By: Therese Anne Limbana; August 30, 2022
Overview
Scented skincare products are widely known to cause sensitivity to the skin, regardless of whether they are synthetic or natural. Despite this information, many skincare brands use fragrances in their products.
Understanding why scent poses a problem for your skin requires delving deeper into the matter.
In this article, I will explain whether you should use scent or no-scent skincare products.
How your skin reacts to scent?
Most scented ingredients create fragrance through a chemical reaction. Unfortunately, this reaction often leads to skin irritation.
Studies repeatedly found that scented skincare products are among the most common culprits behind contact eczema. This is true for all skin types, regardless of color or sensitivity levels.
Scent or no scent – What to choose?
Opting for scent-free products is a better choice for the overall health of your skin. Dermatologists from all over the world explain that fragrance is now a focal point of discussion, especially due to its role in inducing:
- Chronic inflammation
- Contact eczema
- Premature aging
Additionally, the long-term use of scented skincare products can lead to oxidative stress. This is a metabolic state where free radicals in the cell exceed the number of antioxidants, leading to a myriad of skin problems. For example, scientists found that oxidative stress can lead to the degradation of collagen and, therefore, wrinkles and fine lines.
Many people believe that if their skin doesn’t get irritated from scented products, it automatically means they’re safe to use. However, studies found that the irritation may be too small to notice. Over time, however, it can lead to severe damage.
A good analogy to understand this concept is not wearing sunscreen. There is ample evidence that not wearing sunscreen will start damaging your skin the minute you’re exposed. While you may notice the damage in the first few years, it will become visible in the long run.
Why do skincare brands use fragrances?
Most people enjoy using skincare and haircare products that smell pleasant. Cosmetic companies are aware of this. They understand how scent can influence purchase decisions and enhance the overall experience of using the product.
What’s more, some cosmetic products naturally possess unappealing scents, pushing manufacturers to add scents to improve the product’s aroma. However, there are ingredients and formulation techniques available to create neutral-smelling or scent-free products without compromising the quality.
In addition to enhancing the sensory experience, companies add fragrances to conceal any odors from skincare products stored in jars. The use of jar packaging accelerates ingredient degradation since the delicate components are exposed to air and bacteria every time you dip your finger into the jar.
Takeaway message
The choice between scented or unscented skincare products is clear. You should always opt for non-scented products to avoid causing micro-irritations to your skin.
About the Author:
Therese Anne Limbana was born and raised in the Philippines. She migrated to the US to work as a nurse and served as a front-liner during the global pandemic. She aims to be a dermatologist and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in dermatology and psychiatry. You can visit her site at drmissionsny.com
