The arrival of the harmattan season in Nigeria brings with it a familiar set of skin challenges. The dry, dusty air and cold mornings often lead to tight, flaky skin, cracked lips, and an overall feeling of discomfort. For many, this period also signals the start of festive celebrations, making it all the more important to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
The Core Principles of Harmattan Skincare
To navigate this harsh season successfully, certain skincare steps must become absolute priorities. These are not mere suggestions but essential practices to protect your skin's barrier and prevent the dehydration that harmattan is notorious for causing.
Moisturising is the undisputed champion of any harmattan routine. The dry air actively strips moisture from your skin, weakening its natural barrier. This is the time to switch to richer, thicker creams formulated with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin. For the body, consider layering a lotion on damp skin and then sealing it in with a body oil or butter to combat ashiness and midday dryness effectively.
Internal and External Hydration is Key
It is crucial to understand the difference between hydration and moisturisation. Hydrating products, such as serums with hyaluronic acid, help draw water into the skin, while moisturisers work to lock that moisture in. Applying a hydrating essence to damp skin before your cream can make a significant difference. Furthermore, do not forget to drink plenty of water, as the cold weather can make it easy to neglect internal hydration, which will inevitably show on your skin.
Lip care demands religious consistency. Cracked, peeling lips are a hallmark of harmattan. Lip balm should be applied frequently throughout the day and used as an overnight treatment. Look for balms containing protective ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, or shea butter to create a lasting barrier against moisture loss.
Additional Non-Negotiable Practices
Your cleansing habits need adjustment during this period. Avoid harsh, stripping cleansers that leave your skin feeling squeaky-clean and tight. Opt for gentle, creamy, or low-foam formulas that clean without compromising your skin's natural oils.
Despite the hazy skies, sunscreen remains a daily essential. UV rays are still present and can exacerbate skin dryness and cause long-term damage. Choose a hydrating sunscreen formula that offers protection without further drying your skin.
Exfoliation should be approached with caution. While flaky skin may tempt you to scrub more, over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier. Limit exfoliation to once a week using gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, and avoid abrasive physical scrubs.
Finally, do not neglect the rest of your body. Hands, feet, elbows, and knees are particularly vulnerable. Keep hand cream readily available, apply foot cream generously at night, and pay extra attention to dry spots like cuticles and heels.
By embracing these seven non-negotiable habits—prioritising rich moisturisers, dual hydration, constant lip care, gentle cleansing, consistent sun protection, careful exfoliation, and full-body attention—you can enjoy the festive harmattan season with skin that feels comfortable, soft, and healthy.
