Ways to protect your skin during Harmattan
Don’t let the harsh weather have adverse effects on your skin: Harmattan season is here and there are adverse effects of the dry, dusty weather. During such weather, it is the skin that suffers the most; the skin loses its moisture and elasticity.
Hence, here are the ways you can protect your skin during Harmattan.
Use a light moisturiser: Avoid thick, heavy creams and choose a lightweight, hydrating lotion. Some brands contain extra boosts of vitamin C and soy to enhance the skin’s summer glow. Heavy creams don’t sink into the skin, they just sit on top making you greasy rather than moisturised.
Use natural oils: Try using extra virgin olive oil as an complete hydrator. Warm a few drops of oil in your hand before smoothing over your face for ultra-moisturised skin or add a few drops to your shampoo.
Coconut oil supports new skin formation and acts as a protective barrier against burning. Also, essential oils like argan, lavender and rose contain a natural SPF to protect your skin against the sun’s rays.
Just add a few drops to your body moisturiser for some extra protection against the sun. They also smell amazing!
Carry face towelettes: When moving around, make sure you pack alcohol-free face towelettes for a quick cleanse on- the-go that won’t dry out your skin. Spending the day in a busy city, our skin attracts dirt that we cannot see with our naked eye so a quick cleanse every couple of hours works wonders.
These wipes are also perfect for removing makeup and some of the natural varieties contain chamomile, cucumber and vitamin E.
Your skin will feel revitalised!
Use lip balm: Choose natural balms that moisturise and hydrate lips, and are free from mineral and petroleum oils. Coconut butter, beeswax and extra virgin olive oil naturally seal in moisture and help hydrate lips.
Deliver soothing relief to lips with ingredients such as lemon balm, tea tree oil and peppermint.
Make sure you carry it with you for quick and easy re-application.
Exfoliate: Break through dead skin cells and keep your skin looking fresh by exfoliating your face, hands, body and feet.
Use natural scrubs that contain anti-aging ingredients like vitamin C and E, moisturisers such as lavender and argan oil, and exfoliates like sea salt and brown sugar.