Teeth whitening can be both expensive and painful for those with sensitive teeth. So, here are some surprising teeth stainers that you can try to avoid or limit to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Of course, coffee and cigarettes are well-known for their teeth staining effects, but did you know that the following can discolor your teeth? Flouride is known to be good for dental health, but in excess, it can cause chalky white deposits on the teeth. Some antibiotics and over-the-counter medications can dull your smile. Tetracycline can turn teeth yellow in small children and its derivative, minocycline, can cause a permanent bluish-gray stain in adults. Be sure to consult your dentist to be sure that your medications don't have a negative effect on your teeth. With aging, the enamel of the teeth starts to wear thin and this can take away from your pearly whites too. Many dark liquids, like fruit juice, red wine and soda can also turn teeth yellow. Using a straw to indulge in these beverages can limit the contact with your teeth. Heavily pigmented foods such as blueberries, cranberries, cherries and soy sauce quickly stain teeth so be sure to brush soon after consuming these foods. Practicing good dental hygiene including regular dental visits can help maintain your beautiful smile for years to come!
So, in my neverending mission for beauty, I came across a product I had not really heard of called SYN-AKE (yes, like "snake" and you'll see why). I had not heard much about this product so decided to do some research. Apparently, SYN-AKE is an ingredient being used in a lot of topical creams for decreasing wrinkling and improving the skin's surface, much like Botox, but without the injections. According to Pentapharm, the manufacturer of SYN-AKE, the compound is a synthetic tripeptide which mimics the action of a “neuromuscular blocking compound of the venom of the Temple Viper.” Once the snake has bitten its prey the venom blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles, thereby paralysing its victim. Whereas this causes death, the synthetic imitation of parts of the venom only causes relaxation of facial muscle contractions, supposedly resulting in smoother skin. The venom is milked locally in Brazil and then transported to Switzerland for purification and further processing. The studies that Pentapharm has done reports that results can be seen in just a few days and forehead wrinkles were reduced up to 54% in 28 days. Sounds too good to be true, and I am going to continue researching before I try a product containing SYN-AKE. I just thought I would enlighten you to yet another ingredient in our quest-for-youth arsenal.
When we were little, my mom taught my sister and I this remedy, and it is a great way to get whiter teeth without spending a ton of dough on whitening treatments, or going through the sensitivity of whitening strips which some people, myself included, experience. Combine a teaspoon of baking soda with 1 or 2 drops of peroxide. Brush on, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse (don't swallow) and enjoy your pearly whites. Baking soda serves as a safe, light bleach.
I once used a product by Origins with sea salt in it, and it was such a nice body scrub. The only thing I didn’t like was the oil that was in it. I had to wash it off with soap and water because it was just too oily for my taste. It seems that the ancient Egyptians developed beauty treatments using sea salt and honey to “drive away wrinkles” according to ancient Egyptian text. Sea salt not only exfoliates the skin and slough off dead skin cells, but can also help drive out toxins. Honey draws moisture, nourishing your skin and isn’t as oily as a lot of other products. So, here is an at-home scrub using both ingredients that you can try in the privacy of your own shower! Before getting in the shower, blend equal parts sea salt and warm liquefied honey in a bowl. (You can liquefy it in the microwave in a coffee cup.) Massage the mixture all over your body, paying closer attention to the extra-dry areas like elbows, knees and feet. Rinse off with warm water and you’ll be nice and yummy!
I LOVE bubble baths! There is nothing more relaxing at the end of a long day. I own tons of bubble baths, but if you look at the ingredients on the bottles, most of the time, they contain things that are actually BAD for your skin, your urinary tract, and can, in fact, dry your skin. So, now and again, I take a break from the commercial products and go back to nature. When I want a softening, natural bath I turn to moo juice. Milk is rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. The special property of milk protein has unique characteristics to soothe, hydrate and calm. The lactose in milk also helps promote cell turnover for smoother skin. A few cups of milk, especially Goat Milk, can be used with a bath, or as a rinse for the hair. Simply pour it under the running water. Just be sure to rinse out your tub really well!
