5 Skincare basics for the harmattan period

olamide olarewaju

January 12, 2015 10:43 AM

The Harmattan season presents itself with the signature dry air that can suck out the lustre/shine/moisture out of the skin but it can also easily be the weather for great skin only if well hydrated, check out basics to tame the skin around this period

The harmattan season is synonymous with cold, dry and dusty wind. The signature of this period is dry air which tends to dry out the skin, makes it flaky, extremely dry/sucking the moisture out of it.

So during the Harmattan season its not unusual to see people's skin turned whitish, lacklustre and plain dull,the trick usually is to load on more moisture, actually a little more than on usual days during harmattan so this way the skin retain moisture.

Today on Pulse Daily, we would be sharing tips on how to care for the skin during the harmattan:

1) Avoid using antiseptic soaps during this weather opt more for cream bars

Use antiseptic soaps only when you have a skin infection it is meant to treat the skin not necessarily for everyday use. For harmattan a cream bar works perfect.

2) Wear a good body moisturizer everyday.

To make sure the skin retains moisture during this period invest in a good moisturizer, one that deeply moisturizes as well as locks in this added moisture preventing the skin from drying out. Use a cream preferably this season as against body lotion

(3) Avoid using skin lightening creams/lotion during this weather.

Most skin lightening creams end up thinning the skin making it weak and dry during this season. If you must use a skin lightening cream around this period, double coat your skin with a healing moisturising lotion.

4) Drink lots of water.

Water is known to help moisturize the skin, during this period increase your water intake for a supple and healthy looking skin, it also makes sure the skin retains moisture

5) Avoid carbonated drinks.

During harmattan, include more of nourishing food and drinks into your diet. Stay away from carbonated drinks around this time as they tend to dehydrate your skin badly.

olamide olarewaju