Does your skin feel like sandpaper? Are your lips so dry they could double as sand dunes? Welcome to Harmattan season! It’s that time of year when the air is so dry even your moisturiser is begging for mercy. If your skin and lips are crying out for help, don’t panic—you’re not alone. Harmattan’s dusty winds and low humidity have a way of sucking the life (and moisture) out of everyone. But guess what? Home remedies are here to save you costs.
Plenty of easy, cost-effective remedies are hiding right in your kitchen or local market that can save your skin and lips. Let’s explore these natural solutions and bring moisture back to your life.
The Battle with Dry Skin
Dry skin is one of the most annoying side effects of Harmattan. The wind strips away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it tight, flaky, and sometimes even itchy. While lotions and creams help, they’re often not enough this season. That’s where natural remedies come in.
1. Start with Coconut Oil Magic
Coconut oil is a lifesaver when it comes to dry skin. It’s rich in fatty acids that act like a shield, locking in moisture and protecting your skin from Harmattan’s harsh winds. After your bath or shower, while your skin is still damp, rub a generous amount of coconut oil onto your body. It’ll soak right in, leaving your skin soft and hydrated all day.
Read: How to Survive This Harmattan Season
2. Honey: Your Skin’s Best Friend
Honey isn’t just for tea—it’s a natural humectant, which means it attracts moisture to your skin. Warm a teaspoon of honey in your hands and gently massage it onto the driest parts of your skin. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Do this daily, and your skin will feel like it’s on vacation in a rainforest.
3. Milk and Oatmeal Soaks
If your skin is feeling extra rough, milk and oatmeal are here to rescue you. Milk’s lactic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells, while oatmeal soothes irritation. Mix a cup of milk and two tablespoons of ground oatmeal into your bathwater and soak for 15 minutes. It’s like a spa day minus the hefty price tag.
1. Bringing Life Back to Cracked Lips
Now, let’s talk about those lips. Harmattan doesn’t care if you have an important meeting or a date—it’ll leave your lips chapped and flaky regardless. But you don’t have to let it win.
2. Shea Butter for Lip Therapy
Shea butter is a Harmattan staple, and for good reason. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that heal and hydrate cracked lips. Apply a dab to your lips throughout the day, and watch them transform from dry and cracked to smooth and kissable.
3. The Sugar and Honey Scrub
Sometimes, your lips need a little extra TLC to remove the flaky skin. Enter the sugar and honey scrub. Mix a teaspoon of sugar with half a honey to create a natural exfoliant. Gently rub it onto your lips for a minute, then rinse it off. Finish with a shea butter or petroleum jelly layer, and your lips will feel brand new.
4. Cucumber for Instant Relief
If your lips are feeling irritated, cucumber slices can work wonders. They’re packed with water and soothing properties that cool and rehydrate cracked lips. Simply rub a slice of cucumber over your lips and let the juice sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Read: How To Achieve A Flawless Skin With Home Remedies
Keeping Dryness Away
Natural remedies are great, but prevention is even better. Staying ahead of Harmattan’s dryness can save you from constant battles with flaky skin and lips.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dry skin starts from the inside out, so drink plenty of water. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep your skin naturally moisturised. Herbal teas and hydrating fruits like watermelon and oranges also help.
2. Stick to Mild Soaps
Harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness. Instead, use gentle, moisturising soaps or body washes with natural ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin.
3. Lock in Moisture After Bathing
The golden rule of Harmattan skincare: don’t let your skin dry out after a bath or shower. Apply oils like coconut, olive, or almond oil immediately while your skin is still damp. This locks in the moisture and keeps your skin soft all day.
4. Avoid Licking Your Lips
It’s tempting, but licking your lips actually makes them drier. The saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even more chapped. Stick to using balms and butters instead.
Harmattan may have a reputation for being harsh on skin and lips, but you’ll have the upper hand with these natural remedies. Coconut oil, honey, shea butter, and even cucumbers are just a few of the simple, affordable options to restore moisture and keep dryness at bay.
Don’t let Harmattan steal your glow—embrace these remedies and keep your skin and lips looking fresh and healthy all season long. Ready to stock up on some Harmattan essentials? Visit RefinedNG for natural oils, shea butter, and all the skincare goodies you need to survive the season in style.