If you’re a redhead and experience frequent pimples or acne, you’re not alone! Redheads are prone to what doctors call “couperose skin.” Couperose skin is defined as visibly dilated capillaries; these capillaries are most likely to show up around the nose and cheek area and can look and feel similar to rosacea. Because a redhead’s skin is thinner, you might even feel like you bruise more and have more-than-normal acne breakouts.
We spoke to Gabrielle Richens. She’s a Certified Skin Therapist, Nail Technician, and owner of the popular beauty blog, The Rich Skin Club. She understands how anyone, especially redheads, can get overwhelmed when it comes to skin tips. “I help women age gracefully and naturally by translating beauty product labels and marketing jargon,” says Richens.
Here are her 4 tips for redheads on how to prevent acne and pimples:
1. USE A CLEANSER/TONER WITH SALICYLIC ACID (BHA) IN YOUR EVENING ROUTINE
2. AVOID PRODUCTS WITH SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) AND SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
Richens says, “These are harsh detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils and cause sebum/oil production to go into overdrive.” Check the labels before you buy. These two surfactants will appear in the first 5 ingredients. Look for more natural products, as they are formulated with kinder ingredients.
3. INVEST IN THE RIGHT FACIAL OILS
Plant oils high in LINOLEIC FATTY ACID (Omega-6), and LINOLENIC FATTY ACID (Omega-3) naturally balance excess oil production and help to prevent blocked pores that lead to breakouts. Richens favorite facial oils for acne-prone skin are: Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Argan Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Borage Oil, Squalane.
‘Redhead Friendly’ Product Recommendation: ClarityRx Nourish Your Skin 100% Squalane Moisturizing Face Oil
4. CHANGE YOUR PILLOWCASE
“This last tip doesn’t involve products or ingredients,” says Richens. “In some cases, changing the pillows daily has proven successful in preventing breakouts. This is because every night your pillow soaks up a cocktail of sweat, toxins, water, sebum and dead skin cells, turning it into a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria and fungus!”
Rock it like a Redhead!
Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now!
