You really do not have to go through another bad lips experience this harmattan period. The harmattan season is a very familiar period in Nigeria that spans from December to early January. However, during this period, there was a bit of a delay as it was not until January that harmattan showed up. It is characterised by dry, cold mornings, dusty air, low humidity, and harsh winds blowing from the Sahara Desert. During this period, the lips are most especially prone to getting affected. They become more delicate and easily get dried and chapped.
Here are some tips to help avoid the effects of harmattan on your lips this period:
Stay Hydrated
The dry air that accompanies harmattan makes it easy for the body to lose moisture easily. Drinking water, therefore, helps to restore moisture. Apart from preventing your lips from drying out easily, drinking a lot of water also helps you stay healthy during this period. It prevents dehydration, headaches, and fatigue. Carry a water bottle with you and take small sips regularly throughout the day.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
The skin on the lips is very delicate and becomes irritated when saliva comes into contact with it, causing it to dry out as a result. Most people erroneously believe that licking their lips is a cheaper and easier way of keeping them moisturised. Unfortunately, licking your lips can cause a disease called LIP LICKER’S DERMATITIS.
Exfoliate Your Lips
Gently exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and allow your balm/gloss deeply hydrate your lips. Most people’s lip surfaces become rock hard during this period because they refuse to exfoliate. Besides the chapped look it gives, it can also be painful and bleeding.
Invest In Lip Balms Or Oils
This period, make your lip balms or oils your best friend. Do not use just any products, but ones that contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for protection from the harsh sun. Use them before you step out and top up when your lips begin to dry.
Avoid Thick Glosses
For this period, refrain from using glosses with a very thick base. You do not just need a gloss this period but a moisturising one. Glosses that will deeply penetrate the lips and keep them moisturised and glowing at the same time.
With these steps, you can rest assured that you will maintain healthy lips throughout the harmattan period and beyond.