Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Scented Moisturizer On Your Face

A skincare routine is part of daily life for a lot of women, as giving the utmost care to the skin can be as important as taking a shower. For ladies who wear makeup every day, washing the face before bedtime does more than just clean the skin. It can also prevent clogged pores and acne. Even for people who don't wear cosmetics, washing gets rid of dirt and excess oil (via Everyday Health). But a well-rounded skincare routine involves more than just washing the face with a cleanser and water.

Some women like to use a makeup remover before washing. Then, after cleansing, toners, serums, and moisturizers follow. Some women have a long and detailed skincare routine, while others like it short and simple. Choosing the right products for you depends on your preference and needs. However, moisturizers are just as important as cleansing. Why? It's because they keep the skin soft and hydrated. The last thing you want is to have dry, flaky skin.

"Moisturizers are oil-based ingredients, including occlusive agents, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, and emollients like esters and plant oils," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist. "They work by creating a seal on the surface of the skin, which prevents water from escaping. They also make the skin feel smoother and less dry" (via Healthline). So while moisturizers are vital for skin health, using the wrong type can pose problems.

When it comes to caring for the skin, many people usually look for the best products they can find and afford. Then again, some people believe that good skincare is an investment. The right set of products, however, differs for every person. What works for your friend may not work for you. But one thing that is certain and can apply to everyone is that scented skincare products should be avoided. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "fragrance to a product, whether to enhance the appeal of the product or to mask an unappealing odor, creates an avoidable risk of irritant or allergic reaction to fragrance-sensitive persons."

Various chemicals are present in many moisturizers, and these substances can often smell strong, so manufacturers use fragrances to mask the odor. Another reason why companies add scents to products is to trick the brain. They add fragrance to moisturizers "to appeal to the olfactory centers in our brain or sense of smell to create an emotional connection to a product," Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist, tells NYLON. The fragrance in scented moisturizers, therefore, isn't offering any benefits, and may cause irritation instead.

A moisturizer is a vital step in skincare. Especially in colder months, using a moisturizer can prevent and treat dryness in the skin. Apart from keeping the skin hydrated, the emollient can protect sensitive skin and improve its texture (via Mayo Clinic). Even celebrities swear by using moisturizers, but each one has their favorite (via Byrdie). It's important to note that expensive products are not always the best — especially when the products are scented. 

Fragrances in moisturizers can cause irritation in people with super sensitive skin or for individuals suffering from various skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema. The scent in these products act as allergens and can cause "an increased risk of developing contact dermatitis," Dr. Melissa Levin, a New York-based Dermatologist, tells PopSugar.

Whether you have normal or sensitive skin, it is better to use unscented moisturizers as they are generally safer. It is still necessary to read the whole label to know what ingredients are present in a particular skincare product. After all, you only want what's best for your skin.