Beat the dryness: Keep your skin moisturised during harmattan

ADENIKE BADERIN shares practical tips to ensure your skin remains healthy and moist during the dry harmattan season.

Harmattan brings dry, cold air that can leave your skin dry, flaky, and irritated. The cold temperatures and dry winds that come with this season can cause your skin to lose moisture faster, leading to dryness. Maintaining proper moisture is essential to keep your skin healthy and protected during this period. Whether you are in Nigeria or any tropical country, these practical and effective tips will ensure your skin locks in moisture and stays nourished throughout the dry season.

Drink enough water

Hydration starts from within. The extreme dryness of the Harmattan air can significantly increase your body’s dehydration rate, so drinking plenty of water is important. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day to help your skin maintain its natural hydration level. In addition to water, include foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens in your diet to boost internal moisture.

Bathe with lukewarm water

Avoid bathing with hot water, even on chilly mornings. Hot water strips your skin of its natural oil barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers brief to minimise moisture loss.

Use a rich, oil-based moisturiser

Moisturising your skin is a vital step in combating the effects of harmattan. Rich, oil-based moisturisers or body butters are especially effective at sealing in moisture. Apply immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp to maximise hydration. Essential oils like olive, coconut, and jojoba, as well as shea butter, provide deep nourishment and prevent ashy skin. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as the elbows, feet, lips, and hands to keep them soft and hydrated.

Layer your skincare products strategically

Following a comprehensive skincare routine ensures your skin receives the protection and hydration it needs throughout the day. Start with a gentle cleanser, then use a hydrating toner to prep your skin for the next steps. Incorporate a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels, followed by a rich moisturiser to lock in hydration.

READ ALSO:6 common harmattan illnesses and how to avoid them

Make environmental adjustments

In addition to skincare products, consider making environmental adjustments to protect your skin. Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the dry air and prevent your skin from drying out further. When outdoors, wear protective clothing like scarves to shield your skin from the harsh winds and cold air. Finally, sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Even though the weather is cooler, the sun’s UV rays remain strong and can cause damage, including premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to protect your skin from sunburn and other harmful effects.

Moisturisers to consider

Cerave Moisturising Cream

Infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight fragrance-free, non-greasy formula gives long-lasting hydration and restores the skin’s natural barrier.

Eucerin Complete Repair Moisturising Cream

Formulated with urea and ceramide-3 to smooth, hydrate, and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, this ultra-nourishing blend helps your skin stay supple.

La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturiser

Developed with prebiotics to restore balance, while shea butter and niacinamide calm and soften, its intensive formula locks in moisture, keeping irritation and dryness at bay.

Palmers Cocoa Butter

Rich, creamy texture packed with cocoa butter and vitamin E to deeply moisturise and improve skin elasticity, this comforting formula leaves a protective layer on your skin.

READ ALSO: Oil-Free Moisturisers For Acne-Prone Skin

Neutrogena Hydroboost

A lightweight water-gel moisturiser powered by hyaluronic acid quenches dehydrated skin and provides a fresh, plump look, helping your skin maintain its glow.