How Can Perfume Help Your Mental Health
Have you ever wondered why a certain perfume makes you feel so relaxed? Why does a perfume make you feel good, or unpleasant, depending on your mood? One of the most strong senses you have is your sense of smell, which should not be overlooked. What you smell is closely linked to both memory and emotion, and it can have a significant psychological influence. Creed’s perfumers are understandably passionate about creating a positive connection between a scent and how it makes you feel. We recently spoke with Eva Carlo, a Creed Fragrance Expert, about all things Aromachology, and how we can use fragrance to not only smell good, but also to help our mental well-being during this unusual time.
What exactly is Aromachology?
Simply put, aromachology (aroma+psychology) is the scientific study of the psychological advantages of fragrances. It investigates the psychological effects of odor on the brain. Aromachology, which is often confused with aromatherapy, focuses on how different fragrances affect our neurological system. Aromatherapy, while linked to mental health, is actually more of a holistic therapeutic technique that uses natural plant extracts to treat common disorders. Aromatherapy essential oils have long been associated with calming effects on our mental wellbeing.
What role does scent play in this?
Aromachology examines odors as a whole, including both natural and manufactured substances, unlike aromatherapy, which focuses solely on essential oils (the combination of both are commonly used in perfumery). When it comes to perfume, we frequently discuss how specific scents affect our olfactory memory. Smell a perfume and your memory will register it, so the next time you smell that same aroma, it may transport you back to that original experience, whether happy or negative. A fragrance may evoke memories of a person, such as a close embrace in which the perfume remained on your nose. Scents of stability, nostalgia, and contentment are frequently associated with your mother, father, or home. Many soldiers took handkerchiefs perfumed with their loved one’s perfume during World War II for a reason: to feel near to them through dreadful and sometimes lonely times. It’s instances like these that make us realize the impact perfumes can have on our mental health.
But how can we have a collective reaction with others if fragrance is so personal?
Certain odors can elicit a collective response from a group of individuals. This is most likely due to society and cultural norms. Let’s take the case of lemon. For many people, this creates a sense of freshness, possibly due to its widespread use in personal and household hygiene products. The same might be said for peppermint and its link with feelings of freshness, cleanliness, and vitality, thanks to its widespread use in toothpaste.
If I want to boost my mental health, what fragrance elements should I seek for?
This is mostly subjective, and whether or not a scent induces relaxation for you will be determined by your own associations with it. There is no hard and fast rule, but perfume houses have discovered that fragrance families are a terrific way to explore different emotions through time, and this can be a good place to start when deciding which scent is ideal for your mental health.
FRAGRANCES WITH FRUIT – THE BEST FOR AWAKENING AND ENERGIZING THE MIND
Fruity scents are frequently lighthearted and lively, and they can be energizing in nature.
Citrus fruits, in particular, such as lemon, bergamot, orange, and lime, have a mood-lifting impact. Citrus scents are perfect for the daytime or as a pick-me-up whenever you’re feeling a little down. For quick vigor, try our best-selling Aventus Cologne: This fruity yet aromatic Eau de Parfum is inspired by an uplifting cologne and packed full of lively mandarin for a revitalising and invigorating impact. Richer fruits can also have a mood-lifting impact. Apple, apricot, melon, and peach are sweeter fruits that generate a flirty, bold, and youthful freshness. Spring Flower, our popular ladies’ perfume, is a perfect illustration of this, making the wearer feel more alert and confident.
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MARINE FRAGRANCES ARE THE BEST FOR RESETTING AND CALMING THE MIND.
Marine fragrances, which are inspired by warm climates and salty seas, help busy brains relax and unwind. Marine scents bring back memories for the wearer by tapping into your subconscious olfactory memory and transporting you on a personal journey – most likely to a vacation destination. They’re also known as aquatic perfumes since they’re clean, fresh, and adaptable. They’re great for calming the mind and giving the wearer a sense of freedom and tranquility. Olivier Creed, a master perfumer, has long been enamored of marine smells, producing Erolfa: Inspired by a cruise over the Mediterranean Sea, which has become one of the most iconic in marine fragrance history. Millesime Imperial and Silver Mountain Water, a more refreshing version of Millesime Imperial, are two more Creed marine perfumes. Each aroma will make you feel loved, at ease, and ready to restart your day.
