Have you seen it yet?
Have you felt it yet? It's finally here!
Just as you’ve guessed, I'm talking about Harmattan.
Harmattan is my least favorite weather. The mixture of hot and cold drives me crazy.
One minute, I'm freezing my knuckles off in the morning, and before you know it, I'm practically baking in the afternoon sun (Thank you, sunscreen). If there's any definition of uncomfortable weather, it's harmattan.
It's such fascinating weather—not only hot and cold but also with a touch of dust. Besides that, it does serve as a reminder that the holidays are here and the year is rounding up.
So the smart thing to do obviously is to prepare adequately for them.
Harmattan is known for its deficient humidity levels. It changes your skincare needs because the skin can feel cracked and dry during this period. They include conditions like dryness of the skin, dried or chapped lips, eyes, and respiratory problems. So in this article, we are going to be looking at the best practices to make sure that this peculiar season is going to be as smooth as possible.
How to stay healthy during harmattan
Harmattan is known for sucking skin oil, leaving the skin dry. Taking care of yourself during the harmattan season involves a combination of skincare, hydration, and general wellness practices. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and comfortable.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is very essential at this time – up to 3 liters a day. The dry air can dehydrate you quickly, so it's essential to drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body further.
Moisturize Your Skin
Apply rich moisturizers: Use oil-based or thick creams to help lock in moisture. As much as you can, moisturize with lotion right in the bathroom to help your skin lock in the moisture. Stepping out will dry up your skin quickly
You do not want ashy skin, especially after a bath. Products with natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil are especially effective.
Moisturise sensitive areas like your legs, hands, lips, knees, arms, feet, and elbows. They are more prone to looking dry and cracked. Have hand creams, foot creams, and chap stick handy.
Shea butter has also been used in most parts of the continent for years especially during Harmattan to protect and improve the quality of skin and hair. Moisturize frequently, especially after bathing or washing your hands.
Protect Your Lips
Use lip balm: Keep a moisturizing lip balm with you to prevent dry, chapped lips. Look for balms with hydrating ingredients such as petroleum jelly, beeswax, or shea butter.
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Protect Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses: Dusty winds can irritate your eyes, so wearing protective eyewear helps keep the dust out. Use eye drops if you experience irritation or dryness to maintain moisture in your eyes.
Dress Appropriately
Wear protective clothing: To keep warm during the cooler mornings and evenings, wear layered clothing and cover exposed areas to avoid skin dryness. Keep your skin moisturized. Ensure that your skin, especially parts of the body that are left uncovered when you're dressed, is well moisturized.
Use scarves or masks to cover your nose and mouth to reduce exposure to dust when outdoors.
Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Keep your windows and doors closed: This helps minimize dust entering your home. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air helps combat the dryness of harmattan. Dust and clean regularly to keep surfaces free from dust accumulation.
Take Care of Your Respiratory Health
Use nasal sprays to keep nasal passages moist, reducing the risk of dryness and nosebleeds. Stay away from outdoor activities because of the high dust concentration, especially if you have respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.
Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Every part of your body needs hydration and moisturization during this period and your hair is not left out. Apply leave-in conditioners or hair oils to keep your hair from drying out and breaking. Wear protective styles or cover your hair with a scarf or hat to shield it from the dry air.
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| Moisturising Hair care set |
Use Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen even during harmattan. The sun’s rays can be harsh, and the reflection of dust particles can intensify their effect on the skin.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
The best foods to eat during harmattan are fruits and vegetables, especially the ones that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as oranges, carrots, and spinach, to boost your immune system.
Include hydrating foods to complement your water intake. Watermelon fruit tops the list because it contains 92% water which makes it one of the most hydrating fruits you can eat during harmattan.
Other fruits and foods to consider include Cucumber, Pineapple and leafy greens. They contain a high water and vitamin content, which helps to reduce dehydration & dryness of skin caused by the dry air. The fruit also helps fight infections and build immunity against a chronic cough and other infections associated with the common cold.
Stay Warm
Wear warm clothing in the mornings and evenings when the temperature drops significantly. Keep blankets and sweaters handy for extra warmth at night. Use lukewarm water to shower
Doors and windows should always be shut to prevent dust and harmful bugs from entering. Inflammable objects like petrol, gas, wood, and alcohol should also be put away and preventive measures should be taken to prevent fire outbreaks.
While it might be very tempting to bathe with hot water, it is not advisable as hot water strips the skin of its moisture leaving it drier.
Additional tips to stay healthy during harmattan
- Drink water for smoother skin
- Dust your homes regularly.
- Take enough Vitamin C.
- Wash your eyes regularly to avoid red eyes
- Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or towel when it is dusty.
- Avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have allergies
- Get vitamin supplements to promote your health.
Following these care practices will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and protected during the harmattan season.
Until then, take care of yourself.
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