Every day we inhale hundreds of molecules of scents. Those tiny molecules float in the air and each time we inhale the air, they get into our systems. In the process of the chemical compound from which the fragrance is built, the sense of smell takes part. Inside our noses are odour receptors that capture the fragrances which are immediately converted into a specific electrical signal. The signal is send to the olfactory bulbs and it is sent to the brain area responsible for the conscious or subconscious recognition of the smell and associating it with the stored pattern. We can distinguish many of these compounds from each other because the information of the type of the smell permanently fits in the memory of the brain. The type of compound the fragrance molecule is made of is deciphered in a fraction of a second. It is often accompanied by certain reactions to specific odour stimuli. They can evoke positive or negative feelings. Thanks to the sense of smell, we are able to sense the threat but also determine the direction from which it comes, for example, smell of burning or rotten food. Moreover, the smell can become a pleasant experience, especially if associated with the positive stimulus that caused it. Knowing the beneficial effects of the fragrance on the well-being, fields such as aromatherapy or aromachology paved their way. Aromatherapy is a method in which essential oils are used to absolve physical and psychological ailments. Aromachology deals with the impact of fragrance substances on the psyche, feelings and emotions. This phenomenon has been used by many companies as ‘aromamarketing’, that is, evoking positive emotions and associations with the use of appropriate scents. Companies commission the fragrance factories to produce a type of aroma that, when sprayed in the air, prompts the customer to buy the product or return to a specific place. It can be the smell of freshly baked bread at a bread stand or a fragrance mix, which is the same in any store, hotel or spa centre that orders it to be made. This is to make nice associations and return to this place or make purchases there. There are also fragrances that are associated with luxury. These include aromas of leather goods, colognes and cigars, e.g. in stores with exclusive watches and men’s accessories.
In drugstores there are many cosmetic products that are perfumed. We are used to the fact that the cosmetics smell good. We choose cosmetic products without odour much more rarely. The fragrance of the cosmetic should be tailored to its type and to the preferences of the target groups of recipients. Creams for women whose fragrance is matched to the targeted age group can serve as an example. Creams for 30-year-olds usually have a delicate citrus note or fragrance counted among fresh notes. In the 50+ age range, fragrance compositions with floral aromas dominate. Cosmetics for men smell of wood notes, i.e. cedar or earthy – patchouli and cologne. Natural cosmetics in order to increase their utility and caring properties are usually supplemented with natural essential oils. At the same time, these oils are also selected for their effect on the condition of the skin. One of the most well-known essential oils and also the most expensive is rose oil. To produce 1 kg of essential oil, about 2 tons of rose petals are used. This oil has a calming effect, lowers blood pressure and regulates the work of the heart. It has a rejuvenating and soothing effect on the skin and also prevents the dilatation of blood vessels.
Sandalwood oil has a beautiful oriental note that introduces a mood of calm and meditation. It has a disinfecting effect and is used to cope with inflammation of the skin as well as with sanitization of premises.
Bergamot oil is obtained from the Citrus Bergamia tree growing in the area of the Mediterranean basin. It has a beautiful refreshing citrus aroma. It is a valued raw material in perfumery products. It has antidepressant and anti-stress effects. On the surface of the skin works antiseptic and has found application in cosmetics dedicated to seborrheic and oily skin, but it is also used to relieve inflammation of the skin.
We used a blend of these three oils in Ili Ola face&body rejuvenating ritual. It was very highly rated by users of the scent, which in the conducted application tests evoked the feeling of relaxation and relaxation in the subjects, as well as affecting the good mood and the improvement of well-being.
Knowing the mechanism of action of the sense of smell and the influence of fragrances on the psyche and the human body, we can use natural essential oils to improve the mood and condition of the skin. Essential oils can be used during evening aromatherapy baths – we can pour 10-15 drops of your favourite oil into the bath tub or to the water in the tealight chimenea. The use of essential oils for perfuming the air in your home or workplace will have a positive effect on the well-being of people staying in space filled with nice, cosy smell (if the mixture is properly selected). It is also a 100% natural and safe method of perfuming rooms, because natural essential oils do not contain harmful substances often used in synthetic fragrances. That is why we should consciously buy natural essential oils according to our preferences. Remember that although they are invisible to the human eye, small fragrance molecules exert a beneficial effect on our health and well-being.
