Perfumes for allergy sufferers

1. Know what it is that you are allergic to.Manufactured perfumes have more than just fragrance in them.Additives and other chemicals may be part of what is irritating to your body when applying a perfume.If you know what you are allergic to you may be able to avoid the ingredient.

2. Read labels.If you follow through on number one you will be able to eliminate products by reading the ingredient list on the label.This is no different than reading labels when you have a peanut allergy or other food allergy.Perfume labels should tell you what is in them and if they don't then don't use the product.

3. Test the product on your skin.It may be the location that you have been applying perfume to that reacts to the product.If you locate a perfume that you believe to be safe for you then purchase a small bottle or better yet obtain a sample or a "spritz" at your local perfume counter and test it on your skin.Don't go overboard when testing by applying too much perfume.Instead use a small amount for the test.Try applying the perfume in a typical perfume spot but also try placing it in a not so typical place on the body, like an elbow, the upper back or even in your hair (but not the scalp).Accomplish putting the perfume in your hair by spraying a bit in the air above your head and tilting your face downward allowing the scent to fall into the hair.

4. Look for lighter scents.A fresh scent or scented water, often referred to as an Eau de Toilette or floral water, may work because they are light on the additives.Ask for a sample to test the product.

5. Shop and see what is available.Your local perfume counter is a good place to start shopping.Take your time.Simply walking into a department store can send some allergy sufferers into a tailspin due to the fragrance and perfume department; the odor can be overwhelming.

Consider the idea of using an essential oil instead of a perfume.A pure essential oil will not usually have additives or manmade chemicals attached to the fragrance.Again, know what you are allergic to and make sure you test the product before purchasing a bottle.In the end you may find that the healing qualities of some essential oils are beneficial to your body.That's not something you could really say about most perfumes.

6. Don't apply perfume to the body.Instead, apply the perfume to a cloth handkerchief and carry it in your purse or your pocket.Try spraying a scarf that you enjoy wearing around the waist or draped across the shoulders.If you want to wear the scarf around your neck make sure you spray the tips or an area that does not contact the skin.Once you begin to apply fragrance to clothing the scent will linger and become part of your wardrobe without you needing to apply it every time you dress.WARNING:Applying perfumes to fabric can sometimes stain the fabric so test this process and choose your articles of clothing carefully or you could ruin a garment that you love or paid a lot of money for.

7. Understand your allergies.Educate yourself and you may be able to make changes to your diet and habits that can alter your body's reactions to fragrance.

Just because you have an allergic reaction to perfumes does not mean your personal scent has to disappear.It may just need a little adjustment.