March 22, 2022
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4 min read
Notes of Nostalgia: Why certain smells can trigger memories
Smell is the most powerful sense for triggering memories and emotions, and it all comes down to how our brains are wired. You might have a favourite photo that brings back fond memories or a song that stirs deep emotions. But scent has a unique ability to instantly transport us back to specific moments in time.
Imagine being a child, helping your granny bake cinnamon biscuits during the summer holidays. Years later, walking past a bakery with the same sweet scent can instantly bring back those warm, happy memories. But why does this happen?
Key takeaways
- Smell is the strongest sense for triggering memories and emotions because of its direct link to the limbic system.
- Pleasant scents can create lasting, positive memories, especially when connected to emotional moments.
Why do smells trigger memories?
The answer lies in how our brain processes smells. Scents are handled by the olfactory bulb, which is directly connected to the limbic system - the area of the brain responsible for emotions and memory.
This unique connection is known as the Proust Effect, where scent, emotion, and memory intertwine. Our other senses, like sight and sound, don’t pass through the limbic system, so they don’t evoke memories as strongly as scent does.
How does our brain process scent?
When you smell something, scent molecules enter your nose and bind to receptors in the olfactory epithelium (a layer of tissue in the nose). This triggers an electrical signal sent to the olfactory bulb, which quickly passes the information to the limbic system.
Because this process happens instantly, scents can form strong links to memories - especially if the scent was first experienced during a meaningful or emotional moment.
If the experience was pleasant, the scent strengthens the brain’s memory pathways. Over time, the more often this scent appears in similar positive situations, the deeper the memory becomes. This creates what's known as an odour-evoked autobiographical memory.
How scent created a comforting memory for Kirsten
One of our customers, Kirsten, experienced this firsthand. After a traumatic first birth, she wanted her second birth to feel more peaceful. As part of her hospital bag, she included our face oil as a small treat for herself.
The calming scent of the oil became linked to the positive experience of welcoming her new baby. Later, when she used the oil at home, the scent brought back comforting memories of holding her newborn.
Kirsten shared:
“My nightly face routine is now something that I cherish.”
The scented power of our face oil
Amaranthine's 100% natural face oil is more than skincare - it’s a sensory experience. Made with jojoba, argan, olive squalane, pumpkin, and raspberry seed oils, it’s enriched with soothing essential oils frankincense, lavender, geranium bourbon, and sweet orange.
This blend not only deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin but also offers a spa-like moment of calm. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free - handcrafted in our Glasgow studio.
Customers love how it makes their skin feel and how its scent comforts them. Emily shared:
"I can’t get enough of this facial oil, and my skin loves it as much as I do. I struggle with acne-prone skin, and this oil has been an absolute game-changer. Not only does it smell like a spa, but over the last year, it has helped completely clear my skin."
Smells have the incredible power to comfort, soothe, and bring back cherished memories. Our award-winning natural face oil not only improves your skin but also creates moments of peace in your daily routine.
Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
