Do you believe that cosmetic fragrance has nothing to do with attractive skin ? Fragrance is just an accessory to cosmetics, and a good scent may make you feel a little better. However, it is now known that fragrances have medicinal properties and can actually influence the appearance of the skin. It is important to understand that natural and synthetic fragrances are both used in cosmetics, and that certain synthetic fragrances may be harmful. So what are the mechanisms by which cosmetic fragrances really act on beauty and health ?
Mechanisms of action of perfumes
Fragrance is an essential beauty ingredient. The components of perfumes and essential oils adhere to the mucous membranes of the nose and transmit signals to the limbic system of the brain, which in turn stimulates the autonomic nervous system. Good scents act on the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the body and mind and improving blood circulation and metabolism, which contribute to beautiful skin. Unpleasant odors, on the other hand, act on the sympathetic nervous system, increasing excitement and tension, blocking blood circulation and stagnating the excretion of waste products, thus slowing down the construction of the skin. A good cosmetic fragrance is not only pleasant, but also has a great effect on the skin's regeneration process.
Characteristics of natural and synthetic perfumes
Perfumes can be natural or chemically synthesized. Natural fragrances can be plant-based, such as rose and rosemary, or animal-based, such as musk. Animal-based fragrances are virtually non-existent today thanks to restrictions such as the Washington Convention. Synthetic fragrances, such as geraniol and anisaldehyde, are either synthesized from chemicals, such as petroleum or other similar materials, or isolated from natural plants, which is not often the case. Synthetic perfumes have a strong, lingering odor, which can sometimes cause headaches if sniffed for long periods of time in cosmetic stores. Natural fragrances, on the other hand, have a soft, sweet smell that fades over time.
Synthetic fragrances are fine volatile particles, which can affect the nervous system, cause hormonal and other endocrine disorders, mental instability, and atopic dermatitis. Since they are not required to be listed in detail on the label and are often only mentioned as "fragrance" at the end, it is almost impossible to determine the name of the ingredients. Organic cosmetics are usually labeled with the name of the plant from which the essential oil was extracted, e.g. lavender oil, rose oil, etc.
Methods of extraction of aromatic components
When you hold roses and herbs close to your nose, you will feel comforted by their delicate scent. The aromas in these plants are extracted by pressing the herbs or by steam distillation in a pot. The pressing method yields the best essential oil, but it is less efficient because it is not fully pressed, and much of it is wasted, which increases the price.
In steam distillation, the steam evaporates the aromatic components along with the plant extract. Once cooled, it forms a double layer, with the heavier plant oils accumulating at the bottom and the lighter essential oils separating at the top.
Vegetable oils also retain some of their fragrance, but most of the fragrance is concentrated in the essential oil. To increase efficiency and extract all the aromatic components, or for delicate aromas such as jasmine, whose fragrance is easily destroyed by high temperatures, a solvent is used to absorb the aromatic components, and then the solvent is skimmed off. This operation is very efficient, but it cannot be used in organic products because of the small amount of synthetic residue in the solvent.
Aromatic oils have been associated with medicine.
Traditionally, scents were also used as medicines to treat illnesses by burning aromatic plants for cosmetic purposes, inhaling their smoke, or applying them directly to the body. Modern aromatherapy massage uses aromatic oils, such as single essential oils or blends of aromatic oils, to penetrate the body through the skin and refresh the body and mind. Aromatic oils were linked to medicine because they act as medicines that penetrate the capillaries and are transported to different parts of the body. This shows their influence on health and beauty. Besides simply scenting, they also have cosmetic effects, such as improving inflammation and rashes, rejuvenating the skin, and reducing wrinkles.
Combine fragrances from different sources.
Most perfumes and essential oils sold in foreign-brand perfume stores and airport malls are blends of synthetic and natural fragrances. In fact, perfumers make different blends because natural essential oils alone are not enough to create a fragrance with an urban feel. While these fragrances have a strong, long-lasting scent, natural fragrances have a relatively short olfactory decay time, meaning the scent immediately after application fades over time and eventually disappears. Scents that are good for beauty and health are those that come from natural plants such as roses and flowers. When choosing perfumes for cosmetics, it is best to choose those made from natural essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes.