Eczema and perfume: what to do?

Some will advise you to avoid perfume in case of eczema. We qualify the point. Wearing perfume is still entirely possible, but with discernment... In the case of a skin disease such as eczema or psoriasis, the skin is fragile. The protective barrier role of the skin is altered. It then becomes more sensitive to external aggression. Some substances, such as alcohol, are inherently drying and irritating to the skin.

Alcohol is present in many cosmetics: perfumes, lotions, toners, deodorants, etc. Our team decided to look at perfumes, which are highly alcoholic and which are sprayed directly on the skin. Among our advices, here are our tips and tricks for choosing a perfume suited to your skin and for wearing perfume without danger.

Eczema and perfumes: alcohol: major and aggressive component for the skin

What is the role of alcohol in perfumes?

Perfumes are made from three elements. On the one hand the perfume concentrate obtained from essences, on the other the support and finally the fixative.

The support is what will define the type of perfume: oily perfume, solid perfume and alcoholic perfume (1).

Alcohol is the most common carrier in the perfume industry and represents at least 80% of the composition of a perfume. This allows the odorous concentrate to be diluted and the fragrance to be preserved over time. As soon as the perfume is applied to the skin, the alcohol evaporates quickly, causing that feeling of freshness, ideal for spring, and leaving the odorous substances on the skin.

A drying and irritating component

Alcohol is a drying and irritating component. Through repeated contact with the skin, alcohol alters the skin's hydrolipidic film. As a result, the skin no longer properly plays its role as a protective barrier. The epidermis is then less protected, thus causing dryness and skin irritation. Then tingling, redness, dermatitis and even allergies appear. This is particularly true in winter when the effects of cold on the skin worsen skin dryness.

Eczema and perfume, tips for wearing perfume

Which category of perfume to choose? Eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum and perfume are differentiated according to the concentration of essences and the degree of alcohol (2). So here are the concentration levels, from lightest to highest:

– 1 to 3% essences in 70° alcohol: Eau de Cologne

– 7 to 12% essences in 80°/90° alcohol, held for 3 hours maximum: Eau de toilette

– 12% to 20% essences in 80°/90° alcohol, lasting up to 6 hours: Eau de parfum

– Perfume: more than 20% essences in 90°/95° alcohol, lasting up to 8 hours.

Depending on the concentration of essence and the degree of alcohol, the length of time the perfume lasts and its olfactory power are not the same. Thus, the higher the concentration of the perfume in essences and alcohol, the less it is appropriate to use because it will last longer.

If you have a skin problem and you still want to perfume yourself with an alcohol-based perfume, it is then preferable to opt for colognes and eau de toilette, which are less concentrated and therefore less irritating for your skin. . Or perfume your clothes rather than your skin.

Eczema, psoriasis: how to wear perfume?

If you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, we do not recommend wearing perfume directly on your skin with an alcoholic perfume. The ideal is to spray your perfume on your clothes, to avoid direct contact with the skin. We will also avoid spraying at the top of the neck, to promote eczema behind thehear.

However, if you cannot do without it, we advise you to alternate the areas to be perfumed (neck and wrists). In addition, before that, we recommend that you apply a little vegetable oil or moisturizing cream to the area to be perfumed. It will form a protective barrier to limit the irritating and drying action of alcohol on your already dry skin.

In this case, our Pso Natura Rich Restructuring Cream is perfectly indicated. It will protect your skin while hydrating it and relieving your itching linked to eczema or psoriasis.

In addition, summer, we do not recommend wearing perfume before exposure to the sun. Alcohol in contact with the sun can cause spots to appear on your skin. Consult our section Eczema questions If in doubt.

Eczema and perfumes: watch out for synthetic components

The essences used to obtain the perfume concentrate were originally derived from natural plants. Although these substances are still used, today synthetic ingredients dominate the perfume industry. They make it possible to replace natural species that are too expensive and rare.

In addition, to ensure that the fragrance lasts a long time and the olfactory power lasts a long time, manufacturers use fixatives, which are, in the majority of cases, synthetic. All of these substances used today in perfumery can prove irritating to the skin and dangerous to health. In case of psoriasis or eczema, we strongly recommend that you favor 100% natural perfumes.

– Fragrances suitable for sensitive, problem skin
– Natural and organic perfumes
– natural perfume for sensitive skin

Today, natural and organic perfumes are increasingly present in the perfume aisle. They offer fewer olfactory choices but limit the risks for the skin, particularly for problem skin.

Natural fragrances are free from silicones, dyes, phthalates, synthetics and petrochemicals. The alcohol used in natural perfumes comes from the fermentation of sugars or cereals. However, certified organic perfumes go even further, in addition to being natural, they present an ethical aspect towards the perfume industry.

Here are some examples of natural perfume brands that we have selected for you: L'Artisan Partemporel, Honoré des Prés, Kizo and Weleda. Among the natural and organic perfumes we find the brands Melvita, Acorelle and Florame (3). Please note, it is important to choose certified natural perfumes.

Solid perfumes without alcohol

Known since the XNUMXth century, solid perfumes are experiencing renewed interest. Also called concrete, solid perfume is made from waxes, vegetable butters and oils. It therefore contains no trace of alcohol and is made up of natural ingredients, an ideal fragrance for sensitive skin.

In balm form, solid perfume is a traditional and elegant way to wear perfume. Solid perfume is very concentrated, so you should apply very little. It costs about half as much as an alcoholic perfume, one more reason to adopt it.

Oily fragrances that are gentle on the skin

Oily perfumes use oil as a carrier to dilute the perfume concentrate. So they do not contain alcohol. That said, to formulate an oily perfume, it is better to favor the use of vegetable oils such as sweet almond, sesame or wheat germ oil.

Oily fragrances are natural and very gentle on the skin. Additionally, the oil acts as a real moisturizer, ideal for sensitive and dry skin. The only negative point is that the scents are limited since certain essences are not miscible with the oil.

Eczema and perfumes, conclusion

In case of eczema, psoriasis or other skin problems, alcoholic perfumes are not recommended but not prohibited. Alcoholic, solid, oily or natural perfume, the choice is yours. It's important to wear a perfume that matches your personality but also your skin!

sources:

(1) Cosmopolitan.fr