What’s the Deal With “Hygiene Hauls” and Scented Products? | As Featured in Beauty Matter

Discover Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ insights on the growing trend of “hygiene hauls” and multi-step skincare routines with scented products in Beauty Matter.

What are your thoughts on the rise of hygiene routine videos with up to 6 different steps of scented body products?

First and foremost, I think it is wonderful that people are starting to prioritize their skin health and hygiene. However, as a dermatologist, I know that scented products can increase the risk of irritation. They even can cause contact dermatitis, eczema flare-ups, or irritate acne-prone skin. Scented products are not innately bad as long it’s not creating issues with your skin.

How high is the risk of contact dermatitis or another allergic reaction from these types of routines?

Using multiple different scented body products can increase the risk of contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. This is because you’re layering multiple ingredients that your skin might not tolerate well. Fragrances—whether synthetic or natural, like essential oils—are some of the most common triggers of irritation. Adding preservatives or colorants to the mix can make it more likely for irritation to occur. Thinner skin areas like your neck or underarms are more prone to a reaction. If you’re noticing any redness, itching, or discomfort, try reducing the number of products you use or swapping for fragrance-free options. I also recommend patch-testing new products on a small area of skin before applying them more widely. If irritation continues, a dermatologist can help identify which ingredient might be causing the problem.

Have you been seeing any increase in patients coming in with issues related to these extensive and highly fragrant body care routines? 

Yes! I have definitely noticed an uptick in patients presenting with things like perioral dermatitis, eyelid eczema, and acne flares. There does seem to be a common denominator with some of these patients who have recently started an extensive skin routine or added in new products. It can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit due to multiple products being added to their routine at once. I recommend adding in new products one at a time. You can also do a test spot to make sure it is compatible with your skin type. I advise patients who struggle with eczema or sensitive skin to avoid scented products when possible.