The UK pollen season started early this year, and people have already been complaining about hay fever symptoms - myself included.
A recent government study showed found that "some types of pollen and other allergens could be released earlier in the year and for longer durations as temperatures rise," meaning some people have been affected since January or February.
For me, I've only just started to notice my itch eyes and runny nose - and it just so happens to coincide with the warmer weather. Pollen season is always difficult, because all I want to do is spend time outside, laying in the grass and soaking up the sunshine - but unfortunately it's never as idyllic as it sounds, as it involves enduring itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Last year my hay fever symptoms were especially bad, as I'm particularly affected by grass pollen. When the forecast is high it can often feel like I'm on the verge of a cold, when in fact, it's just my sworn enemy - hay fever.
Although I can take hay fever tablets to ease my symptoms, I'm not a fan of doing it. For one, I have to remember to take them, and two, they can cause side effects such as sleepiness and weight gain.
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The wipes cost just 89p (Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)So it's safe to say that when I read about the 89p hay fever wipes that shoppers claim are a "life saver", I had to put them to the test, back in 2023.
I picked up a pack of Nuage's Hayfever Relief Wipes from my local Savers for just 79p, at the time, leaving with high hopes. The pack, which includes 33 wipes (including 10% extra for free), is incredible value for money - especially if it does what it says it does, which is "remove and trap pollen, dust and pet allergens before they can affect you".
Enriched with tea tree and peppermint oil, you're supposed to "gently wipe over face" while avoiding contact with eyes. Having tried the product over a week, I was left feeling equally impressed and confused. Impressed by how it did help ease symptoms, and still confused by how to use it to its full potential.
My confusion arose as soon as I wanted to start using the product, and I still to this day don't know the best way to use it. At which point does it fit into my skincare routine? Do I do it after washing my face, before adding moisturiser and SPF? Will it still work if I put products on top of it? Do I use it in the morning? Evening? Am I supposed to wipe my face with a full face of makeup?
My symptoms eased 30 minutes in (Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)The back of the packet gives no instructions as to how this slots into your skincare routine or when to use it, but I decided moisturiser and SPF was a non-negotiable – and wiping my face after would be counterproductive.
Having quite sensitive skin, I was also concerned how my face would react to the product, but I decided to just go for it, wiping my entire face, especially around my nostrils and gently across the eyelids. I instantly felt a soothing effect, and because I could smell the tea tree oil, which also smells really pleasant, I felt like it opened my airways.
After I put SPF and moisturiser on, I couldn't still smell the tea tree oil, but I hoped it would still be able to "trap" the pollen, as it was still there as the base layer on my skin. My first test was going out for a run. Normally, my eyes will start to water and breathing will become a bit more laboured – but I have to say I'm impressed.
After 30 minutes of running in the sunshine, my eyes weren't itchy and I didn't have a stuffy or runny nose. On another day, I decided to go for a walk in the park straight after wiping my face, and I also felt like it was so much easier to breathe, and didn't suffer from itchy or runny eyes.
I think the magic of this product lies within how practical it is. Many hay fever sufferers will know how good it feels to come inside after a day outside and wash all the pollen off your face. These wipes allow you to bring them around with you, and then simply give your face a refreshing wipe while you're out and about. To me it seems like you can use them as both preventative, and to get rid of any pollen on your face.
And I'm not the only one to be impressed by the product. Reviewers on Amazon have also praised them, with some describing them as "amazing" and "refreshing," while a Facebook user said it had given her son "his life back". Having been impressed by the product, I can't help but think how good they could be if I knew how to use them to their full potential.
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The Mirror reached out to Nuage for more detailed information on how to use the wipes back in 2023, but didn't receive a reply.
You can pick up the wipes from Savers for 89p, Sainsbury's for £1 of a set of three packs for £5.49 on Amazon.
A version of this story was first published on 14 June 2023.
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