Is perfume safe in the heat?
Sun, perfume and risks of pigmentation spots. We consult dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos on how to avoid this dangerous combination and adopt a better habit.
Although this phenomenon is rare today, it’s still possible to develop brown spots when exposing scented skin to sunlight. Three situations can lead to risks of pigmentation in the sun:
Dermatitis scents: this is the most known case. It will sometimes leave indelible brown spots. They are usually caused by the bergamot essence component present in many perfumes. Today bergamot essence used in perfumery has changed, so it is no longer phototoxic.
An allergy: in contact with certain perfume ingredients, it can cause redness and itching, but also some changes in the skin, like mattifying effects or dark pigmentation under the effect of the sun. This is called post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Irritation: we also see post-inflammatory pigmentation following irritation. Or in certain cases, some perfumes can be irritating, by their mere alcohol content.
DR. NINA ROOS’S ADVICE ON HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR PERFUME DURING THE DAY:
– Do not wear perfume directly on the skin that will be exposed to sunlight (even in town). It is best to simply spray on clothing.
– Never buy inauthentic perfume. The compositions of counterfeit perfumes are not controlled, increasing the risk of allergies, irritation and photosensitivity.
Alexandra Raillan and Nur Syazana H.
