- The harmattan season is upon us and usually comes with dry weather
- The dry, cold winds can lead to dryness of your skin, leaving the skin unattractive
- Learning a tailored routine can help you maintain a glowing complexion throughout the harmattan season
Harmattan season in Nigeria, spanning from November to March, is characterised by cold, dry winds and a drop in humidity.
While the weather may bring some relief from the usual tropical heat, it also poses unique challenges for your skin.
The dry and dusty conditions can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Adopting a tailored skincare routine during harmattan is essential to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
TheRadar has compiled a comprehensive skincare regimen to help you navigate the harmattan season and keep your skin looking its best.
Understanding harmattan’s impact on skin
Before diving into the skincare routine, it’s crucial to understand how harmattan affects your skin. The dry air and strong winds can:
- Dehydrate the skin, causing it to become dry, flaky, and irritated.
- Increase sensitivity, making your skin more prone to redness and inflammation.
- Exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
- Cause chapped lips, as the delicate skin on your lips loses moisture quickly.
- Introduce dust and pollutants, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
A specialised skincare routine focusing on hydration, protection, and gentle care is vital to combat these effects.
Morning skincare routine
1. Cleanse gently: Start your day with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. During harmattan, your skin’s natural moisture barrier is compromised, so avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that strip your skin of its essential oils.
2. Tone and balance: A toner can help remove any remaining impurities while balancing your skin’s pH. However, choose an alcohol-free toner to prevent additional dryness.
3. Apply a hydrating serum: Serums are concentrated products that deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. During harmattan, focus on hydration-boosting serums. Apply the serum while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner to lock in extra moisture.
4. Moisturise intensively: The dry harmattan air can easily dehydrate your skin, making a good moisturiser the most crucial part of your routine. Choose a thick, emollient moisturiser that can provide a barrier against moisture loss.
5. Don’t forget sunscreen: Even though harmattan often brings cloudy skies, UV rays can still penetrate and cause skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects your skin from sunburn and prevents premature ageing.
6. Protect your lips: Lips are one of the most vulnerable areas during harmattan. The dry air can cause them to become chapped and cracked quickly. Use a nourishing lip balm containing petroleum jelly, shea butter, or beeswax. Reapply frequently throughout the day.
Night skincare routine
1. Double cleanse (if necessary): If you’ve been exposed to dust during the day or worn makeup, consider double cleansing. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and dust, followed by your regular hydrating cleanser.
2. Exfoliate (Twice a week): Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, preventing dryness and flakiness. However, it’s important not to over-exfoliate during harmattan as it can damage your already compromised skin barrier. Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation.
3. Use a hydrating serum or essence: At night, your skin undergoes repair and regeneration. Applying a hydrating serum or essence can boost this process. Look for products with antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide, which help repair skin damage and brighten your complexion.
4. Moisturise with a rich night cream: Your night cream should be richer and more emollient than your daytime moisturiser to provide intensive hydration and repair while you sleep.
5. Apply an overnight face mask (once a week): For an extra boost of hydration, use a nourishing overnight face mask once a week. This helps replenish your skin’s moisture levels and soothes any irritation.
Additional skincare tips for harmattan
1. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial during harmattan. The dry air can dehydrate your skin from the inside out, so aim for at least 2-3 litres of water daily. You can also incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon.
2. Use a humidifier at home: The dry air can strip moisture from your skin even while indoors. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or living space can help maintain the moisture level in the air, preventing your skin from drying out.
3. Avoid hot showers: While a hot shower may be tempting during cold harmattan mornings, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit your shower time.
4. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products: Fragrances and harsh chemicals in skincare products can further irritate sensitive skin during harmattan. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free options to avoid any potential skin reactions.
5. Protect your skin outdoors: If you’re heading outside, wear protective clothing like scarves, hats, and sunglasses. This helps shield your skin from the dry, dusty wind and reduces exposure to irritants.
Harmattan can be harsh on your skin, but with the proper routine and products, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing throughout the season.
Remember, moisture and protection are critical to a good harmattan skincare routine. Prioritise hydration, avoid harsh products and listen to your skin’s needs. You can enjoy the unique weather with consistent care while keeping your skin in its best condition.
Stay proactive with your skincare, and don’t let the dry winds of harmattan dull your glow!
5 tips to know your skin type
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported some tips on five steps to know your skin type and the features of each skin type. It is essential to know your skin type if you want to curate a healthy skincare routine and have flawless skin.
Knowing your skin type will allow you to select the right products for your skincare regimen.