Fragrance: A World Without Scents

Many people experience the phenomenon of being unable to smell their perfume or fragrance after some time. This is called olfactory fatigue or olfactory adaptation. It is a natural evolutionary response where the brain gets used to a certain fragrance and doesn't pay attention to it anymore. The olfactory system is designed to detect changes, so when a scent is constantly wafting in the background, the brain becomes accustomed to it and it no longer registers. Additionally, dry skin can also make it harder for scent molecules to sink in, which might be a factor. To combat olfactory fatigue, one can try limiting the number of sprays, rotating between different fragrances, or reapplying the perfume after a few hours.

Olfactory adaptation

On a more central level, the hippocampus in the brain has been found to play a role in short-term olfactory adaptation. The hippocampus tracks the dynamics of odour exposure and adapts itself accordingly. Additionally, the primary olfactory cortex and the anterior insula have been shown to exhibit reduced activation with longer durations of odour exposure.

The magnitude of olfactory adaptation and the time course of adaptation and recovery depend on the concentration of the odour and the duration of exposure. Adaptation in olfaction can be very long-lasting and may be influenced by the physicochemical properties of the odourant molecules.

To counteract olfactory adaptation, it is recommended to switch up fragrances or alternate between day and night scents. Additionally, choosing perfumes with deeper notes and higher concentrations can help, as lighter fragrances composed of volatile notes tend to dissipate more quickly. Applying perfume to hydrated skin and clothing can also prolong the scent.

Olfactory fatigue

For example, when you first enter a restaurant, the smell of food is usually very strong, but after some time, the awareness of the odor fades to the point where the smell is either unperceivable or much weaker. This is a result of olfactory fatigue. It is important to note that olfactory fatigue is different from anosmia, which is the permanent loss of the sense of smell.

There is no specific way to prevent olfactory fatigue as it is a natural adaptation of the body. However, there are some strategies to reduce its effects. One simple method is to leave the area for a few minutes and then return. Regular exercise, especially cardio, can also help improve your sense of smell by increasing blood flow throughout your body, including your nose.

Dry skin

There are several ways to combat this issue and ensure that fragrances last longer. Firstly, it is recommended to use an unscented moisturiser or lotion before applying perfume. This provides a good base for the fragrance to adhere to, and can help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated. Natural oils such as coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil are suggested as ideal moisturisers. It is also advised to avoid moisturisers with mineral oil and petroleum, as these can create a "barrier" on the skin, preventing the fragrance from absorbing properly.

Another tip is to apply perfume to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. This allows the scent to be closer to the nose, making it easier to smell. Additionally, spraying perfume on clothing can help to increase its longevity, as fragrance often lasts longer on cloth than on skin. However, it is important to spot-test perfumes on fabrics to ensure they do not stain.

Some fragrances are also designed to last longer than others. For example, perfumes with deeper notes and more concentrated formulas, such as eau de parfum, tend to have better longevity than lighter eau de toilettes, which often contain more volatile notes like citrus that dissipate quickly.

It is also important to note that our brains can become "nose blind" to scents we are constantly exposed to. This means that others may still be able to smell your perfume even if you cannot.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that fragrances should be applied to freshly hydrated skin. Applying a fragrance-free moisturiser after a shower and then adding perfume can help it to soak in and last longer.

Age-related changes

Our sense of smell is susceptible to age-related changes. According to Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at The Monell Center, a non-profit institute researching taste and smell, "You have optimal scent sensitivity in your teens and twenties. There are changes that occur after that, but you don't really start to see a drop-off until you get to post-50. You can’t change that [since] it’s a biological process."

Additionally, certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can decrease one's sensitivity to odours, and prolonged diseases, such as chronic sinusitis, can also impact one's sense of smell.

Lifestyle choices

There are several lifestyle choices that can impact your sense of smell and, consequently, your ability to perceive fragrances.

Firstly, smoking can decrease your sensitivity to odors. This is just one more reason to avoid tobacco products or to seek support in quitting smoking.

Secondly, it is important to consider the impact of prolonged diseases, such as chronic sinusitis, which can potentially affect your sense of smell. While olfactory issues may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, it is important to note that fragrance fatigue or olfactory adaptation could also be the cause.

Additionally, while research is still ongoing, there is a suspicion that living in heavily polluted areas may contribute to olfactory issues. This is something to keep in mind if you reside in or frequently visit places with poor air quality.

Lastly, it is worth noting that our sense of smell tends to diminish as we age, with a notable decline typically occurring after the age of 50. While this is a natural biological process, engaging in activities that "exercise" your sense of smell can help to combat olfactory decline and adaptation. For instance, you can try to actively focus on and memorize different scents, as recommended by leading perfumer Linda Song.

Frequently asked questions