Harmattan can be tough on the skin. It brings dry and harsh weather conditions, making things even more uncomfortable for you if you have naturally dry skin. The dry air draws moisture away from the skin, making it parched and more susceptible to irritation. Without proper care, this can result in flakiness, itching, and discomfort.
If you have dry skin, you will need to adjust your usual skincare routine to be more hydration-focused to combat the intensified effects of harmattan. In this blog post, we’ll give you 10 tips that will help you do just that!
Harmattan/Winter Body Care Tips for Very Dry Skin
1. Hydration is Key
- Hydration starts from within. Drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial to combat the dehydrating effects of harmattan. It helps replenish the moisture lost due to the dry weather conditions.
- Beyond water, incorporating hydrating foods into your diet is essential. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, contribute to keeping your skin hydrated from the inside.
- Consider adding a hydrating serum to your skincare routine. The Bioactive Hydrating Essence, containing hyaluronic acid, is an excellent choice. This ingredient attracts and retains moisture, providing an extra layer of hydration for your skin.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Lock in moisture by applying moisturizer immediately after showering. The dampness on your skin helps the moisturizer penetrate deeply, preventing moisture loss throughout the day.
Opt for rich and emollient moisturizers that provide intense hydration. The Beta-repair Soothing Face Creme is ideal for your face, while the Buttr-peach Nourishing Body Creme is perfect for your body. These formulations are formulated with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that help to alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple.
3. Choose the Right Cleanser
Harsh cleansers strip your skin of essential oils, contributing to dryness. Choose gentle, non-stripping cleansers like the Berry Clean Foaming Wash for your face and the Be-meric Smoothening Shower Gel for your body. These cleansers effectively clean without compromising your skin's natural oils. This way, your skin is not excessively dry after you shower.
4. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliating your skin is essential for rejuvenating your skin, especially during harmattan when dryness and skin roughness are common challenges.
Opt for gentle exfoliators to avoid over-drying your skin. The Bro-enzyme Exfoliating Masque is perfect for your face, while the Bam-nut Exfoliating Body Scrub caters to your body. These mild exfoliators effectively slough off dead skin without causing irritation or stripping away essential moisture. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week for best results.
5. Protect Your Skin
- Shielding your skin from harsh external elements is crucial during harmattan. Wearing protective clothing, like long sleeves and scarves, creates a barrier that reduces direct exposure to the dry and cold air.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: It’s bad enough that the air is so dry, you don’t want to add sun damage to the mix. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas, such as your face and hands to help prevent sun damage and keep your skin protected. Besides, most sunscreens are hydrating. This adds to the moisture on your skin, further preventing dryness.
6. Invest in Humidifiers
Humidifiers are your skin's best friend during the harmattan season. They add moisture to the dry indoor air, creating a more comfortable environment for your skin. This is especially helpful if you regularly run your air conditioner because that further dries out the air.
7. Avoid Hot Showers
During harmattan, hot showers might feel soothing, but they contribute to skin dryness the melt off your skin’s sebum, leaving your skin bare and dry. Opt for lukewarm water to cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
Also, keep your showers short and efficient. This reduces the time your skin spends in contact with water, minimizing the risk of dehydration.
8. Pat Dry, Don't Rub
After your shower, resist the urge to vigorously rub your skin with a towel. Instead, gently pat it dry. This method helps to retain some moisture on the skin's surface, preventing the immediate loss of hydration and irritation due to friction.
9. Nourish from the Inside
Include omega-3 fatty acids and foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E in your diet. Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. These fats contribute to the skin's natural oil barrier, preventing excessive dryness.
Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, citrus fruits, and nuts, nourish your skin from within. These vitamins promote collagen production and protect your skin from environmental damage.
10. Consult a Dermatologist
Seek professional advice for a tailored skincare routine. If you're unsure about the best products and practices for your skin, consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice based on your skin type, addressing specific concerns like dryness during the harmattan season. This ensures that your skincare routine is tailored to your unique needs, maximizing its effectiveness.
Conclusion
We've explored various practical tips to navigate the challenges of very dry skin during harmattan. From the significance of hydration and the use of quality skincare products like the ones in our Berries and Botanicals collection to lifestyle adjustments and protective measures, these strategies collectively form a comprehensive approach to winter body care.
Incorporating these practices into your routine not only helps combat dryness during harmattan but also promotes overall skin health and comfort.