Cologne On Skin: Is It Safe?

Applying cologne directly to the skin is the most common method of application. The skin's warmth and moisture help to activate and release the fragrance, creating a personalised scent. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether cologne should be applied to the skin or clothes, with some arguing that applying cologne to the clothes is more convenient and prevents skin irritation.

Skin type and how it affects cologne

When it comes to choosing a cologne, it's important to consider your skin type, as this can significantly impact how a fragrance reacts and smells on your body. Understanding the unique characteristics of your skin will help you select a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and suits your preferences. Here's a guide on how different skin types can influence your cologne choices:

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you may find that fragrances don't last as long and tend to evaporate quickly. To counter this, opt for bolder, richer, and more potent scents that will linger on your skin. Heavier blooms, bold ambers, and spices are good choices for dry skin. Additionally, applying a non-scented lotion or moisturiser before spraying your cologne can help extend its longevity.

Oily Skin

Oily skin has a higher moisture content, which can intensify and prolong the scent of colognes. Oily skin tends to hold notes for longer and can exaggerate certain ingredients in the perfume. Sweet-smelling sprays, for example, might be overwhelming on oily skin, while fruity or citrus notes can be a better option. When choosing a cologne for oily skin, be cautious with bold ingredients to avoid an overpowering effect.

Normal/Combination Skin

If you have normal or combination skin, congratulations! Most colognes will work well with your skin type. However, it's important to remember that everyone's skin chemistry is unique, so always test a fragrance before purchasing it to ensure it suits your preferences.

Skin pH

The pH level of your skin, which measures its acidity or alkalinity, also plays a crucial role in how cologne interacts with your skin. The pH scale ranges from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Most people's skin has a slightly acidic pH level between 4.5 and 6.2. Lower pH levels indicate more acidic skin, while higher pH levels suggest more alkaline or basic skin. Fragrances can smell different depending on your skin's pH level. Generally, acidic skin may cause fragrances to become more subdued, while alkaline skin can make the same scent smell sharper.

Other Factors

In addition to skin type and pH, other factors can influence how cologne interacts with your skin:

• Diet: What you eat can alter the characteristics of a cologne. For example, consuming large amounts of meat or onions can change the smell of your skin, affecting how the cologne is perceived.
• Skin Temperature: Your body temperature can impact the fragrance. If your temperature rises or falls, it can influence the scent of the cologne.
• Medications: Certain medications can alter the scent of your skin, and consequently, how the cologne smells on you.
• Climate: The weather and temperature can affect both your skin type and the longevity and intensity of your cologne. Hot and humid weather can intensify the scent, while colder temperatures may make it more subdued.
• Activity Level: An active lifestyle can make your cologne last longer, while a sedentary lifestyle may cause it to fade faster.
• Age: Older skin tends to dehydrate more quickly, leading to shorter fragrance longevity.

Pulse points and how to find them

Pulse points are areas of the body where blood flow is closest to the skin's surface. These points include the wrists, the base of the throat, behind the earlobes, and the creases of the elbows and knees. They are called pulse points because you can feel a pulse at these spots, as the artery is close to the surface of the body. Applying cologne to these areas is ideal because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the body and use anywhere from one to four spritzes, depending on the strength of the cologne. It is important to be gentle with non-spray bottles to avoid spills.

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck area, as there are pulse points on each side of the throat, as well as the inner wrist or chest. This combination should provide a subtle scent that is suitable for a day at the office.

If you are going out to a bar or on a date, you may want to apply a small amount of cologne behind the ear. This will allow people to catch a pleasant whiff of your scent when they get close to your face. This can be appropriate in both romantic and platonic situations, such as hugging relatives or friends, or receiving European cheek kisses.

In addition to the commonly mentioned pulse points, there are a few other areas that can be considered uncommon pulse points for cologne application. These include the inside of the elbow, the back of the knee, and even the top of the foot. Applying cologne to these areas can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, as there is more room for the scent to travel.

