As the sunshine returns, so do the seasonal struggles. If you're dreading itchy eyes, sneezing, sweating, or skin damage, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this essential summer survival kit to keep you comfortable and energised.
1. Outsmart Hay Fever with Herbal Allies
Every year, the pollen count becomes a trending topic – and for good reason. For many, the arrival of summer brings familiar discomforts like sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and general tiredness. While over-the-counter antihistamines remain popular, seeking out plant-based options may also be an effective option to implement into your seasonal routine.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas can be a great addition to your self-care routine during allergy season, offering a soothing daily ritual while delivering a variety of natural compounds. One that is particularly well-loved is nettle tea. Nettle has long been used to support healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones – and it’s mildly cleansing too. If you're exploring herbal options, Napiers Nettle Leaf Tea is a great place to start.
This loose-lead tea is packed with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B and K, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, zinc and folate.
Sinus Rub
To complement your internal support, topical balms can also offer a sense of comfort during the hay fever season. Many people find that applying aromatic creams around the sinus area help when congestion or pressure builds during the warmer months. Napiers Sinus Rub Cream is a heritage herbal skin cream designed for those experiencing sinus congestion.
It’s a blend of Myrrh and Bayberry, massaged into the skin around the nose and cheekbones, where it’s gently absorbed. The essential oils of eucalyptus and lavender provide a pleasant, calming aroma that can be inhaled as you apply, offering relief while soothing the skin in the sinus area.
2. Support Your Skin
While longer days and warmer weather invite more time outdoors, the sun exposure, high pollen count, and heat can take a toll on your skin. Constant rubbing, exposure to airborne pollen, and even fatigue can lead to puffiness, redness and sensitivity. That’s why incorporating gentle skincare into your routine can go a long way in providing a calming, cooling counterbalance to environmental irritants.
Eye Cream
Discover Napiers Eyebright Eye Cream, a gentle, fragrance-free formula made with eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis), a herb traditionally used for soothing skin. It also includes chickweed, which is known for its anti-itching properties. Ideal for delicate or sensitive skin, it can offer calming care when pollen levels are high. For an extra refreshing lift, store the cream in the fridge for a refreshing morning or post-outdoor boost.
Apply with clean fingers using a light tapping motion to avoid further irritation.
Tip - Don't forget sunglasses – they provide a simple physical barrier against the sun and pollen when you're out and about.
Moisturiser
Summer sun and warmer air can also dry out your skin. Opting for a light but nourishing moisturiser cream helps keep your skin hydrated, soothed and resilient against seasonal stressors. Napiers Rose Day Cream is a fast-absorbing daily moisturiser that is infused with rose water and rosehip seed oil.
It hydrates and soothes, while gosulin agave helps smooth the appearance of fine lines. Green tea and vitamin E offer antioxidant support, and silk peptides deliver a soft, velvety finish. Suitable for sensitive skin, it's an ideal moisturiser for daily wear to make you feel more comfortable in the summer heat.
Tip: Pair these skincare essentials with daily strategies like checking the pollen forecast and keeping windows closed during high pollen hours.
Natural Deodorant
Hot weather can lead to more sweating, and a reliable deodorant becomes a must-have. A natural alternative can help you stay fresh all day without irritation or synthetic additives. Crystal Fresh Natural Deodorant is an effective, unscented option that is made purely from potassium alum – a natural mineral salt known for its antibacterial properties and odour protection.
With no sticky oils or gels, no aluminium chlorohydrate, and no animal ingredients, it’s ideal for those seeking a gentle, hypoallergenic option.
3. Stop Bugs in Their Tracks
From garden barbecues to evening walks, summer brings plenty of opportunities for insect encounters. Unfortunately, midges, mosquitoes and gnats also seem to love the season. Instead of resorting to chemical-laden repellents, opt for skin-kind, botanical solutions that still pack a punch.
Try Napiers Bugbuster Outdoor Skin Cream, which uses essential oils including citronella, lavender and eucalyptus to keep bugs at bay.
Using preventative care and soothing aftercare can significantly reduce reaction time and skin irritation.
4. After-Sun Care to Soothe and Restore
Spending more time outdoors is one of summer’s joys, but sun, humidity, and allergens can leave skin feeling dry, irritated, or overstimulated. A gentle after-sun routine helps keep skin calm, hydrated, and balanced. Light, non-greasy gels and creams are ideal for cooling and replenishing skin after sun exposure. Try Napiers Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel, a refreshing blend of aloe and mineral-rich seaweed that hydrates, tones, and soothes sun-stressed skin.
For those prone to overheating or prickly heat, Napiers Peppermint & Chamomile Cooling Cream offers instant relief, with aloe, peppermint and chamomile to calm and cool irritated areas – perfect after a hot day outdoors.
Tip: Keep after-sun products in the fridge for an extra-refreshing boost. And don’t forget your sunscreen during the day to help protect your skin in the first place!
FAQs:
Does drinking water help with hay fever?
While water won’t treat hay fever directly, staying well hydrated can help thin mucus and ease symptoms like congestion and dry throat.
Can I use multiple Napiers skincare products together?
Absolutely!
Will the Rose Day Cream feel greasy during summer?
No, it's lightweight and absorbs quickly.
How to stop hay fever at night?
Try showering before bed to remove pollen from your hair and skin, and keep windows closed to reduce exposure. Using an air purifier or changing pillowcases regularly can also help.
What does the Peppermint & Chamomile Cooling Cream do?
It cools and calms skin, and is great for prickly heat or after sun.
What makes Crystal Fresh Deodorant a good summer choice?
Crystal Fresh provides odour protection without aluminium chlorohydrate, synthetic fragrance, or sticky residues. It’s effective, unscented and suitable for sensitive skin.