Harmattan may be fashionably late this year—hesitating between humidity and dust, teasing us with scattered rains where dryness should reign—but one truth remains: when that familiar, parched air finally sweeps in, your skin will feel it first. Tightness. Ashiness. Irritation. A sudden, dramatic craving for moisture.
So before the season fully shifts, consider this your Vogue-approved Harmattan survival blueprint—a beauty routine built for barrier support, deep hydration, and effortless radiance. These steps are simple, effective, and crafted to help you glide through the driest days with your glow intact.
1. Begin With Gentle Cleansing — Your Skin Will Thank You
There’s cleansing, and then there’s Harmattan cleansing—a softer, more intuitive ritual that respects your skin’s natural oils. In dry-season weather, harsh foams and stripping soaps are the enemy, leaving your skin tight, flaky, and begging for rescue.
A gentle cleanser balances everything: pH, moisture retention, and barrier integrity.
Use clean hands, lukewarm water, and take your time—45 to 60 seconds is enough to lift sweat, sunscreen, and city dust without disrupting your skin’s delicate lipid layer.
For drier skin types, an oil cleanser (like Beauty of Joseon’s much-loved Ginseng Cleansing Oil) melts away impurities while maintaining that dewy, nourished finish.
Rule of thumb: No vigorous scrubbing. No hot water. No tugging. Your barrier is already working overtime.
2. Exfoliate With Intention — Not Aggression
Harmattan has a way of turning even the softest skin into a canvas of tiny flakes. Gentle exfoliation whisks away that buildup, allowing moisturisers and serums to actually sink in instead of sitting pointlessly on top.
But the key word here is gentle.
Once or twice a week is enough. Over-exfoliation will break down your barrier faster than the dry air itself.
Think lactic acid, fruit enzymes, or ultra-soft micro-scrubs—not harsh beads or daily peels.
3. Hydrate From the Inside — Because Your Skin Drinks Too
In the dryness of Harmattan, your body loses moisture long before you realise it. And the first place it shows? Your face.
Increasing your water intake keeps your skin plump, supports elasticity, and boosts the effects of every product in your routine. It’s skincare’s quiet MVP—simple, underrated, essential.
4. Trade Light Lotions for Luxe, Thicker Moisturisers
This is the season to reach for creams with substance.
Rich, cushiony, barrier-restoring formulas that act like protective coats for your skin.
Look for:
- Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier
- Shea butter for nourishment
- Hyaluronic acid for moisture retention
- Plant oils for sealing hydration
Dry air loves to steal your moisture—your moisturiser should stop it in its tracks. The right cream extends hydration, reduces irritation, and leaves your skin feeling calm and comfortable for hours.
5. Never Skip Sunscreen — Even When the Air Feels Cool
Here’s the biggest Harmattan misconception:
Cool air = no sunscreen.
Wrong. UV rays don’t take seasonal holidays.
A broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from UV-induced dryness, hyperpigmentation, and long-term barrier damage. Bioré’s UV Aqua Rich Essence remains a cult favourite for its featherlight texture and hydrating finish—perfect for dry weather layering.
6. Treat Your Lips Like Royalty
Your lips are often the first casualty of Harmattan—chapped, peeling, even painfully cracked.
Invest in a balm that hydrates and protects. One with SPF is even better.
Avoid formulas with menthol or heavy fragrance; they irritate more than they soothe.
During the day: hydrating balm with SPF
At night: thick, occlusive lip treatment
Think of it as a nightly lip mask ritual that lets you wake up smooth and soft.
A Simple, Effective Night Routine
Nighttime is when your skin repairs, replenishes, and resets. Keep your PM routine nourishing and uncomplicated:
- Cleanse gently to melt away dust and pollution
- Apply your rich moisturiser
- Finish with lip balm
If you prefer fuss-free skincare, an antioxidant night cream (like Simple’s Age-Resisting formula) boosts repair while keeping things effortlessly minimal.
Small Habits, Big Results
The secret to thriving during Harmattan often lies in the little things:
- Keep a humidifier—or even a bowl of water—near your bed
- Drink more water than you think you need
- Avoid scalding showers
- Carry a hand cream in your bag
These tiny rituals support your barrier in ways you’ll notice by morning.
Your Harmattan Routine, Simplified
Gentle cleansing.
Light exfoliation.
Deep hydration.
Thick moisturisers.
Daily sunscreen.
Dedicated lip care.
It’s not complicated—just consistent. And with the right habits, your skin can stay soft, radiant, and supple all season long, no matter how dry the air gets.
Because Harmattan may be harsh—but your glow doesn’t have to be. ✨
