The Scented Skin Dilemma

Episode Recap: What You Need to Know

Could your skincare routine be the cause of your persistent skin rashes? Many people unknowingly develop contact allergies to fragrance, experiencing irritation and breakouts after years of exposure to everyday personal care products. In this episode of Skin to It, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and personal stylist and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton uncover the hidden risks of fragrance allergies and how they can impact sensitive skin.

Joining them is Andréanne Dion, senior style and beauty editor at Chatelaine, who shares her personal struggle with severe fragrance allergies. After enduring recurrent, unexplained skin rashes, Andréanne underwent patch testing, leading to a surprising discovery about the common allergens hiding in beauty products. Her journey sheds light on the challenges of navigating sensitive skin solutions in an industry filled with synthetic and natural fragrances alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How fragrance allergies develop—even after years of using the same products
• The most common skincare allergens hiding in personal care products
• How patch testing works and when you should consider it
• The difference between natural and synthetic fragrances and why “natural” isn’t always safer
• Are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products actually better for sensitive skin?
• How to choose the best products for sensitive skin without triggering allergies
• Practical skincare tips from a dermatologist, beauty editor, and stylist

Why This Episode Matters:
Many consumers assume that natural or “non-toxic” beauty products are safer for sensitive skin, but this isn’t always true. Even plant-based essential oils can trigger contact allergies, making it crucial to understand what ingredients to avoid.

If you experience skin rashes, irritation, or redness after using personal care products, this episode will help you identify potential allergens and take control of your skincare routine. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, someone struggling with fragrance allergies, or simply looking for expert-backed skincare insights, this discussion provides the knowledge you need to make informed choices.

About the Guest: Andréanne Dion
Andréanne Dion is the senior style and beauty editor at Chatelaine, one of Canada’s leading magazines. She oversees lifestyle content across digital and print, specializing in science-backed beauty trends, skincare solutions, and product insights. Based in Toronto, she is passionate about helping readers navigate the evolving beauty industry with practical, expert-driven advice.

🎧 Listen Now & Take Control of Your Skin Health
Don’t let hidden allergens in personal care products affect your skin. Tune in now and learn how to protect yourself from fragrance allergies with expert-backed solutions.

Ready to dive in? Listen to the full episode now!