What’s the Perfume-Induced Dizziness?
Ever experienced dizziness, nausea, or even vomiting upon smelling certain perfumes? The sensation is akin to motion sickness, but it’s not an indication of toxicity in the fragrance. This common phenomenon is known as “Perfume-Induced Dizziness” .
The Psychological Mechanism of Perfume-induced Dizziness
Olfactory fatigue occurs as a natural defense mechanism. Research suggests that olfactory memories are among the most enduring for humans. Most instances of fragrance-induced discomfort stem from awakening unpleasant memories, triggering the body’s avoidance response.
For example, many people may feel dizzy when exposed to aquatic or white floral perfumes, as they tap into collective aversions. The artificial recreation of the sea breeze and aquatic ambiance in aquatic fragrances involves the use of chemical compounds, often associated with industrial scents, leading to the discomfort.
Ingredients to avoid: Sea water, rainwater, calone (watermelon ketone), seaweed, etc.
Recommend 3 representative perfumes with a aquatic scent that you can purchase samples of to test whether you enjoy the aquatic fragrance:
click the photo to get samples
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White floral perfumes, on the other hand, contain a component called “indole,” found in feces and decaying matter. While the concentration of indole in perfumes is low, individuals sensitive to this scent may find it unsettling.
Ingredients to avoid: Orange blossom, jasmine, tuberose, honeysuckle, lily, narcissus, etc.
Recommend 3 representative perfumes with a white floral scent that you can purchase samples of to test whether you enjoy the white floral fragrance:
click the photo to get samples
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Beyond these general aversions, everyone has personal scent triggers. Some associate spices with body odor, while others may relate leather scents to taxi interiors. Essentially, any aroma has the potential to become a personal olfactory trigger.
Gourmand:
Scent: Sweet and rich. Individuals who dislike sweet scents may find this fragrance too cloying. It’s akin to encountering a dessert that’s sweeter than one prefers, like ordering a mildly sweetened milk tea and stumbling upon a gourmand fragrance. However, Gourmand scents can provide a warm, comforting feeling in the winter, particularly in the northern regions, and perception may vary with seasons and individual preferences.
Ingredients to Avoid: Honey, sweet milk, vanilla, tonka bean, caramel, cotton candy, coconut, etc.
Recommend 3 representative perfumes with a Gourmand scent that you can purchase samples of to test whether you enjoy the Gourmand fragrance:
click the photo to get samples
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Spicy:
Scent: Spices are often used in perfumery to create an exotic and alluring atmosphere. However, the intense and piquant nature of these scents may not appeal to everyone.
Ingredients to Avoid: Star anise, cinnamon, pepper, pink pepper, nutmeg, fennel, cumin, ginger, coriander, etc.
Recommend 3 representative perfumes with a Spices scent that you can purchase samples of to test whether you enjoy the Spices fragrance:
click the photo to get samples
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Bitter:
Scent: Bitter fragrances inherently carry a sense of solitude and aloofness, catering to a niche audience that appreciates such nuances. If you prefer a “sweeter” life, steer clear of the following components.
Ingredients to Avoid: Tobacco, medicinal herbs, ginseng, wormwood, leather, angelica, guaiac wood, agarwood, angelica root, bitter almond, oakmoss, etc.
Recommend 3 representative perfumes with a Bitter scent that you can purchase samples of to test whether you enjoy the Bitter fragrance:
click the photo to get samples
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Medical Perspective on Perfume-induced Dizziness
Olfactory discomfort extends beyond psychological factors. In medical terms, it is considered a form of odor sensitivity, where scent molecules stimulate the olfactory and central nervous systems. Sensitivity to scents can be heightened during specific periods like pregnancy, menstruation, or when feeling unwell, causing even subtle odors to evoke strong reactions. Additionally, being in an environment with a high concentration of fragrances can lead to scent overload.
Coping Strategies for Perfume-induced Dizziness
Managing fragrance-induced discomfort involves desensitization. Gradual exposure to the scent helps the body adapt, or redefining associations with the aroma can alleviate psychological discomfort.
However, avoiding the issue is also a valid approach. Recognizing scent triggers and steering clear of them is a practical method. When it comes to choosing perfumes, especially before committing to a full-size bottle, opting for samples ( click to choose your samples) for a preliminary sniff test is a wise and cost-effective strategy.
In essence, understanding these scents and taking steps to avoid or adapt to them is key to alleviating fragrance-induced discomfort.