How many times have you been baffled, trying to remember a perfume that you were supposed to know very well, but it smells like a total stranger on someone else? How many times have you heard negative comments about fragrances, regardless of the exact wording, displaying a facial expression of a dramatically pinched nose that is as vulgar as the perfume causing it? No, it’s not only about the bad choice of scent. Another factor is also at play: skin chemistry.
Today, the world of perfumery extends far beyond the labs and perfumer organs and there are many discussions spinning around this business and art in forums, on social media, in papers, blogs, websites, etc. but there is one topic that is barely promoted or supported by the industry and professional: the relationship between skin chemistry and perfume.
No matter how one may deny it, we know from experience that some perfumes that go well with some skins spoil on others. Many common factors, such as changes in diet, age, and hormonal changes, can greatly trigger this problem. But why would no one consider this? It’s simply an issue that spans from person to person, and no one can give a solid fact that fits everyone.
However, there are some established factors known as the major causes of perfume changes on skin, not fabric. Body temperature and the level of oiliness or dryness of skin, for instance, have a lot to do with perfume smell on one’s skin. This difference is more pronounced when it comes to gender.
Usually, men have higher body temperature and oilier skin which leads fragrances to pronounce louder and last longer than on women.
Routines, regular diet, genetic factors, hormonal profiles, and even skin color are factors that can considerably impact the scent. There is this popular theory that suggests while darker and oilier skins retain fragrances, lighter and drier skins enjoy higher concentrations.
The more you explore, the more factors appear. We suggest that while our skin protein degrades into lactones and the bacteria in our body party on, why should we accept that the primal scent that impacts others and bonds emotional ties is our skin scent, whatever it smells like? So, know your body odor, try perfumes on your skin, don’t follow trends or big names, and enjoy the scents you choose to wear.
