Using perfume and other scented body products is a great way to smell great throughout the day. When you balance work, school, errands, and family, you want to ensure that you stay fresh all year round.
However, have you noticed an uptick in your breakouts? It’s no surprise that the products you use impact your skin’s health. We’ll talk about what products to avoid and how changing your routine can help your acne. If you want a solution to this persistent issue, keep reading.
Is Fragrance Bad for Acne-Prone Skin?
Perfume is a common factor in skin sensitivity and can contribute to unwelcome breakouts, especially for those with preexisting skin conditions. If your skin is more oily or if you suffer from eczema, you’re more susceptible to these types of breakouts and acne problems.
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Some dermatologists state that the fragrances may not be the reason you develop acne or other sensitive skin conditions, but many claim that they can make it worse. Even if it’s simply because people with these conditions have more delicate skin than others, fragrances and perfumes are definitely on the list of possible irritants.
Fragrance can trigger sensitive skin, leading to inflammation and, in some cases, provoking acne growth. Even if you usually have very little acne, certain perfumed items may cause an increase in your breakouts. It can also contribute to clogging your pores, resulting in blackheads.
So, even though perfumes or fragrant products can lead to an increase in acne, they are usually not a direct cause. However, putting these kinds of products on acne-prone skin will be more likely to irritate you than prove beneficial.
Fragrance Allergies
Perfume has over 100 allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. It can be difficult to know whether you are allergic to a specific perfume before you try it, as allergies can develop at any stage of life.
Additionally, perfume companies don’t have to list all of their ingredients, so you may not realize at first that a specific perfume contains an element you are allergic to.
Often, this lack of transparency is because perfume companies can use up to 25,000 ingredients to manufacture their fragrances. There are simply too many components for manufacturers to list them all on a single product box or bottle.
If you are allergic to a particular perfume, it will not manifest as an acne breakout. Instead, you may experience hives, red patches, or itching.
Fragrance in Other Products
Fragrance in perfume is one thing, but you can also experience issues from fragrances in makeup, detergent, and other products.
Be wary of essential oils, so-called natural fragrances, and synthetic perfumes. We all want to smell good, but many skincare products resort to artificial ingredients that can hinder more than help.
Some products that claim to soothe skin will actually bring out more issues if they have fragrances. Face creams or lotions that would soften and hydrate one person’s skin may trigger redness and itchiness for someone else.
Rose flower extract and cinnamon are a couple of examples that convey luxury and pampering but can have unexpected side effects. Rather than your acne acting up, your skin may react to the perfume through redness or burning sensations.
Suggestions and Solutions
Experiment to see if it’s indeed the perfume that’s causing your acne problem. If you stop using the perfume but still suffer from breakouts, contact a doctor to be sure. Be sure to drink plenty of water too, since acne most often occurs in dehydrated people.
Finally, don’t go overboard when treating your sensitive skin, and don’t try to soothe it with clogging creams, ointments, or oils. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
The best advice is to try out a few perfumes to test what works for you and your skin. Avoid spraying the perfume on areas where you frequently break out to prevent increasing irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll tackle some common inquiries regarding fragrance and acne.
Does perfume give you spots?
A perfume will only give you spots if you are allergic to one of its ingredients or sensitive to fragrance. If you are getting spots from your perfume, you should visit your doctor to confirm either allergy or sensitivity.
Is fragrance always bad for skin?
Fragrance does not irritate all skin types. Many people experience no side effects when using a fragrant product. However, other people may need to avoid fragrant products whenever possible.
A common misconception is that perfume is an effective acne treatment since perfume has a high alcohol content. But that is not always true and is unhealthy for your skin. It may result in dry skin patches or irritation.
Where can I spray perfume to avoid breakouts?
Avoid your face when spritzing and spray the perfume on your wrists instead of your neck. Rub them against each other, then your collarbone to spread the smell. Spraying the perfume right onto your skin can worsen the acne and cause further irritation.
Spray your clothing lightly, or even take breaks from wearing the spray every day. Wash the areas you spray perfume onto frequently to eliminate the risk of breaking out.
Additionally, you can spray your hair, which is a great way to retain the fragrance through the hair’s ability to absorb and retain scents. The back of the arms is another option. It may sound peculiar, but those pores aren’t as absorbing, meaning you don’t have to worry as much about acne flare-ups.
So, Can Fragrance Cause Breakouts of Acne?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t a simple yes or no. Everyone is different, and many factors contribute to your breakouts. While perfume can contribute to acne, your skin type and diet are the primary factors.
Always check the ingredients list and try other products or contact a professional if your acne isn’t going away. If you follow the above steps, you can continue enjoying your fragrance without pesky breakouts ruining your confidence.
