Skin care: All you must do in harmattan

Harmattan season is upon us and we are battling the adverse of effects of the dry, dusty weather. Don’t forget that during such weather, the one thing that suffers the most is your skin so here are all the ways you can protect it today.

Dry weather can wreak havoc with our skin. It saps out all the moisture and nutrients leaving it dry, cracked and sallow looking. The skin looses its natural elasticity and wrinkles much faster.

These tips will help keep your skin in tip top condition even when the weather isn’t co-operating.

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.

• There are no traffic jams along the extra mile

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.