With winter around the corner, many of us redheads dread the cold weather that wreaks havoc on our skin. A good balance of oil and moisture is crucial for healthy skin. It is the moisture in the cells that keep them young looking and plumped. The oil and water work together, so there needs to be sufficient water content in the cells and oil to act as a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, which leads to dry skin.
READ: Winter Troubles: How to Heal Intense Dry Skin
There are many moisturizers out there that promise you perfect moisturized skin.
However, if we deal with the problem internally we need less of these products.
So, in the end, we save money and have fabulous skin. Not only will the following tips give you more moisturized skin it will also help reduce acne, dermatitis, and other annoying skin conditions.
Unfortunately, having fair skin means we are more prone to have dry skin and this increases as we age. There are also certain habits that may cause dry skin that needs to be fixed in order to reverse this problem such as chemicals, certain cosmetics, harsh soaps etc.
Here are some tips to help prevent or reverse dry skin:
1. Drink Water:
Be sure you are drinking up to 8 glasses of water to ensure you are keeping your skin well hydrated. If water is too plain for you try something like lemon/mint added to water to jazz it up. Herbal teas and green tea are also a good way to ensure you are getting more water into your diet. Try a S’well Bottle to keep your drink cold or hot for hours.
2. Eat Whole Foods:
Eating a well-rounded diet full of whole foods with healthy proteins (grass-fed meats, eggs, tofu), whole grains, fruits/vegetables (rich in moisture content) is crucial to ensure your skin is functioning at its best. Foods such as avocado, salmon and nuts provide your skin with fatty acids that help plump the skin and improve overall texture. Water-rich foods such as cucumbers, grapes and melons will also ensure good moisture levels.
READ: 5 Foods For Healthier Red Hair
3. Moisturize:
This is a very important step in your skincare routine in order to prevent or reduce dry skin. Applying a ‘Redhead Friendly’ moisturizer is absolutely crucial after washing your skin to help lock in moisture. Aloe vera, a common household remedy in many homes is a great skin care moisturizer, even if you aren’t burnt to a crisp. I love it because it is light and not greasy, although a little bit sticky, I find this the best for my sensitive skin. I also use it under makeup as it acts as a natural primer. In addition, it smooths out rough, dry skin and allows for better makeup application. Try to look for a natural brand without all the added alcohols and parabens that will further dry out skin.
‘Redhead Friendly’ Product Recommendations: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Itch Relief & Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Moisturizer
4. De–Stress:
Believe it or not, stress can cause dry skin among other problems. High levels of stress increase the production of the hormone cortisol which in turn reduces our skins ability to retain water, therefore, leading to dryness.
Rock it like a Redhead!