Perfumes are an essential part of everyday grooming and beauty. It’s one product that’s spotted in every vanity. A couple of spritzes of your favorite fragrance can boost your mood and confidence, providing a more wholesome outlook on life in general. While perfumes have a long list of benefits, it’s also worth learning about the potential allergies. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, perfume is the second most common reason behind contact allergy after nickel is used in jewelry.
Let’s dive deeper into perfume allergy symptoms, its causes, and the difference between perfume allergy and sensitivity. We’re covering all bases, so you have all the information you need about perfume allergy and how to prevent and heal from it. Keep reading!
What Is Perfume Allergy?
Buy best Perfume, Perfume or fragrance allergy is a condition in which the perfume wearer experiences severe skin reactions after applying perfume or other cosmetic products that contain fragrances.
How Do You Get Perfume Allergy?
The main culprits behind allergic reactions to perfume or fragrances are ingredients found in them. Further, if you suffer from conditions like asthma or other respiratory issues, you have a higher chance of experiencing perfume allergies. Also, individuals with sensitive skin (covered in detail in the next section) may be at higher risk of developing allergies in general, including those caused by fragrances.
Allergic reactions to perfume/fragrances can occur when:
– Skin comes in contact with the fragrant liquid or other scented material
– Perfume is sprayed on the body
– Perfume is inhaled
Many fragrances are made using synthetic chemicals, including synthetic musk (mimics the smells of animal musk) and phthalates (lengthens the fragrances’ wear time). You may get perfume allergy due to these ingredients as they are not sourced naturally.
Difference Between Perfume Allergy and Sensitivity
Perfume sensitivity is less severe than an allergic reaction to perfume. Typically, the former is more common in occurrence than the latter, as most people will experience irritation as opposed to having a full-blown allergic response to ingredients.
Similarly, since perfume sensitivity is less severe in nature, its symptoms are milder and go away within a few hours. For instance, if you are sensitive to certain ingredients used in the scent you applied, you may sneeze a couple of times or have a bit of a headache. However, if you’re going through an allergic reaction to perfume, you’ll have more serious reactions.
Let’s take a look at these symptoms in the next section.
Symptoms: How To Tell If You Have Perfume Allergy
While symptoms will vary from person to person, these are the most common ones among those who have an allergic reaction to perfume:
– Burning sensation
– Contact dermatitis
– Crusty or pus-filled blisters
– Flaky or dry skin
– Breathing problems
– Itchy throat and skin around eyes
– Redness or red patches on the skin
– Conjunctivitis
– Swelling
– Hives
Tips To Heal From Perfume Allergy
If you have experienced perfume allergy, the first thing you should do is identify which ingredients caused it and avoid them. When purchasing a new fragrance, remember to check the ingredients list to ensure these allergens are not present in the product.
Many people go the home remedy route; however, you should do this at your discretion. Some common household items that may bring relief include lavender, peppermint, and lemon essential oils. These oils have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce some of the symptoms of perfume allergies.
If you are suffering from serious symptoms, like difficulty breathing or rashes, you must consult a doctor. There are oral medications and topical creams that they can prescribe to heal or treat your fragrance allergy.
Sensitive To Scents? Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Perfume
Now that you know what fragrance or perfume allergy may look like and what to do in case you experience the same, let’s talk about how to buy best perfume that’s skin-friendly and safe to use.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing perfume:
- Always patch-test a new fragrance before placing the order or buying it at the store. This will help ensure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Spritz a small amount on a patch of skin and observe for a few hours or days.
- If you easily break into a rash or reaction after using perfume, opt for allergen-free alternatives that are made using natural ingredients. Some essential oils, like peppermint and lavender, have pleasant scents and can substitute for perfume.
- Nowadays, many brands offer fragrances made without using common allergenic ingredients. These products are formulated keeping in mind those who are sensitive to common fragrances. However, bear in mind that ‘fragrance-free’ offerings might contain something that can irritate the skin, so always go through the list of ingredients.
- Finally, educate yourself on different fragrance families so you can choose wisely. Fragrance families, including floral, citrus, oriental, woody, and fresh, are frequently used to group them. Knowing which fragrance families you have previously reacted to will help you steer clear of particular components that are frequently linked to those families.
