We’ve talked a lot about how awful fragrance is — made up of an untold number of toxins, including phthalates, which are known carcinogens used to help make fragrance last longer. They can also trigger allergies and cause negative health impacts like headaches, migraines, and respiratory issues, and have been linked with birth defects, diabetes, obesity, autism, and ADHD.
So why do teens love fragranced products so much?
Let’s be honest. The teen years are smelly. It’s the time when kids begin experiencing an increase in hormones, which leads to an increased amount of sweat, and teen sweat contains different chemicals resulting from those teen hormones. It’s also when kids begin to sweat in parts of their bodies, like underarms and the groin area, that produce oils as well as sweat.
So, in addition to maybe just being unknowingly drawn to a fragrance because they think it “smells good,” teens may also want to mask their new, natural odor for the sake of avoiding others’ noticing and casting unwanted attention their way (teens can also be ruthlessly mean to each other!). On the flip side, teens may be trying to get attention and create appeal (that’s what manufacturers sell!). After all, who doesn’t notice when a strong-fragranced person walks by or enters a room? A strong fragrance could get the attention of a special someone who otherwise may not notice them.
Unfortunately, teens tend to turn to smellier, and far more dangerous, alternatives.
What can you do to protect your teens?
It’s important to encourage self-conscious teens, whose bodies are still developing and incredibly susceptible to the dangers of toxic ingredients, to use natural, non toxic scents. Arm your child with the knowledge and tools to avoid the host of potential health issues that could result from fragrance. Read product labels with your child carefully and show them what to look for (check out our list of ingredients to avoid). Encourage them to avoid products containing fragrance, perfume, or parfum, and to beware of products labelled as “unscented.” Crazy as it sounds, “unscented” products may contain additional toxic chemicals to mask the scent of fragrances.
Here are some additional tips to help teens deal with their new, often pungent, body odors:
- Be sure your teen is bathing regularly to keep odors at bay and using safe, non toxic products like Pure Haven bar soap or body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Help them find a fragrance-free skin care system to keep their complexions healthy.
- Provide non toxic deodorant that is safe to apply daily or even throughout the day without the risks associated with aluminum (an ingredient often used in deodorants and antiperspirants that has been linked with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease).
- Encourage them to change and wash their clothing frequently. Laundering immediately after wearing will help remove bacteria and sweat. Use master blaster to pre-treat particularly smelly spots on their clothing (underarms and groin areas) before washing with non toxic laundry detergent.
- Make sure they’re keeping their feet dry. The sweat on feet doesn’t smell as much as the bacteria produced when moisture builds up and is trapped in socks and shoes. Encourage them to alternate shoes daily to allow them to air out thoroughly between wearing. A few spritzes of master blaster will help deodorize.
- When teens want something scented, show them how to choose fragrance-free products that smell great with the help of natural ingredients. Pure Haven offers products in limited release scents that both you and your teens will love. Additionally, our pure happiness rollerball scent is available through March 31, 2023, or while supplies last.
- Share your favorite fragrance-free, non toxic products with other teens and parents.
All Pure Haven products are made with only 100% safe, non toxic ingredients so you can protect your family. Ask your Consultant about the products mentioned above and others to help you create your own pure haven.