Maintaining a healthy lifestyle at this period is important as the dry throat, dusty feet and cracked lips are announcing the arrival of the harmattan season.
Although we can’t chase it away, we’d be giving tips on how to keep your skin fresh and hydrated during this dry period.
1. Drink lots of fruit-infused water
This is a secret to upping your water intake during this season: drink at least four liters of water daily, and to make it easier, you can infuse your water bottle with different fruits like apple, watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, or mint leaves. In this process, you get hydrated and also get the needed nutrients at the same time.
However, doing this should not deter you from getting fruits normally and adding them to your breakfast or dinner plan.
Lots of fruit intake will also boost your immune system and ward off unnecessary flus.
2. Use nose masks
Using nose masks will not only help keep your nostrils safe from the dry air, it also protects you from the dust particles that might contain pathogens carrying flu or air borne diseases with them.
3. Do NOT bathe with hot water
Consider bathing with lukewarm or slightly warm water. This is because hot water dries the skin out and deprives it of the needed moisture, also limiting bath time will aid your skin in retaining moisture.
4. Moisturise
Lotions should be your best friends in this period, get oil-based moisturizers for face and body. For better hydration, ensure there’s still a bit of water on your skin before putting on the lotion, this is to lock in moisture for longer hours.
5. Stock up on vitamin C
Taking vitamin C at intervals will not only boost your immunity but will also minimize your chances of catching a flu and also help retain your beautiful skin.
6. Invest in lip balm
Dry or cracked lips are rampant during this period, and not only are they not pretty to the eyes, they can also get very painful and in extreme cases, bleed. To avoid this, invest in lip hydrating balms or gloss to keep your lips fresh and protected all day.
7. Hair protection
This is the season we advertise for protective styling! Braids are the best option at this period, as your natural hair is kept safe from the harsh air. Also, application of leave-in conditioner is advised. If you opt for weaves, ensure you tend it everyday, applying the necessary oils and moisturizers, to preserve the weave life.
In conclusion, perhaps you are experiencing very mild throat irritation during this period, add honey and ginger into a warm cup of tea, have a relaxing evening drinking this. If it persists with other symptoms, please see your doctor.