How to Avoid Skin Dryness During Harmattan

Harmattan brings dry, dusty air, strong winds, and low humidity that accelerate skin water loss and damage the skin barrier. A solid strategy can blunt most of that harm.

Why Skin Dries Out During Harmattan

Skin has a natural barrier made up of lipids, ceramides, and oils that trap moisture. When humidity is low, water evaporates faster than the barrier can replenish it. Wind and dust also abrade the surface and introduce irritants that worsen barrier damage. These combined effects cause tightness, flaking, rough patches, chapping, and cracks. (Wikipedia)

Core Principle: Don’t Strip, Hydrate, Then Lock

Your routine should minimize barrier damage, deliver moisture, and seal it in. Apply treatments while skin is still damp to enhance absorption.

Daily Routine  Step by Step

Morning

• Gentle cleansing: Use a creamy or syndet (non-soap) cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents. Keep water lukewarm. (American Academy of Dermatology)
• Humectant while damp: Apply glycerin or hyaluronic acid immediately after drying. (Harvard Health)
• Seal with barrier cream: Use moisturizers with ceramides, lipids, and SPF 30+ sunscreen for daytime. (AAD)

Night

• Cleanse lightly if needed.
• Use a rich moisturizer or ointment overnight, especially on hands, elbows, and feet. For very dry skin, layer petrolatum on top. (Harvard Health)

Hands, Lips & Feet

Reapply cream after washing hands and use petrolatum-based lip balm frequently. Apply thick ointments to cracked heels or knuckles and wear cotton gloves overnight. (AAD)

Ingredients: What to Prioritize vs Avoid

Look for:

• Humectants: glycerin, hyaluronic acid (Harvard Health).
• Emollients: squalane, fatty acids, natural oils (CeraVe).
• Occlusives: petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin (Harvard Health).
• Barrier builders: ceramides, cholesterol, essential fatty acids (CeraVe).

Avoid: Harsh alcohols, strong fragrances, and hot water they strip oils and damage the barrier. (MedlinePlus)

Shower & Bath Habits

• Limit showers to 5–10 minutes and use warm (not hot) water. (Harvard Health)
• Use gentle cleansers with moisturizing ingredients. (Mayo Clinic)
• Pat dry don’t rub and moisturize immediately. (Mayo Clinic)

Home Environment & Protection

• Use a humidifier indoors (ideal humidity: 30–60%). (Harvard Health)
• Close windows on dusty days, clean surfaces often, and cover exposed skin outdoors. (Limi Hospital)

Diet, Hydration & Lifestyle

• Drink water regularly throughout the day. (Medbury Medicals)
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 and antioxidants (fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables). (Healthline)
• Avoid excess alcohol and smoking; wear soft fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation. (MedlinePlus)

Special Skin Types

• Oily or acne-prone: Use humectants + lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers. Avoid heavy occlusives on the face.
• Sensitive or eczema-prone: Choose fragrance-free, ceramide-rich creams and reduce use of strong actives.

When to See a Dermatologist

If dryness is severe, persistent, bleeding, or accompanied by redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical help. Chronic dryness can indicate eczema or psoriasis. (AAD)

Harmattan-Specific Local Advice

• Apply oily creams regularly to exposed skin. (Limi Hospital)
• Stay hydrated; use lip balm and mild soap. (Limi Hospital)

Bottom Line

The harmattan season’s dry air steals your skin’s moisture. The fix is simple: gentle cleansing, steady hydration, and a protective layer to trap it. Add humidity indoors, drink enough water, and care for your barrier daily. Your skin will stay calm and healthy until the rains return.