everyone should wear SPF all year round, but redheads really need to. It’s easy to think that just because it’s a little colder, the sun isn’t a threat. UV rays can be just as damaging during the winter as in warmer weather. If you’re a little strapped for time, choose a foundation or moisturizer with SPF to avoid adding an extra step to your beauty routine. Try MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 or Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Face Moisturizer SPF 20

2. Avoiding Moisturizer

A common mistake people with acne-prone skin make is avoiding moisturizers. They believe their skin is too oily or moisturizer will clog their pores. In actual fact, your skin produces more oil when lacking moisture, in order to prevent it from drying out. In addition, dry, dead skin cells clog the skin and cause spots. Cold weather means dry, flaky skin, and an oil-free moisturizer will provide the hydration you need without blocking pores, leaving skin healthier and happier. My current ‘Redhead Friendly’ favorite is Garnier SkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. I use this morning and night to keep my skin soft, and it is a lovely base for makeup too.

3. Letting the air dry you out

Cold weather leaves us craving heat, but indoor heating can sap the moisture out of the air; contributing to dry skin, chapped lips and even health issues such as sore throats, dry coughs, and asthma flares. Try a humidifier to place by your bedside.

A trick I learned years ago (for those who have old-school radiators) is to place a glass of water under the radiator, as it will evaporate with the heat, adding moisture back into the air.

4. Not supplementing*

Lack of sun means lack of vitamin D, and winter for me often means eating more pasta and comfort food than salads and fruit. If you’re feeling run down, it will often show in the health of your skin and hair. Try vitamin supplements if you feel you’re not getting your fill. Vitamin C is good for the immune system, while vitamin D and E are important for strong hair and skin. Vitamin B deficiency, along with iron deficiency, is often the cause of low energy levels this time of year too.

Bonus: Top tip for red hair this winter

Use protection! During the summer it is easy to leave red hair wild and free to dry in the sun and embrace its natural texture. During the winter, the hairdryer comes out far more often, and our hair can need a little more styling and control. Make sure to invest in a good serum to protect hair from heat damage caused by blowdrying, straightening or curling. I swear by John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to provide shine, control, and protection.