What To Do If You’re a Redhead With “Bad Skin” But Do Not Have Breakouts

When we talk about skin issues, acne, blemishes, and pimples are usually the first items to discuss. While breakouts are a big skin concern for many people, they aren’t a concern for all redheads. As we age, many of us experience fewer breakouts. For many adult women, they may only experience the occasional pimple when they are on their menstrual cycle or stressed, or not at all. What if your skin isn’t actively breaking out, but it is not clear? What do you do? And what might be keeping you from experiencing clear, glowing skin?

Rosacea

A very common skin condition among those with fair skin (like us redheads) is rosacea. According to the Mayo Clinic, rosacea is a “common skin condition that causes flushing or long-term redness on your face. It also may cause enlarged blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps.” Rosacea can often be mistaken for acne or some other skin condition. Rosacea can be treated with skincare, medicated treatments, medicines, and even laser treatments. 

Clogged Pores

Clogged pores can give your skin a ruddy appearance. While most clogged pores do lead to some sort of blemish, they don’t always come to a head. Clogged pores could lead to blackheads, bumps, and other discoloration or unevenness of the skin. Clogged pores can be treated with exfoliating products, facial extractions, deep cleansers, and pore strips. 

Sun Damage

Another common skin issue amongst redheads is sun damage. Not wearing SPF can lead to irreversible damage to the skin, which may turn into skin cancer. Besides skin cancer, sun damage can cause uneven skin texture, broken capillaries, redness, blotchiness, and changes in pigmentation of the skin. While the damage done to the skin can not be undone, the appearance may be lessened with things like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and some skincare products. 

Acne Scars

If you’ve suffered from acne in the past, you may find that even though you have no active blemishes, your skin still doesn’t look clear. This can be due to acne scarring. Severe acne can leave behind raised skin, uneven texture, and redness. Acne scaring is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be treated by a dermatologist. 

Eczema and Dryness

Dry skin and dry skin conditions like eczema can leave your skin looking less than fresh. Dry skin conditions can cause redness, flakiness, and overall a less than glowing appearance. You can combat this with hydrating products, exfoliants for removing dead skin, and eczema treatments. 

Skin Irritation/Inflammation

Redheads are notorious for having extremely sensitive skin, so skin irritation, inflammation, and other sensitive skin-related conditions like dermatitis can be a big issue. For most redheads, the best way to reduce this is to use sensitive skin-friendly products, reduce the use of harsh products like retinoids, acids, and harsh exfoliants, and keep skin hydrated. Skin irritation can be caused by several factors, so it’s best to consult your dermatologist on how to proceed if you’re suffering from on going inflammation or irritation. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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