Allergist warned about the risks of using fake perfumes

The use of fake perfumes can lead to poisoning, skin diseases and allergic reactions due to the toxic substances. On February 20, an allergist, immunologist, rheumatologist, and general practitioner at the NCC Nº2 Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "RNC named after Academician of B.V. Petrovsky" Elena Sycheva.

According to the expert, the regular use of counterfeit or low-quality perfumes can pose a health risk. Unlike certified products, which undergo security controls and comply with international standards, counterfeits are made without complying with established requirements.

Among the main threats, the specialist identified the use of toxic components. Instead of purified ethyl alcohol, technical alcohol containing methanol can be used in counterfeit products. This substance can cause severe poisoning, damage to vision and the nervous system. In addition, fakes may contain phenols, aldehydes, and heavy metals, including lead and cadmium.

"With prolonged exposure, these substances accumulate in the body and can provoke the development of chronic diseases, including eczema, dermatitis and, according to some reports, increase the risk of cancer," the doctor noted.

Allergies to cold: who in the cold is better not to go outside

Doctors have revealed how low temperatures affect health and appearance

A separate danger, according to the specialist, is the instability of the composition. If the manufacturing technology is violated, the components can decompose under the influence of light and heat, forming aggressive compounds that irritate the skin and respiratory tract.

In addition, allergic reactions are caused by both natural and synthetic substances. The reaction is provoked not by the fragrance as a whole, but by specific molecules. Among natural allergens, essential oils of jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, bergamot, as well as extracts of rose, narcissus and oak moss are more common. Common synthetic allergens include linalool, cinnamon alcohol, cinnamon aldehyde, hexylcinnamal, hydroxycitronellal, and isoeugenol.

"Low-quality products may contain phthalates (diethyl phthalate, DEP), used for odor resistance, as well as synthetic nitromusci (ketone musk, xylene musk). These substances can accumulate in tissues and disrupt the endocrine system," she said.

The allergist recommended buying perfumes only at official outlets, paying attention to the composition and avoiding products of questionable origin. Before use, it is advisable to conduct a skin test by applying the product to the wrist and assessing the reaction during the day. In case of hypersensitivity, it is preferable to apply fragrance to clothing to reduce skin contact.

Old age: how to keep your skin young

Experts told whether it is possible to resist premature aging and how to prevent oxidative stress.

In addition, as stated by the dermatovenerologist, trichologist of the KDC NCC Nº2 of the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "RNC named after Academician B.V. Petrovsky" Irina Afonina, when using perfumes, especially low-quality ones, patients most often experience skin reactions of varying severity. The most common problem is allergic contact dermatitis. It does not appear immediately, but one to three days after applying the fragrance: redness, itching, small bubbles and peeling appear at the contact points.

Another common situation is photodermatitis, the doctor added. After applying perfumes with citrus or herbal ingredients and subsequent exposure to the sun, burns and persistent age spots may occur on the skin. Patients also experience signs of irritable dermatitis — burning, dryness, cracks and a feeling of tightness, which is associated with the aggressive effects of alcohol and other chemicals.

Perfumes can also provoke an exacerbation of chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, even if they were previously in remission. With regular application of perfumes with a high alcohol content, the skin's microbiome can also be disrupted: the protective barrier weakens, and the susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections increases.

"If there is even the slightest wound, scratch or inflammation on the skin, it is absolutely forbidden to apply perfume to this place. Through the damaged barrier, even the highest—quality components will penetrate deep into the dermis and cause the reaction I wrote about above," she said.

Injection into a dream: why Russians do extreme injections and how dangerous it is

Injections into the ear and feet are advertised as a quick way to lose weight and wear heels without pain.

Vera Serezhina, an expert doctor and microbiologist at the LabQuest medical company, reported on February 13 that severe skin infections can be contracted by trying on clothes in stores or when ordering on marketplaces. According to the expert, some pathogens are transmitted by contact, including through tissue.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.