The benefits of aromatherapy are many. The right scents can provide a relaxing ambiance, improve sleep, encourage wakefulness in the morning, and even treat a variety of medical conditions ranging from depression to alopecia.
It used to be the case that consumers who wanted to try aromatherapy at home had little choice but to buy expensive and often ineffective scented candles. Today, they have far more options. Read on to find out about some of the primary differences between scented candles and scent machines to determine which will be a better fit.
Health and Safety
Scented candles require an open flame to produce their enjoyable odors, which can create a fire hazard in homes with pets, small children, or a lot of clutter. Recent research has also shown that many popular scented candle manufacturers use known carcinogens, such as toluene and benzene when fabricating candle wax, both of which release toxins into the air as they burn. The scent diffusers by aromatech don’t require internal heat, nor do they produce smoke, making them a healthier and safer alternative.
Strength of Smell
Candles produce a stronger smell than scent diffusers, but it doesn’t last as long. Once the candle’s flame has been extinguished, its scent begins to dissipate immediately. Scent diffusers give off a more subtle fragrance, but it sticks around for much longer. Scent diffusers can also be scaled to the size of the room so that the pleasant fragrance can reach all areas when they are in use.
Long-Term Price
Scent diffusers aren’t cheap, but neither are scented candles. Candles need to be replaced much more frequently, with most lasting only around 40 hours. It may be less expensive to buy a few candles than it is to invest in a diffuser, but those who want to keep their homes smelling great will find that the cost of purchasing a diffuser is recuperated quickly given how much longer essential oils and aromatherapy fragrances last.
Customizable Scents
Scented candles come in a wide variety of fragrances but they’re not customizable. Essential oils and aromatherapy oils, on the other hand, can be blended to create unique scents for each room of the house. Just make sure to purchase high-quality oils and get a feel for each of them separately before starting to blend them.
Home Decor
This is arguably the only category in which scented candles win out over scent diffusers. While candles have long been a staple in home decor, diffusers typically prioritize function over fashion. They’re often housed in plastic and are designed to be smelled, not seen.
The plus side of having a diffuser when it comes to home decor is that it can be tucked away where it won’t interfere with decorating. Plus, having a diffuser means even those who are in love with the way candles look on their mantles can meet in the middle and have both without constantly replacing them. Who doesn’t love having cake and eating it too?
The Bottom Line
Both scent diffusers and scented candles are commonly used in aromatherapy to create a certain ambiance or mood. Those who are in love with aromatherapy would do well to invest in a diffuser instead of resigning themselves to constantly buying new candles and settling for whatever’s available in local shops or online. The extra initial investment will be worth it.
