Fragrance is one of the most important aspects of body care, at least to many consumers. Ironically, it is one of the least important for the health of the skin. For some people, fragrance can be as much a problem from the neck down as for the neck up. The body is generally less susceptible to sensitizing reactions than the face, but that can vary from person to person, and there can be a problem even if you don't feel a reaction. Yet, with the advent of aromatherapy, scent has taken on new prominence in the world of body care, and it can be difficult to avoid.

Despite the risk to the skin, most body and bath products are highly fragranced, and things are getting worse, not better. While women are becoming more and more aware that fragranced skin-care products can cause problems for the face, they are nevertheless likely to purchase bath and body-care products because of their scent.

Can a particular scent or blend of scents provide special benefits for your skin or your emotions? When it comes to skin, fragrant oils are not helpful for any part of the face or body because they can cause irritation, skin sensitivities, rashes, inflammation, and allergic reactions. Fragrance is especially problematic for the genital area (Source: American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, December 2001, pages 225–228).

However, as far as your emotions are concerned, only you can know for sure. Lots of women indeed feel less stressed out after indulging their senses with interesting fragrant blends, but they are also taking time out from their busy day while doing it. Does the fragrance cause the effect or the time out? That's hard to say. What is easy to say is that scent has more to offer for the nose than it does for the skin.

Most people are greatly affected by pleasing aromas, and almost everyone feels invigorated or supremely relaxed after a good long soak. Because fragrance can play such a significant role in this experience, there is no reason not to partake. However, I would encourage you to find other ways to please your olfactory sense than putting fragrant products in the bath water or all over your skin. Scented candles, plain candles drizzled with fragrant oils, and oil lamps or diffusers (you can purchase the latter at most health food stores or specialty body-care shops) are a great way to fill the air with sublime scents and leave your skin unaffected.

Paula Begoun