Harmattan in Nigeria is beautiful, but it is also brutal on the skin. The dry, dusty air, low humidity and harsh winds can strip the skin of moisture within minutes. This often leads to dryness, dullness, cracked lips, ashy elbows, flaky skin, and even breakouts caused by dehydration.
If you want to maintain a glowing, healthy complexion throughout the season, you must upgrade your routine. Harmattan skincare is not about luxury — it is survival. Below is the most detailed guide you will find on how to protect, nourish and glow during harmattan.
Understanding how harmattan affects the skin
The harmattan season brings:
- extremely dry air
- rapid moisture loss
- increased dust exposure
- low humidity
- cold mornings and hot afternoons
These factors weaken the skin barrier, leaving it unable to retain moisture or block irritation. Many Nigerians notice:
- white, flaky skin
- cracked lips and heels
- worsening eczema
- breakouts triggered by dehydration
- extremely dry hands
- dull and tired-looking skin
This is normal, but preventable — with the right routine.
Step 1: Cleanse gently (avoid harsh soaps)
During harmattan, harsh bar soaps can strip the skin. Switch to a gentle hydrating cleanser that does not foam too much.
Look for cleansers with:
- glycerin
- hyaluronic acid
- ceramides
These ingredients clean without over-drying.
Good options include:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
- Simple Moisturising Facial Wash
- Nivea Perfect & Radiant Cleansing Foam (very mild lather)
- Cosrx Low pH Cleanser
If your skin is already dry, cleanse only once daily and use just water in the morning.
Step 2: Use a hydrating toner
Most Nigerians skip toner, but harmattan is the season when it truly helps. A hydrating toner:
- replenishes water in dehydrated skin
- prepares your skin to absorb moisture
- calms irritation
Look for:
- hyaluronic acid
- snail mucin
- rose water
- aloe vera
Avoid toners with alcohol.
Step 3: Apply a powerful serum (hydration + barrier repair)
Serums are concentrated and deliver deeper skin nourishment. For harmattan, choose serums that boost hydration and repair the skin barrier.
Best ingredients include:
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide
- peptides
- panthenol
- snail mucin
- vitamin C (optional for glow)
Use vitamin C only in the morning to brighten dullness caused by dust.
Step 4: Moisturise like your life depends on it
Harmattan’s worst effect is moisture loss. A lightweight moisturiser is not enough. You need something richer that seals moisture into your skin.
Choose moisturisers containing:
- shea butter
- ceramides
- petrolatum
- glycerin
- squalane
- hyaluronic acid
You can also layer two moisturisers:
- A hydrating gel or cream
- A thicker cream on top
This technique locks in hydration for hours.
Step 5: Seal with an oil (optional but powerful)
Oils are very effective during harmattan. They create a protective layer that prevents moisture loss and cracking.
Excellent oils include:
- jojoba oil
- almond oil
- rosehip oil
- argan oil
- coconut oil (avoid if acne-prone)
- shea oil
Apply just a few drops to lock in moisture.
Step 6: Never skip sunscreen (even in dusty weather)
Many people think the sun disappears during harmattan — it does not. UV rays are still present and can cause:
- premature ageing
- dark spots
- hyperpigmentation
- dryness
Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50 every day. Choose hydrating sunscreens to prevent dryness.
Recommended options:
- Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
- Skin Aqua UV Gel
- Garnier Even & Matte SPF
- Nivea Sun Protect SPF 50
Step 7: Night routine for deep repair
Your skin repairs itself at night. During harmattan, your night routine should be richer and more nourishing.
Night routine example:
- Cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Serum
- Thick moisturiser
- Oil or balm to seal
You can also use a sleeping mask 2–3 times weekly for extra hydration.
Step 8: Body care routine to prevent white, flaky skin
Harmattan affects the body more than the face. Dust exposure leaves the skin looking grey, dry and cracked.
Follow this routine:
- Use a moisturising body wash
- Exfoliate once weekly (sugar scrub or soft sponge)
- Apply a thick lotion immediately after bathing
- Seal with body oil
- Use petroleum jelly for elbows, knuckles and feet
Best body lotions for harmattan:
- Nivea Cocoa Butter
- Jergens Shea Butter
- Vaseline Healthy Even Tone
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
Step 9: Lip care (the most attacked area during harmattan)
Lips crack quickly due to dry winds. Protect them with:
- lip balms containing shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax
- Vaseline or petroleum jelly
- honey-and-sugar scrub (once weekly)
Avoid licking your lips — it worsens dryness.
Step 10: Hand and feet care
Hands and feet lose moisture faster during harmattan.
Routine:
- use hand cream after washing hands
- apply petroleum jelly on hands before bed
- moisturise feet daily
- wear socks at night to seal in moisture
Your feet will stay soft despite the dry season.
Step 11: Drink more water than usual
Harmattan dehydrates your skin from the inside. Even the best skincare products cannot help a dehydrated body.
Aim for 6–8 cups of water daily.
Step 12: Adjust your environment
You can protect your skin without products by:
- sleeping with a humidifier
- avoiding long, hot showers
- covering your skin during dusty days
- wearing sunglasses to protect eye area
Step 13: Makeup tips for harmattan
Makeup tends to crack on dry skin. To stay flawless:
- moisturise properly before makeup
- use hydrating primers
- avoid matte foundation if your skin is dry
- set your makeup with a hydrating spray
Your makeup will last longer and look smoother.
Step 14: Foods that give extra glow during harmattan
Feed your skin from within. Add:
- avocados
- carrots
- nuts (almonds, cashews, groundnuts)
- water-rich fruits (watermelon, oranges)
- green leafy vegetables
- eggs
- fish with healthy fats
These nourish the skin and improve hydration naturally.
Harmattan does not have to damage your skin. With the right routine, you can stay hydrated, soft and glowing throughout the season. The secret is consistency and choosing products that restore moisture, repair your skin barrier and protect against dust and harsh weather.
