Scented candles have adorned countless homes as they can transform any space with a touch of lingering subtle scents and glistening radiance. Scented candles are one of those things that if you buy regularly or have been a fan for some time now, there can be still more in store to learn. In this post, we will discuss five things that you need to know about scented candles- what they are made of and how they affect your health.
1. The Science behind the Scent
More than just pretty decoration, scented candles are an elegant marriage of science and art. A scented candle that burns well and safely, in addition to releasing a lovely scent is created by carefully selecting and combining different elements.
The wax base is the primary component of any scented candle. The most common candles contain paraffin, soy, beeswax or a combination of all these elements. Candle-burning attributes and how well they perform are both affected by the unique traits of each type of wax. For example, beeswax carries a soft honey-like odour, while soy wax has excellent and strong fragrance retention.
The fragrance is usually a composition of synthetic and essential oils. Fragrance combinations are built piece by piece, often creating elaborate “notes” similar to those found in perfumes; producing these notes improves the ability of a candle manufacturer over time. These scents are carefully measured and mixed with the melted wax to ensure that they have been well homogenized in every part of the candle.
2. The Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Scented candles may smell nice in your home; however it’s vital to comprehend how they can influence the indoor air quality too. Refuting/disproving this point is a favourite topic of the last few years and different research has shown contrasting results.
These chemicals produce the odours you smell, and may also impact air quality – especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Studies showed that certain scented candles, particularly those made with paraffin wax may contain a higher amount of harmful substances than others.
3. The Art of Proper Candle Care
The reason behind this is obvious when you think about it, if you want your scented candles to have a long life and aroma then looking after them will be the main key. Candle care not only prolongs the life of your candles but will help them burn more cleanly and safely as well as release the most fragrance.
The very first time you burn a new candle, let it go all the way to melt and pool wax at the sides of the container/s. This method creates a “memory ring” and prevents your candle from tunnelling, which is when the wax burns straight through to all the sides rather than just down the middle.
4. The Psychology of Scent
Having scented candles at home does not only make your house smell lovely but there are a few other benefits as well. Scents can make a huge difference in our memories, or even directly put us into a brightly coloured mood. Which is why scents can provide such a serene experience to many people; it serves both your psyche and also physically.
Sentimentality is a big driver of an emotional response, and smells can bring out all sorts of emotions. Lavender, for example, is often associated with relaxing and may help to reduce stress and anxiety. The stimulating aroma of orange and lemon in particular has the proven capacity to help improve mood, increase alertness etc. Other aromas, such as pine and other woodsy plants are beneficial in making you think of the forest thus helping to relax your mind even more by being able to stay connected with nature.
5. The Environmental Considerations
Due to the increasing environmental awareness and green spending from consumers, be sure to think over your scented candles. Are you even eco-friendly or not? There are a few things to think about in choosing scented candles and how you use them right from the components used during its construction down to the way it was wrapped through disposal means.
Candle wax material in the environment has a different effect. Candle wax and paraffin candles release carbon dioxide into the evening atmosphere as they are not environmentally degradable, being petroleum-based. On the other hand natural waxes like beeswax and soy come from renewable sources, which are sometimes seen as an environmental boon. They also generally burn cleaner and produce less soot than paraffin candles.
Conclusion:
Scented Candles Are Not Only About Filling Your Home With A Pleasant Scent. They are created based on complex science, can influence your indoor air quality, should be well maintained for optimal use and possibly have some effect on mood and memory; they hold environmental implications. Just like car fragrance, which serves a similar purpose in vehicles, scented candles can significantly impact the ambiance of a space. By understanding these five important aspects of scented candles, you can personally decide which kinds of scented candle purchases will be wise and how they should or should not be lit in your own home.
