The Ultimate Guide to Lip Care During Harmattan Season
Flaky Lips hate to see us coming
- written by Eavesdroppr's
- 3 min read
- 27 Nov, 2024
Angela Roma There’s nothing like the cold, dusty air that sweeps through Nigeria during the harmattan season. We love it and we hate it at the same time, the dry, dusty air brings a host of beauty challenges—president general among them, chapped lips. This season's harsh conditions can leave your lips dry, cracked, and sore, making it essential to prioritize proper lip care. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to keep your lips soft, smooth, and hydrated all season long.
Why Harmattan Wreaks Havoc on Your Lips
Harmattan is notorious for its low humidity and dusty winds, which strip your skin and lips of moisture. Since the skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, it’s particularly vulnerable to becoming dry and chapped. Neglecting your lip care during this period can lead to painful cracking and even bleeding.
Top Harmattan Lip Care Tips to Prevent Chapped Lips
1. Hydrate from Within
One of the simplest ways to combat dry lips is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your lips and skin naturally moisturized, it’s a no-brainer. Harmattan might make you feel less thirsty, but your body still needs adequate water.
2. Invest in a Good Lip Balm
Not all lip balms are created equal! During harmattan, look for balms that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, which is a Nigerian favorite! With good reason. Then there's coconut oil which is a quick fix for essentially almost every skin dilemma. The trick is to avoid lip balms with harsh chemicals or fragrances because they can further dry out your lips.
3. Exfoliate Your Lips Weekly
Sometimes, exfoliation is the answer to your problems. Dry, flaky lips? It’s time to exfoliate! A gentle lip scrub will remove dead skin cells and keep your lips smooth. You can make a simple DIY lip scrub at home with 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Rub the mixture on your lips in a circular motion, then rinse off, the results might just impress you.
4. Use a Lip Mask at Night
Overnight lip masks are lifesavers during harmattan. There's nothing more refreshing than applying a thick layer of a hydrating balm or petroleum jelly before bed to lock in moisture. Our top pick has to be the lip sleeping mask by Laneige, which truly works wonders. Nightly use is key, and soon enough you’ll be waking up with soft, supple lips ready to face the day
5. Avoid Licking Your Lips
It might feel tempting, and natural to lick your lips when they’re dry, but this habit worsens the problem. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before. So resist the urge to lick your lips today.
DIY Lip Care Remedies for Harmattan
Who doesn't love a good DIY? If you prefer natural solutions, try these simple, budget-friendly remedies:
Coconut Oil: Apply a dab of coconut oil to your lips throughout the day for instant hydration.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera soothes and heals cracked lips, making it perfect for harmattan care.
Honey and Shea Butter: Mix equal parts honey and shea butter for a deeply moisturizing lip treatment.
Your lips deserve extra TLC during harmattan. By following these harmattan lip care tips, you can prevent chapped lips and maintain a soft, healthy pout. Whether you choose store-bought products or DIY remedies, consistency is key.