Harmattan is back, bringing its infamous dryness, dusty winds, and chilly mornings. It’s the season of dry lips, cracked skin, and that uncomfortable feeling of ashy elbows.
Harmattan doesn’t have to take the glow out of your skin. With a few simple steps, you can keep your skin hydrated, soft, and radiant all season long. 
Here are five relatable and practical secrets to help you keep your skin in top shape during this challenging season.
- Moisturize Like Your Skin
Harmattan’s dry air is relentless, and your skin needs all the hydration it can get. Reach for a rich, oil-based moisturizer that locks in moisture. Ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin work wonders. Apply your moisturizer right after a bath while your skin is still slightly damp to trap in the hydration.
Don’t forget the “dry zones”—your elbows, hands, and feet. They tend to lose moisture faster than other areas, so give them extra love.
- Drink Up Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
This season, dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty—it shows on your skin too. To keep your glow intact, drink plenty of water daily. Herbal teas like green tea or chamomile are also excellent for keeping your body and skin hydrated.
If you want to take it a step further, use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out even while indoors.
- Switch to Gentle Cleansers
The harmattan season is not the time to use harsh soaps that strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers or cream-based options that gently clean without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Think of it as giving your skin a break from the harshness.
- Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Just because it’s dusty and hazy doesn’t mean the sun isn’t doing its thing. Harmattan UV rays can sneak through the dust and clouds, causing skin damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. For bonus points, choose one with moisturizing properties.
- Feed Your Skin From Within
What you eat matters. Include foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and seeds, to nourish your skin from the inside out. These foods help keep your skin elastic and hydrated. Don’t forget Vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges and grapefruits to brighten your skin and protect it from environmental damage.
Your Harmattan Essentials Kit
Here’s a quick checklist of harmattan must-haves to keep you looking and feeling fresh:
–Lip balm: A lifesaver for dry, chapped lips. Keep one in your bag, car, and pocket.
- Hair oil: Your hair deserves some TLC too. Hair oils or serums lock in moisture and keep your strands shiny and soft.
- Body oil: Lotions may not cut it this season, so go for oils like coconut oil to keep your skin hydrated.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is non-negotiable during harmattan.
Your Glow Is in Your Hands
The harmattan season doesn’t have to leave your skin dull and dry. With these simple but effective tips, you can stay radiant and confident throughout the season. Remember, your skin deserves the best care. Stick to this routine, and let your glow speak for itself, even in harmattan’s harsh weather.
