How To Choose The Best Perfume When You Have Allergies

If you are one of those people who have a sensitive skin type, then you would have faced a challenge of finding a signature perfume that doesn’t trigger your allergies or a rash on your skin. Studies have revealed that 30% of the population is allergic to perfumes and colognes. This is because they contain harsh chemicals that sink into the pores and act as a neurotoxin in your body. This is harmful for everyone, let alone those who have a sensitive skin type. (Stanley M Caress, 2009) 

Particles in fragrances not only result in formation of hives and skin rashes on the external surface, but also trigger the release of histamine from mast cells. Histamine is a product that initiates the allergic reaction and results in the appearance of symptoms such as redness, itching, irritation, sneezing, runny nose etc.

If you are in search of the perfect scent or perfume that won’t affect your allergies, then you should definitely opt for natural perfumes.

Benefits Of Using A Natural Perfume

There are various benefits of natural perfumes over other fragrances. These include:

1. Natural perfumes are hypoallergenic and they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction because they do not contain harsh chemicals. However, they may contain few ingredients that could irritate the nose and your skin if you have a sensitive skin type. 
2. Natural perfumes are cruelty-free. They are not tested on animals. This is one aspect to look for if it interests you when buying beauty products.
3. Natural perfumes carry a lighter fragrance as compared to other chemical-based perfumes that contain an unbearable and overpowering stench. You might have noticed that the perfumes worn by certain individuals irritate your nose or airway when they pass by you. This is because they wear very strong and overpowering scent that is just not right for people who have a sensitive skin type and it tends to trigger or aggravate their allergies.
4. Essential oils can also serve as natural perfumes but still some percentage of people is allergic to these oils. They also increase the risk of photosensitivity i.e., your skin becomes sensitive to sun exposure.

How To Choose An Allergy-Friendly Perfume

1. First of all, you should know what you are searching for. There are four basic categories of scents; floral, woody, fresh and spice. Floral is the most common scent but you must know which one to select.
2. Always look for the ingredients list on the perfume bottle before purchasing. Look for the presence of phthalates, sulfates, acetone, linalool and parabens. Choose a perfume that is free from these ingredients as they can irritate the skin and nose.
3. If you notice that you are particularly allergic to alcohol added to perfumes, it is best to opt for perfumes that are oil-based.
4. Spray the perfume on a small area of skin and monitor it for an allergic reaction. If you notice an allergic reaction on the particular skin area, drop the idea of buying that particular perfume.
5. Search for reviews online from previous customers. A satisfying review will allow you to make a better decision.
6. Once you select your perfume, look for a trial size of the perfume if the store has one. If it suits you, you can go for a full-size bottle.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you suffer an allergic reaction due to a perfume, avoid using it and visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Moreover, if you notice any severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, you should visit the emergency department without delay. 

You doctor may prescribe you certain drugs such as steroids or decongestants to control the allergic symptoms.

Works Cited

Clark, S. (2020, August 19). How to wear fragrances if you have sensitive skin. Retrieved from GQ Magazine: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/grooming/gallery/scent-for-sensitive-skin

MAGUIRE, M. (2020, May 19). Clean Fragrances That Won’t Make Your Sinuses Go Haywire. Retrieved from Style Caster: https://stylecaster.com/beauty/best-clean-fragrance-allergies/

See Also

Discovering For Her Forever by Narciso Rodriguez

Rodriguez, D. (2013, April 03). Fragrance Sensitivity: When Scents Cause Symptoms. Retrieved from Everyday Health: https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx

Stanley M Caress, A. C. (2009, March). Prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the American population. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19326669/

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