I got diagnosed with a fragrance allergy recently. I break out in hives on my face. My doctor gave me back my allergy results and told me I had to cut all scented things out, from cleaners, to soaps, to shampoos, detergents, whole nine yards. I was crushed at first, because I liked my scented soaps and dryer sheets.
But you know how people that go blind kinda get hearing superpowers? My nose has been getting that now, because there’s less scent “noise” in the picture. Scents are sharpened now. I feel almost superhuman now, haha. Anyone here ever had something similar with a different sense, or something similar with fragrances? I’m amazed at just how many things we put fragrance in now!
That’s awesome! Sense of smell is a big thing for me, so that’s definitely tempting. But… deodorant too? I need that. This is how I integrate in society.
I switched to an unscented potassium alum based deodorant, and was pleasantly surprised by how well it works.
If I skip a shower I have to be diligent about giving things a quick once-over with a washcloth instead and reapplying the deodorant, otherwise…. Oof!
Oh, I still use it! Just unscented now. It smells a bit like baking soda :)
I haven’t used scented soaps or detergents for years. I definitely have a sensitive nose but i think it’s always been quite good? You’re right that it’s easier to smell more mild smells when there isn’t something stronger covering it up.
Oh wow I haven’t even ever thought about this. I use incense alot in my daily religious practices but apart from that I may try to cut out fragrances for a few months to see what happens.
I was mourning the loss of fragrance at first, but I’m kinda intrigued at what stuff I like vs what stuff I can cut out, scented versions, at least. I think I’m going for scent free laundry once I figure out exactly what in my life is causing this rash. :)
Absolutely. I have quite sensitive skin, so I avoid most scented items. I found a gas leak recently that no one else could smell. So that was fun!
Yikes! Glad you caught it before it became deadly. Gas leaks or no joke.
Definitely glad! It was coming from the hob, as well. I’m really glad we decided not to cook anything that day.
I dunno if it’s an intolerance but a lot of fragrances / perfumes and air fresheners make me feel sick / vomitty
I used old spice antiperspirant for ages , but I don’t know why I didn’t think of just getting fragrance free stuff, I have anti perspetant , body wash , shampoo , laundry strips ~ and they’re great ~ they have smells (metallic alluminium-ness) but no /added/ smell which I love ~
My complex uses those air wick things to mask the human smells on our floor hallways. But it smells like a honeybucket…I’m wishing they just had a fresh air intake instead. Would also help with the temperature in the summers.
I’ve not used soap/bodywash in years because I found it caused itchyness. Just wash with water and a good scrub with one of those scrunchy type sponge things. No problems with smelling bad. I do however still use deodorant as I get RIPE fast.
Shampoo I have to use (Nizoral) due to some sort of skin condition in my scalp, beard and eyebrows.
