12 Ways to Transition Skincare Routine for Different Seasons in Nigeria
- Introduction
- 12 ways to transition skincare routine for different seasons in Nigeria
- Conclusion
Various seasons call for different skincare. Skincare products have various formulations and properties that make them ideal for a particular season. Basically, Nigeria has two major seasons, popularly referred to as rainy and dry seasons. Although there are significant variations, the season can be wrapped up in these two classifications. As the climate experiences tweaks, the skincare regimen must also comply with these slight changes to maintain the health of the skin. Modifying the skincare regimen based on seasons is skincare-wise because as seasons change, the condition of the skin also changes. These modifications can promote radiant and flawless skin all year long.
Here are 12 ways to transition your skincare routine for the seasons:
- Know Your Skin Type and How Seasonal Changes Affect It
Selecting the right skincare products should be largely based on skin type and seasonal changes. Seasons affect the health of the skin; it is therefore crucial to select skincare products based on skin type and seasons. For instance, a moisturiser might not effectively moisturise the skin during harmattan, especially for dry skin types. People with dry skin might have to opt for body butter for intensive and long-lasting moisture. Understanding your skin type and the impact of seasons on it will lead to wise skincare decisions.
- During the rainy season, use a lightweight moisturiser.
Lightweight moisturisers are ideal skincare products for increased humidity, particularly for people with normal to oily skin. During the rainy season, the skin does not require as much moisture as it does in the dry season. Water-based moisturisers are perfect for the rainy season since moisture loss is uncommon during this period. It is also ideal for moisturising the skin to avoid clogged pores due to excess sebum on the skin.
- During the dry season, use heavier moisturisers (Harmattan)
The Harmattan season in Nigeria is a dry and cold season that is harsh on the skin. Moisture loss is common during the harmattan season, making heavy moisturisers ideal for this period. Almost all skin types except oily skin, in most cases, might need to switch to heavier moisturisers to avoid dehydrated skin. Harmattan period is a dry season that requires more occlusive moisturiser for proper hydration and moisture. Products like shea butter, avocado body butter, rosehip body butter, and many more may be introduced to a skincare regimen for adequate moisture to prevent cracking and flakiness.
- Use Sunscreen Throughout the Year
Sunscreen is needed all year round! Sunscreen should not be used only during sunny days; they are needed during overcast days, too. Sunscreen is a vital skincare product that must not be neglected at all due to harmful UV rays that penetrate the skin. Despite the weather conditions, sunscreen application is necessary because harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin even on cloudy days and rainy seasons. Besides, sunscreen prevents hyperpigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancer. For effective coverage from the sun, a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that is broad spectrum is needed.
- Seasonal Exfoliation
Exfoliation is vital in every season. However, it is important to measure the frequency of exfoliation based on seasons to avoid under- and over-exfoliation. For instance, 3 times exfoliation during harmattan or dry season can irritate the skin and remove natural sebum, damaging the skin barrier. On the other hand, the rainy season mostly requires more exfoliation compared to the dry season due to excessive oil on the skin. Therefore, an exfoliation might be needed 2 to 3 times a week to keep the skin clean and radiant.
- Sufficient Hydration
External and internal hydration is required during all seasons, especially dry harmattan seasons. Using hydrating serums and hydrating moisturisers can keep the skin plump and radiant. Supporting this practice with internal hydration will prevent moisture loss due to deficient moisture during harmattan, promoting younger and healthier skin during dry harmattan season.
- Remember Your Hands and Lips
The hands and lips are usually neglected during skincare practice. The hands and lips may not need much attention during other weathers, like the harmattan weather. To maintain hands and lips health, moisturising both body parts is important to avoid rough textured hands and chapped lips. Incorporating a moisturising lip balm and hand cream for the hands will leave the lips and hands plump and supple, respectively, contributing to the overall appearance.
- Use the Correct Cleanser for the Season
Cleansers are a major part of skincare as they lay foundational care for other skincare products. Foamy cleansers are especially suitable in hot and rainy seasons; cream-based cleansers, on the other hand, are suitable for the harmattan or dry season to maintain the moisture level of the skin. Both cleansers are effective but can be more efficient when the climate is considered.
- Emphasis on Harmattan Skin Nourishing and Replenishment
Harmattan strips the skin of oils, leaving the skin dry, dehydrated or flaky. The best way to enjoy this season without skin damage is to incorporate moisturising oils and creams like avocado oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter and body butter. These components can support the skin by healing, moisturising and nourishing it, shielding the skin from environmental aggressors.
- Pay Attention to Your Diet
The skin is a mirror of our diet. Diets play a crucial role in skin health. Seasonal changes can affect the body’s nutritional requirements. For instance, foods such as walnuts, salmon, and flaxseed in dry seasons can help support skin hydration while external requirements are met to keep the skin plump, moisturised and glowing. Rainy seasons, on the other hand, embrace lighter diets like fruits and vegetables to support skin health.
- Proactively Address Seasonal Skin Conditions
Acne Breakouts occur during the humid rainy season. Preparing a skincare plan ahead of this season will prevent acne and other associated breakouts. While acne worsens during this season, eczema and psoriasis exacerbate during the dry season due to scarcity of moisture. Skincare plans must be inclusive of both seasons to avoid blemished skin and promote glowing, smooth and radiant skin. During the hot and dry season, skincare products with antifungal and antibacterial properties, such as neem, can be incorporated into the skincare regimen to avoid eczema, itchiness and other related breakouts.
- Pay Attention to Your Skin and Make Any Adjustments
It is important to observe how the skin responds to seasons to modify the skincare regimen accordingly. Certain skincare products can show evident results in a particular season and reduce effectiveness in another season. Paying attention to the skin in every season will allow a quick response to skin needs, as seasonal changes are accompanied by factors like stress, nutrition, and hormonal changes, which all affect the health of the skin.
Skin health varies based on each season. Following up with an appropriate skin approach keeps the skin radiant all year. Identifying the peculiarities of each season and adjusting the skincare regimen will leave the skin supple, plump and healthy all through every season. Picking the right skincare products for the seasons will provide the required benefits to the skin. As the weather changes, the skincare regimen may experience minor tweaks to keep the skin in perfect health.
