Hayfever Help!

If you’re reading this article, let me start by saying - solidarity. Nothing is quite as unfair as when the warmer weather and longer days bring with it a curse on the unlucky few. Puffy eyes, itchy skin, uncontrollable sneezing and a nose that drip, drip, drips for days on end - it’s torture! The good news is, the allbeauty team has a few tricks up our collective sleeve to make battling hayfever more manageable. Whether your allergies are triggered by grasses, pollens, or one of nature’s other little lovelies, relief is at hand with these top tips.

Create a barrier

The best way to stop hayfever from taking hold is to prevent the allergens from getting into your system in the first place. Airborne allergens like pollen affect your system by getting into your eyes and nose, leading to the body releasing histamines to fight them off. Unfortunately, for some people, these histamines go a little overboard, flooding the body with an inflammatory response which creates the symptoms we associate with hayfever. The best way to prevent this response is to keep the allergens from entering your system in the first place. One way to do this is to create a barrier by putting a layer of product around the inner rim of your nostrils and under your eyes. If it’s the right consistency, this will attract the airborne pollen and prevent it from getting into your body. While bog-standard Vaseline will do the trick, Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips is a more skin-friendly product and has 1001 other uses!

Hit the herbs

Nature, despite its inflammatory pollens and grasses, is pretty wonderful. In fact, there are a variety of natural compounds that can even be used to counteract allergic conditions like hayfever. The Organic Pharmacy Quercetin and Vitamin C Complex has been designed with allergy sufferers in mind, containing a combination of vitamins and herbs to holistically reduce symptoms. The recommended dose during hayfever season is 3 capsules daily, which contains natural inflammation fighters turmeric, nettle, elderflower, quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C.

Homoeopathy

While it isn’t for everyone, many people swear by the power of homoeopathy. Homoeopathy is an alternative treatment where highly diluted substances are introduced to the body in order for it to heal itself. Containing extracts of Allium cepa, Euphrasia Officinalis and Gelsemium sempervirens, Weleda Hayfever Relief is an oral spray that can be used for the symptoms of hayfever and allergic rhinitis. Whether the results are due to placebo or the real deal, if it works, it works!

Pollen-proof your home

Having an allergen-free oasis can make a world of difference during hayfever season, so take steps to create a pollen-free zone in your home. Dry your clothes indoors where possible and change into a clean outfit when getting home for the day - this will stop pollen from hitching a ride indoors on your clothing. Invest in a good air filter, which will be one of those purchases you’ll be grateful you made year after year. I can personally recommend the Vax AP01 Air Purifier for a small space, but other options are available!Another great way to keep allergens out of your home is to keep your windows closed. You might miss out on that Spring breeze, but you’ll thank yourself for it when your allergies aren’t running amok. And to make yourself feel better about losing out on the breeze, treat yourself to something equally fragrant. The Neom Calm and Relax range is available in a diffuser, candles and an essential oil blend and not only does it smell great, but it helps with hayfever symptoms too!

#alltheantihistamines

Yes, yes, we all want to pursue the most natural option and avoid having to hit the pharmacy shelves, but sometimes you have to bring in the big guns. When all else fails, antihistamines can provide some much-needed relief. It’s worth noting that there are a few types of antihistamines, all which work differently. Cetirizine and Loratadine are available over-the-counter and are both non-drowsy antihistamines. They work by blocking the H1 receptor from intrusion by histamines, preventing an allergic reaction. Many people find one or the other works better for their symptoms, so it is worth trying each for a set period to find out which is the best fit for you.Fexofenadine is generally considered a stronger antihistamine, but it is still a non-drowsy formulation. It can be purchased over-the-counter but is more expensive than other options. For those suffering from severe hayfever, it may also be available on prescription.Antihistamine nasal spray and eye drops can also be great tools for controlling the symptoms of hayfever where they are at their most severe. Here are our Hayfever Help top picks.

Biotherm HommeAquapower Dynamic Hydration 75ml

Whatever options you try to get you through this hayfever season, we hope you find some relief from your symptoms and manage to enjoy the warmer, brighter weather. If you have a top tip that you’d love to share with our readers, leave it in the comments section below! Shop All Spring Beauty Now