Synthetic Fragrances

Do you open up a new personal care product and immediately smell it? Well we are guilty of it too!

BUT, we need to collectively unlearn this habit. We need to stop judging personal care products by their fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are a common ingredient in skincare products, from moisturizers to body washes to shampoos. While they may smell nice, synthetic fragrances can potentially be bad for your skin. In this blog post, we'll explore why synthetic fragrances are problematic, how they can disrupt the skin's balance, and what you can do to avoid them.

Why are synthetic fragrances bad for your skin?

Synthetic fragrances in skincare products can potentially be bad for your skin for a few reasons:

1. Irritation: Synthetic fragrances are one of the most common causes of skin irritation, and can cause redness, itching, and even allergic reactions. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin.

2. Sensitization: Repeated exposure to synthetic fragrances can lead to sensitization, which means that your skin becomes more and more reactive to the fragrance over time. This can cause even more severe reactions, and may even lead to chronic skin conditions such as eczema.

3. Disruption of the skin barrier: Some synthetic fragrances can disrupt the skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of your skin that helps to protect against environmental aggressors. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, inflammation, and other issues.

How do synthetic fragrances disrupt the skin's balance?

Synthetic fragrances can disrupt the skin's balance in a few different ways:

1. Chemical irritation: Many synthetic fragrances contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, such as phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin's natural barrier, which is responsible for protecting the skin from external irritants and keeping it hydrated. When the barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, redness, and other symptoms of irritation.

2. Sensitization: Repeated exposure to synthetic fragrances can lead to sensitization, which means that your skin becomes more and more reactive to the fragrance over time. This can cause the skin's immune system to overreact, leading to chronic inflammation and other negative effects.

3. Disruption of the skin microbiome: The skin has a delicate balance of microorganisms that help to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Synthetic fragrances can disrupt this balance, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a depletion of beneficial bacteria. This can cause a range of negative effects, including acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

What can you do to avoid synthetic fragrances in skincare?

If you want to avoid synthetic fragrances in your skincare products, there are a few things you can do:

1. Look for fragrance-free products: Many skincare products now come in fragrance-free versions, which can help to minimize your exposure to synthetic fragrances.

2. Read ingredient labels carefully: Look for ingredients such as "fragrance," "parfum," "aroma," or "perfume" on the ingredient label. If you see these ingredients listed, it's likely that the product contains synthetic fragrances.

3. Consider natural fragrances: If you do want a gentle aroma in your skincare products that wont linger on your skin, consider using products that use natural fragrances, such as essential oils, which also have functional skin benefits.