By Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
Harmattan is not just an uncomfortable season of dry winds and dust but a serious test of how well people understand and care for their skin, according to Dr Kofi Ansah Brifo, founder of Skin Foundation Africa.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Monday, December 15, 2025, Dr Brifo explained that the low humidity, dust and harsh winds associated with the season significantly weaken the skin barrier and worsen existing skin conditions.
He said many Ghanaians experience chapped lips, excessive dryness, fatigue and flare-ups of skin problems during the harmattan season because they either use the wrong products or ignore skincare altogether. According to him, harmattan exposes weaknesses in people’s skincare routines, making proper moisturising, hydration and product choice critical at this time of year.
“Harmattan is a test of our skincare routine. It exposes whether what you are using is effective or not,” Dr Brifo said.
“If you know your skin type, you already know what kind of products to use, especially during harmattan,” he added.
He explained that skin type is largely genetic, noting that some people have oily skin on the face but dry skin on other parts of the body due to the uneven distribution of oil-producing glands. However, environmental factors such as harmattan dust, dry winds, ultraviolet rays and certain medications can worsen dryness and trigger skin damage.
Dr Brifo outlined what he described as the “four forces of harmattan”: low humidity, dry winds, dust and increased UV exposure. He said these factors strip the skin of moisture, clog pores, cause inflammation, worsen hyperpigmentation and accelerate ageing if the skin is not properly protected.
“Low humidity makes the skin lose water quickly, dust blocks pores and causes inflammation, and UV rays worsen pigmentation and ageing,” he explained.
“That is why sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is very important, especially for people with hyperpigmentation,” he said.
He cautioned against habits such as excessive lip licking, explaining that enzymes in saliva further dry the lips and delay healing when sores develop. He also warned that petroleum jelly on its own does not moisturise the skin but only seals in moisture, making it ineffective when applied to already dry skin without a proper moisturiser underneath.
Dr Brifo advised people to combine different types of moisturising products, including humectants that attract water, emollients that soften the skin and occlusives such as petroleum jelly that prevent moisture loss. He said this layered approach is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people living in northern Ghana during harmattan.
“Petroleum jelly does not moisturise the skin; it only prevents water loss. You must moisturise first before sealing it in,” he noted.
“Children and the elderly lose water faster, so they need extra care during this season,” he added.
Beyond skincare products, Dr Brifo emphasised lifestyle changes, urging people to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid very hot baths, which can further damage the skin barrier. He also advised against prolonged use of medicated soaps during harmattan, saying they can worsen dryness and irritation.
Dr Brifo discouraged reliance on intravenous vitamin infusions for skincare, describing them as unnecessary for most people and better reserved for specific medical conditions. Instead, he encouraged simple, consistent skincare practices and proper hydration as the safest and most effective approach.
“Hydration is key. Many people look younger than their age simply because they drink enough water,” he said.
“Around harmattan, you need even more water, sometimes up to 3.5 litres a day,” he added.
He also highlighted the benefits of water-rich fruits such as watermelon, especially during harmattan, noting that their high water content supports skin hydration naturally. According to him, fruits, vegetables and natural juices provide essential nutrients that support the skin’s constant renewal process.
In his final remarks, Dr Brifo urged viewers to avoid experimenting with harsh or unfamiliar skincare products during harmattan and to focus on understanding their skin type and sticking to proven routines.
“Take care of your skin. It is the largest organ of the body and it tells us a lot about our health,” he said.
“Harmattan is not the time to try harsh products. Use the right moisturiser for your skin type and stay consistent,” Dr Brifo advised.