It is important to remember that the more pulse points you apply cologne to, the less you need to use. It is also crucial to use a lighter scent when applying to multiple areas. Additionally, if you have oilier skin, the scent will cling to your skin longer and stronger than if you have dry skin, so adjust the amount of cologne applied accordingly.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne properly is essential to prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cologne:

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can damage cologne bottles and cause the fragrance to deteriorate. Store your cologne in a dark place, such as a closet or drawer.
• Maintain consistent temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the quality of your cologne. Avoid storing it in areas with dramatic temperature changes, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, opt for a hallway or living room closet.
• Avoid humid areas: Humidity can negatively impact your cologne. If possible, store your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Consider the refrigerator: Storing cologne in the refrigerator can help maintain a consistent temperature. However, ensure that your refrigerator is not too cold, as very low temperatures can damage the cologne.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Keep the original bottle: Storing your cologne in its original bottle is best, as decorative bottles may not be airtight and can cause the fragrance to deteriorate.
• Store in boxes: Placing bottles in boxes before putting them in storage provides additional protection from heat and sunlight. Ensure that the caps are tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
• Invest in travel containers: For travelling, purchase travel-sized bottles or transfer a small amount of cologne into an empty container. This reduces the risk of losing your entire supply.

Prevent Damage:

• Keep the cap on: Always keep the cap on the bottle when not in use to minimise exposure to oxygen, which can cause the fragrance to dilute and oxidise.
• Avoid shaking: Shaking the bottle introduces excess air and oxidation, which can be harmful to the cologne.
• Limit applicator use: Reusable applicators can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle. It is generally better to use the cologne as a spray.
• Keep fragile bottles in safe places: Store fragile bottles in low, secure areas to prevent them from falling and shattering.

How much cologne to apply

Applying cologne is an art form. Too much and you risk overwhelming people around you; too little and your scent might fade away too quickly.

The first step to perfecting your scent is to choose the right cologne. Once you've found the right scent, you need to learn how to apply it correctly.

The number of sprays of cologne you need depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. It's better to start with one or two sprays and then build up if you feel it's necessary. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

If you're going to the office, it's better to be conservative with your cologne. However, if you're attending a party or dinner, you can go for a stronger scent.

A good way to ensure you're not overwhelming others with your scent is to spray the fragrance on different pulse points around your body. For example, you could spray some on your wrists and some on your neck.

Where to Spray Cologne

Target pulse points like your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. These points are warmer and have longer staying power, allowing the scent to project for longer.

How to Spray Cologne

Hold the cologne bottle three to six inches away from your skin. Don't rub the cologne into your skin after applying, as this may risk changing or diffusing the scent. Instead, spray the cologne onto your skin and allow it to dry naturally.

Reapplication

Since cologne is a lower-strength fragrance, you'll likely need to reapply every few hours. When reapplying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Pros and cons of applying cologne to clothes

There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to apply cologne to your clothes or skin. While applying cologne to the skin is the most traditional and widely practised method, spraying it onto clothes is also an option. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which approach to take:

Pros of Applying Cologne to Clothes:

• Longevity: Fragrances applied to clothing tend to last longer compared to direct skin application. Fabrics are more porous and can hold scent molecules, gradually releasing the fragrance throughout the day.
• Versatility: Spraying cologne on clothes allows for more flexibility in fragrance selection. Some scents may interact differently with skin chemistry, leading to an altered scent profile. Applying cologne to clothes ensures the fragrance maintains its intended character.

Cons of Applying Cologne to Clothes:

• Altered Scent: Cologne can react differently to various fabrics, potentially altering the fragrance profile. Some scents may be enhanced or diminished, resulting in a different olfactory experience than intended.
• Limited Personalization: Applying cologne to clothes does not allow for the unique blending of the scent with one's body chemistry. The scent remains consistent and may not develop as intricately as it would on the skin.
• Staining: Applying cologne to clothes may result in staining or discolouration, especially if the cologne has a high concentration of oils.

Additional Considerations:

• Skin Type: If you have dry skin, cologne is more likely to evaporate quickly. Oily or moisturized skin will help lock in the fragrance for a longer period.
• Weather: Hot weather can speed up the evaporation of cologne, while cooler temperatures will help preserve the scent.
• Activity Level: If you're sweating or swimming, your cologne will fade faster, and you'll need to reapply more often.
• Sensitivity: Some individuals may have sensitive skin that reacts negatively to certain fragrance ingredients. It's important to test colognes on a small patch of skin to ensure compatibility before applying them more liberally.

Frequently asked questions