The statement, “Do not apply perfume directly into the skin”, is something we read everywhere. Well, there is a reason for this. Perfume can cause pigmentation but main reason is mostly due to some ingredients.
Some fragrances like alcohol, musk, and bergamot oil can cause phototoxicity once in contact with UV light and even cause a sunburn reaction. If the response is mild, will result in superficial pigmentation, but this one can take months to disappear. In some cases, will go away by itself but sometimes will need to be treated by a professional.
To prevent this, look for those ingredients in your perfume, and avoid them, or just simply don’t apply perfume directly into your skin.
Avoid these ingredients
- Musk: it can reduce evaporation of other ingredients and make the fragrance stay for longer
- Bergamot Oil: is a citric like orange, allows other essences to mix between them
- Alcohol
What are the consequences?
- Pigmentation: usually, they are brown and can be found in areas where perfume is applied, like the chest or behind the ears.
- Itchiness and flaky skin: being exposed to the sun after applying perfume on some occasions can cause pigmentation followed by an allergic reaction in the area; most of the time, they disappear spontaneously.
- Berloque dermatitis: is the most known reaction, usually caused by bergamot oil. The combination of this ingredient with sweat can increase the risk of dermatitis.
How to avoid skin pigmentation caused by perfume?
Don’t apply perfume directly into the skin just before going outside. Complement these using hypoallergenic products like shampoo, shower gel, and after bath lotions, and never forget the SPF when going out. Avoid using lotions or perfumes when going to the beach or pool, especially the ones containing musk and bergamot oil.
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