Fragrances for the Sea
WOODY FRAGRANCES ARE THE BEST FOR MAKING YOU FEEL STRONG, REASSURED, AND GROUNDED.
Woody scents are those whose overarching scent is attributed to tones of woods, roots, and, in some cases, leaves, and are known for their rich, earthy aromas. Sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, birch, and vetiver are just a few examples. Woody scents have the potential to cocoon you, allowing you to feel grounded, deeply anchored, and connected to your inner strength. While not technically woods, ingredients like vanilla, ambergris, and musk are frequently incorporated in woody perfumes to assist accentuate the rich odors of this type of fragrance. Each has a somewhat distinct effect, with musk strengthening the cocooning effect, ambergris bringing out the woody notes’ more mineral aspects, and vanilla providing a softness.
Aventus, our classic men’s fragrance, is a refined blend of various elements, including birch, patchouli, vanilla, musk, and ambergris, that creates a sophisticated perfume that honors strength, power, and achievement in a rich and modern olfactory experience.
Original Vetiver is a fresh yet earthy traditional men’s fragrance that combines the root and leaves of vetiver with sandalwood, ambergris, and musk to create a distinct spin on other vetiver offerings. Original Vetiver will leave the wearer feeling energised yet grounded, reminiscent of lingering summers with an appealing air of freshness. Original Santal, on the other hand, is a more sensual and luxurious offering than this fresh woody rendition. Thanks to a blend of sandalwood, cedarwood, vanilla, ambergris, and musk coupled with medicinal lavender, rosemary, and pink peppercorn, Original Santal taps into your inner spiritual strength, leaving you feeling calm and collected.
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FRAGRANCES WITH FLORALS ARE THE BEST FOR PROMOTING PURITY AND RELIEVING STRESS.
There is nothing more uplifting than fresh flowers when it comes to conjuring up Spring blooms and newly cut bouquets (which is perhaps why they are so highly associated with romance and gifting – because they have such a feel-good vibe). Each flower has its own narrative to tell, but when it comes to calmness, purity, and creating a sense of calm in our life, white blooms seem to resonate the most with us; and this can surely be applied to floral smells as well. Flowers like jasmine, magnolia, white iris, and neroli flower have long been regarded as ‘clean’ smells, encouraging mental purification and stress relief. Olivier Creed uses these elements to give an uplifting spin to several of his Eau de Parfums in both the women’s and men’s scent lines. White Flowers from the Les Royales Exclusives line, Fleurissimo, and Fleurs de Gardenia are all clean, white flower aromas. Virgin Island Water has a less typical interpretation on this clear white flowery scent: Olivier Creed’s gourmand aroma of the tropics is created using floral elements such as ylang ylang and jasmine, as well as more tropical flowers such as tiare flower and grassy harmony.
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FOUGRE – BEST FOR ANXIETY RELIEF AND SOOTHING
Lavender, geranium, vetiver, bergamot, and oakmoss are all common constituents in fougère fragrances. The moniker alludes to the fresh essence of this aroma family by borrowing the French word fern. Fougères have a deep connection to nature; the phrase “at one with nature” comes to mind, alluding to the thought that aromas that remind us of nature and the great outdoors can help us relax and unwind. The lavender enhances the cooling and calming properties of these scents. Aventus, Viking, and Bois du Portugal are among the House of Creed’s iconic fougère perfumes.
It’s worth noting that many scents belong to many fragrance families, allowing you to get a variety of wellness advantages from a single scent. Before you invest in a fragrance, look for the precise ingredients and think about what you want to receive out of it. Once you’ve decided on a fragrance, you should construct a ritual to help your brain form a connection with it. Start with a morning spray if you’ve invested in an energizing fruity fragrance to wake up your mind and assist it associate that aroma with the start of your day. Fragrance will always be about trying new things and having a good time, so don’t forget that.