There’s a reason the smell of a certain scent triggers nostalgia. Every fragrance we have used at a special occasion is also tied to a version of ourselves that feels freer, lighter.
“Fragrance can become a fundamental part of travel because it directly influences how we feel and travel today is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one,” says Lauren Rooney, VP of Marketing Excellence & Scent at DSM-Firmenich (an industry leader in beauty innovation).
What is a neuroscent?
Fragrance directly affects our brain’s limbic system, which is our emotional and memory center.
Functional fragrances are scents formulated to have a specific psychological or emotional effect while neuroscents take things a step further by acting on the nervous system through olfactory pathways.
“A neuroscent is more than a Functional Fragrance,” says biochemist and CEO of This Works Dr Anna Persaud. “It blends specific aromatic molecules, like terpenes, proven to interact with the brain and Central Nervous System to not only influence mood but behaviour. “
Fragrance, Travel and Anxiety:
Of course, travel isn’t all turquoise water and charcuterie boards.
There’s the airport security cortisol spike, nights spent tossing and turning on a paper-thin mattres. This is where scent, particularly, functional fragrances powered by neuroscience and bioactives, aids your anxiety.
Designed to actively influence mood, cognitive function and emotional state, these fragrances don’t just smell good, they support the entire travel experiences.
“It’s one of the quickest ways to shift your mood, which is invaluable when travelling,” agrees Adam Reed, hairstylist, fragrance expert and founder of Arkive Headcare.
Neuroscents and Memories:
Scent is the only sense which is directly connected to the limbic system; the part of the brain that governs emotion and memory.
Which explains why that whiff of sun cream can instantly transport you back to the emotional essence of a specific trip.
