I absolutely love being a redhead. It wasn’t always this way, and I was often made fun of in school. After a few years of being dragged down, and often considering dying my hair, I realized I was being ridiculous. It is an honor and privilege to be a redhead, and I am one of the 2% of the population that gets to say that. I now couldn’t imagine dying my hair, and fully embrace my red locks.
But being a redhead has its downsides.
While the scrutiny can often weigh redheads down, it was my dermatologist who really shocked me. During an appointment last week, he walked in, took one look at me and immediately exclaimed, ‘you’re a redhead? Oh you better stay out of the sun!’
While I always knew I needed to be cautious, he went on to explain that the pigment in red hair is unable to filter sunlight, which makes more sun hit our skin. Generally, redheads also happen to have more fair skin (which I do, despite being Italian) making them even further prone to burning. Because of this, redheads are nearly 80% more susceptible to skin cancer. Isn’t that just lovely?
Of course I needed to research this further because hearing it from a professional just isn’t enough for me. Unknowingly to me, this was a big deal in 2006 when scientists initially linked the ‘red hair gene’ to skin cancer. Shockingly, studies showed that people with darker skin who had the red hair gene had a higher risk of skin cancer than more fair individuals. Nonetheless, the risk is high for all redheads, regardless of initial skin color. The worst part is the risk for melanoma, the most severe type, is higher than any other type of skin cancer for people with a red hair gene.
It’s safe to say us redheads need to unite and be cautious. The last thing I need or want is skin cancer, and if I can prevent it, I sure as hell will. I wear 50 SPF sunblock, and try to stay out of the sun at the highest points of day. A hat is suggested as well, but I often can’t bring myself to do that to do that to my fashion sense.
Lovelies, what do you do to protect yourself from the sun regardless of your hair color?
P.S. Shout out to all my fellow redheads…Be safe ladies!
Photo: Source
guest
It is pretty hard to avoid getting sun where I live, but yes, one really needs to use sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. If it is really bad out, I might even consider wearing long sleeves and full length bottoms. I find it is better to be pale than to put yourself at risk for skin cancer and generally leather-like skin.
daffodil / 1601 posts
Don’t have to tell me twice. I’m very good with sun protection. Physical barriers from the sun are always best. Clothing, hats, parasols. Some chemical sunscreens are healthier than others but the less surface area you have to cover with those, the better. Chemical sunscreens should be a secondary defense.
rose / 980 posts
I’m a natural redhead. I’ve already had skin cancer once (squamous cell carcinoma). The sucky part is that most of the damage done to our skin occurs when we were kids. I used to burn a lot as a kid. At around age 14, I refused to go in the sun like it would literally melt me. Sun isn’t good for us. Not only do I spray on sunscreen like mad, I also sit in the shade (where I have burned before.)
guest
so happy i’m a fake redhead
guest
I’m not a red head, but I try to make an effort to protect myself. I usually wear SPF 50 when I go out in the sun (but always some sort of sunblock). I can’t really avoid direct sunlight in the summer though, because I teach sailing.
orchid / 205 posts
I just like pasty redheaded.
orchid / 177 posts
Do you think this applies to women who’ve dyed their hair red?
guest
EVERYONE should protect themselves, hair colour really doesn’t have anything to do with it.
guest
@daydreams_nightmares@xanga - Redheads are more susceptible to issues. She’s a redhead. I think why she directed it toward redheads was pretty clear.
guest
Interesting post and informative. Nice job. here is another cancer creating suspect.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/168876_315598155196276_836740325_n.jpg
rose / 980 posts
@asifsys23 - Uh, no.
rose / 980 posts
@daydreams_nightmares@xanga - Actually hair color has a lot to do with it. For whatever reason, redheads more than other haired people get skin cancer more often. It’s just a reminder that while it is important for everyone, it is especially important for redheads. The article is pointing out a connection between red hair and skin cancer, not just the usual if you burn easily connection. I know a few darker skinned redheads who don’t think they are at risk because they are darker skinned. This study would suggest otherwise.
guest
@asifsys23 - lol
orchid / 177 posts
@lovelybish@xanga - @TiredSoVeryTired@xanga - ooookay, in hindsight, that sounded really dumb. What I meant was, is it more along the line of genetics in a woman with red hair, or is it something about the color in general. Sorry!
guest
so does that mean men/women with dark hair are less prone to skin cancer?