It’s October, and you can already feel it; the mornings are cooler, the air feels drier, and harmattan is slowly sneaking in. If you live in Nigeria or anywhere in West Africa, you know what’s coming: dry, dusty air and skin that suddenly feels tight, ashy, or just… tired. But here’s the thing, what your skin needs in harmattan vs. rainy season is not the same at all.
During the rainy season, the air is full of moisture. Your skin naturally stays softer because there’s humidity everywhere. But that same humidity can also make your skin oily and clog your pores. So in the rainy season, what your skin needs is balance i.e light products, gentle cleansers, and something that keeps your skin fresh without feeling greasy.
Then harmattan comes, and everything flips. The air gets super dry, and even your best lotion from the rainy season suddenly stops working. This is when your skin starts begging for thicker, richer products. So, what your skin needs in harmattan vs. rainy season comes down to how much moisture you can keep in.
Here’s how to make the switch easily:
1. During Harmattan:
Go for thicker creams or oils — shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, or glycerin-based lotions. These keep your skin soft and stop it from drying out. The best time to apply them is right after your bath, while your skin is still a little damp. That helps lock in the moisture. Also, avoid hot showers (even though they feel nice), they dry out your skin faster. And don’t forget your lips and hands; they get hit the hardest during harmattan.
2. During the Rainy Season:
You can go lighter. Try gel moisturizers or water-based creams that don’t clog your pores. Your skin doesn’t need as much oil now because there’s already a lot of moisture in the air. Still, don’t skip sunscreen even when it’s cloudy, UV rays can still cause damage.
And no matter the season, drink water. Your skin can’t glow if your body is thirsty.
So as harmattan rolls in this October, it’s time to swap your skincare routine. Your rainy-season products had their moment, but your skin is asking for something richer now. Once you understand what your skin needs in harmattan vs. rainy season, you’ll be ready for both.