Top 10 Effective Tips to Care For Your Skin During Harmattan


Despite the welcoming coolness of the Harmattan season, it can cause our skin to become dry and irritated. Fortunately, with a few simple steps you can keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized during this season.

In this article, we will guide you through 10 effective ways on how to take care of your skin during the Harmattan season.


Moisturize Regularly

Applying moisturizer regularly is one of the most important steps to take care of your skin during harmattan.

Moisturizers lock in moisture, creating a protective barrier on the skin that shields it from the dry air.

Choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer for best results.

Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type. For dry skin, look for moisturizers that contain emollient ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum or ointments. These will help keep moisture close to the surface of the skin.

For those with oily skin, heavier creams may not be suitable. Choose lotions specifically designed for oily or combination skin with light weight oils such as jojoba, grapeseed and olive squalane.

Finally, remember to always apply a generous amount of moisturizer immediately after bathing and showering in order for it to be properly absorbed by the skin. This helps reduce water loss from the stratum corneum and retains moisture in the skin for a longer period of time.

Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

Exfoliation is an important step for healthy skin all year around, but during harmattan season it becomes even more important.

Dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin and can lead to clogged pores, acne, dullness and other unpleasant skin conditions. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliator twice a week to remove the dead cells and keep your skin looking soft and radiant.

Make sure to use circular motions while spreading the scrub on your face and neck, as this helps remove dead debris.

When you are done, rinse away with lukewarm water and use a moisturiser that is suited to your skin type. A regular exfoliation routine should help keep your skin looking luminous without over-drying, regardless of the season.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Even though the sun isn’t as strong in harmattan season, you should still be wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors. This helps to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature aging and skin damage.

Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure to apply it fifteen minutes before venturing out into the sunshine so it has time to absorb into the skin.

You should also be sure to re-apply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. And don’t forget to apply it to other parts of your skin that may not be exposed, such as your lips, scalp, and the backs of your hands.

Sunscreen can even help to protect against some forms of skin cancer, so wear it every day and keep your skin healthy and beautiful during harmattan season!

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin during harmattan season.

Even though you may not feel as thirsty due to the dry climate, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will help your skin to stay hydrated, which helps it maintain its natural protective barrier.

If you find yourself forgetting to drink up, try setting reminders on your phone or keeping a reusable water bottle with you at all times.

Not only should you stay hydrated, but you should also make sure that your food choices are contributing to healthy skin.

Add hydrating fruits like melon and cucumber to your diet, as well as foods with healthy fats, such as wild-caught salmon and avocados. These foods contain essential fatty acids that help keep the skin from becoming dry and flaky.

Eating plenty of dark leafy greens provides antioxidants, which assist in countering the effects of free radical damage caused by UV light exposure.

Choose Natural Skincare Products When Possible

During harmattan season, it can be tempting to stock up on all the latest facial treatments and creams, but it’s important to choose your skincare products wisely.

Look for natural ingredients like avocado, honey, aloe vera, and jojoba oil which help to nourish and protect your skin from the harsh elements of the season.

Also make sure to use a fragrance-free moisturizer so that your skin isn’t further irritated by the fragrances in some products.

If you’re looking for natural skincare solutions, try making your own face masks or toners out of ingredients like honey, coconut oil, and oatmeal.

For your body wash and facial cleansers, look for items labeled “unscented” or “hypoallergenic.”

Lastly, use products designed to be gentle on sensitive skin such as natural exfoliants, mild cleansers and moisturizers formulated with vitamins A, C and E throughout the season to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and protected from environmental damage.

Wear protective clothing when outside

Harmattan is a dry and dusty season that can take a toll on your skin. To protect yourself from the harsh effects of wind and sun, you should wear protective clothing when outside.

Try to wear long-sleeved outfits made of breathable fabric like cotton or linen that covers exposed skin such as your arms, legs, neck and chest area.

Additionally, make sure to cover your head with hats or scarves to further shield it from the sun’s rays. Be sure to keep your skin moisture by continuing to use moisturizer in order to help relieve the effects of dryness.

Cleanse Gently but Often

To avoid dry skin during the Harmattan season, cleaning your face at least twice a day will help keep it soft and moisturized. However, be sure to use gentle cleansers or soaps that won’t strip away your natural oils.

Natural exfoliators like oatmeal and honey are especially effective and hydrating. Additionally, using a mild toner afterwards is ideal to maintain skin PH balance and to lock in moisture.

Avoid Overdoing Hot Showers and Baths

Hot water might feel nice and soothing during the Harmattan season, but don’t overdo it!

Too much hot water can strip away your natural oils, leaving your skin feeling dry and tight. Instead use lukewarm water for short showers or baths.

Afterwards make sure to immediately apply a moisturizer on damp skin so that it can be absorbed easily.

For further lasting results, opt for a heavy and greasy moisturizer during harmattan season. Products such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil work wonders at this time of the year.

Additionally, make sure to cleanse your face twice daily using a gentle cleanser to avoid clogged pores and breakouts.

Lastly, consider using face masks once or twice a week to provide extra hydration and replenish the skin with helpful nutrients.

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