Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the ups and downs of being a redhead in the sun. I have a long history of being sunburned but have learned to love my pale skin and gorgeous hair.
Here are five tips on how to be a redhead in the summer months:
1. Wear SPF
As redheads, we already know how important it is to protect our skin from those harmful UV rays. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to have another reminder. Even if you’re stepping outside for a short while, applying sunscreen every day will do you a world of good. Make sure your morning face lotion contains an SPF, so you’re always making sure your skin is protected before starting the day. Don’t forget to apply some to the ears and hairline too.
READ: 10 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Face Products with Sunscreen
2. The shade is your friend
When you know you’re going to be outside all day, try spending some time in the shade. Whether it’s taking haven under an umbrella at the beach or escaping into a store at an outdoor mall — taking a moment away from the sun will give your skin a needed break. Spend this time either re-applying sunscreen or cooling off from the hot weather. Either way, it’ll give you the refresher needed to get back out and enjoy the summer.
3. Don’t be afraid to have some fun in the sun
While it’s important to protect your skin, there is some good that can come from spending time in the sun. It allows your body to produce vitamin D, helps with curing the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and gets us involved in physical activities like outdoor sports. These benefits are achievable with limited sun exposure, so it’s still important to protect your skin if you plan on staying outside for long periods of time. I personally find that spending time in the sun makes me feel happier and more energetic, so even though I take precautions so I don’t burn, spending some time in the sunlight helps me feel good.
Plus, for my fellow freckle-lovers, the more time you take to get your daily dose of sun exposure, the more freckles you will get! Make sure to monitor your freckles, if they begin to change shapes and sizes. Redheads need to know their ABCDE’s…
4. Own that summer glow by wearing highlighter
A ‘redhead friendly’ highlighter will make your skin glow. Brush it along the high points of your face –– around your upper cheekbones, chin, the bridge and tip of your nose and brow bones for a gorgeous shine in all the right places.
Don’t make the mistake of picking up a highlighter that’s too dark for your skin. e.l.f.’s Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls and Wet ‘n Wild’s MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow are two ‘redhead friendly’ options for fair skin.
READ: Redheads: How To Find The Best Bronzer for Your Fair Skin
5. Let your red hair shine
I don’t know about you, but I love the way my hair looks under the sun. It looks shiny and bright when the sunlight hits it. In my case, the longer my hair stays under the sun, the brighter shade of red it turns, and I end up with a gorgeous flame-color by the time fall comes around.
For many redheads, fading can occur if in the sun for too long. If that’s the case, opt for a color depositing shampoo to keep your red hair vibrant all summer long. Make sure to protect your hair with a sunscreen spray and wide brim hat.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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Photo credit: Pinterest
