After being exposed to the sun, one may notice the appearance of brown spots or other skin lesions due to a fragrance or scented beauty product. We aim to help you better understand this phenomenon, also known as fragrance dermatitis, through 5 questions.
You may have heard that you should not apply perfume to your skin before going out in the sun. This statement is not a myth or a mere misconception. Indeed, perfumes can interact with the sun's ultraviolet rays. Due to certain plants or essential oils they contain, perfumes can first of all increase the risk of getting sunburned...
Some fragrant molecules increase the skin's sensitivity and cause a magnifying effect. As a result, the skin reacts, it becomes weakened, and the likelihood of sunburn increases.
Under the combined effect of the sun's rays and a scented product, other types of skin reactions can also be observed, such as patches, redness, outbreaks of pimples, or the appearance of brown spots.
If you notice any of these symptoms on your skin, stop wearing perfume immediately and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
The combination of fragrance and sunlight can lead to what is known as a fragrance dermatitis or dermatitis. This term refers to a form of photodermatosis, that is, a skin problem due to the sensitization of the skin and its exposure to sunlight.
Specifically, this skin reaction is characterized by the appearance of brown spots on the areas that have been perfumed. This abnormal pigmentation can take the form of spots, patches, or even brown streaks on the skin. It can appear just after sun exposure or later, 2 to 3 weeks later.
Note: Perfumer's creations are not the only products that can cause this type of photodermatosis. Other fragrant substances can have the same consequences, including certain essential oils like bergamot, lavender, or lemon essential oils…
There is no miracle cure to make brown spots caused by fragrance dermatitis disappear. That's exactly the problem and the reason why you shouldn't apply perfume on your skin when you're going out in the sun...
If you've made this mistake, don't worry too much! This brown pigmentation is benign. However, it persists for a long time.
The brown spots will fade on their own, but their gradual disappearance takes several months. To avoid this inconvenience in the future, remember that perfume and sun do not mix well!
In terms of skin photosensitization, it's better to prevent than to cure. The main prevention advice is to not apply any perfume or any scented product before exposing oneself to the UV rays of the sun.
All skin types are different and some are more sensitive than others. Nevertheless, utmost caution is advised to avoid skin reactions and spots on the skin.
When planning outdoor summer outings, whether to the beach or to the mountains, prefer sunscreen products with fragrance and remember to reapply every two hours to prevent sunburn.
For all those who don't want to give up smelling good during the summer season, there are several tricks for wearing perfume in the summer without risking fragrance dermatitis.
You can particularly:
• wear your favorite perfume only when you go out in the evening. If you're used to wearing a perfume with heady notes, it's better to switch during the hot season and opt for a lighter eau de toilette. Indeed, strong scents can be bothersome when it's very hot.
• avoid contact of the perfume with your skin by spraying it on the collar or lining of your clothes. Choose less visible areas because perfumes can leave marks on light-colored clothing, especially those made of linen or silk...
• replace your usual perfume with scented sun products, such as a sunscreen or monoï-scented sun oil, for example. Also consider after-sun care to take care of your skin while delicately scenting it.
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