SKINCARE REGIMEN FOR DRY, SENSITIVE SKIN

Do you have dry, sensitive skin? Then, this post is for you! 

The harmattan was here briefly and for those with dry, sensitive skin, this can be a major ordeal. This post examines factors that dries out the skin and skincare regimen for dry, sensitive skin. 

The harmattan season is characterized by cold, dry, dust-laden wind that blows from the Sahara desert over West Africa between the end of November and the middle of March. This dry, dusty wind further aggravates dry skin and irritates the pores. 

I know having a bath with hot water feels great during an harmattan but your pores do not have any natural defense against it and so this depletes your skin's natural oils. Cold water isn't a great idea either, so wash with lukewarm instead. Also, don't towel your body down before applying your moisturizer. Apply it directly on your damp skin. 

As you age, your skin texture changes and cannot naturally produce as much oil as it used to. So make use of thick moisturizing creams containing ceramides instead of light weight lotions. Thick creamy moisturizers rich in hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acids keep the skin supple and acts as a barrier against moisture loss. 

If you prefer 100% natural skincare ingredients, then look for natural oils like jojoba oil or olive oil. Both effectively hydrate the skin and trap in moisture while rearly causing irritation that can worsen redness, flakiness  and dryness. Shea butter is good for dry skin, as well. 

If you have very dry, sensitive skin, you should lay off products containing alcohol, propylene glycol and fragrances. These can strip away your skin's natural moisture and intensify dryness especially in a dry, dusty and chilly weather.