4 minute read
Beauty
Keep a bright smile this summer Mairead Robinson suggests how we can look and feel our best for summer 2022
Nobody would disagree that it has been a long and difficult couple of years, and now we are all looking forward to a long sunny summer 2022.
Whether heading abroad or staying in Ireland, there are several steps we can take to make sure we are looking and feeling our best to enjoy the summer months. I regularly emphasize the importance of hydrating and protecting our skin during the hot weather, but while we all like to have a healthy glow to our skin, what about to our smile? I am talking about specifically a bright smile that will showcase clean white sparking teeth? While it is often down to veneers, we do admire the bright white teeth of our American cousins, however for many of us as we get older we find our teeth becoming more discoloured and less attractive. So what can we do about this, without resorting to expensive and invasive treatments?
First of all we look at what causes this discoloration? Certainly black coffee and red wine are culprits, but who wants to give up them? Also as we get older, our teeth will naturally discolour, and there is little we can do about it. Some dentists have claimed that whitening and brightening treatments will have little or no effect on mature teeth. However, a new range of products from Spotlight Oral Care – Created by dentists – have actually shown great results, even on the 50+demographic. The whitening products contain the active ingredient, Hydrogen Peroxide which is clinically proven to whiten teeth and can be used by those with sensitive teeth or gums. Created by dentists, the Teeth Whitening Strips have been specifically designed to effectively and safely whiten your teeth with minimal sensitivity.
They contain 0.01% hydrogen peroxide and by wearing the strips for one hour daily for 2-weeks, they will gradually and safely whiten the teeth and cause minimal sensitivity. My favourite product from this range is their Teeth Whitening Pen, an easy-to-use handbag item for safe and effective whitening on the go. The pen dispenses a small amount of gel, which contains the active whitening ingredient hydrogen peroxide, onto the teeth and actively dissolves stains leaving long-lasting results.
A word of warning to ensure you get the best results from these products. If you haven't visited your dentist in 6 months, you may have a build up of plaque and tartar that stops the active ingredients from penetrating onto the enamel which will result in a less than ideal whitening treatment. So do ensure to see your dentist and hygienist prior to using them for best results.
So once you have your bright smile sorted, the other summer essential for a healthy happy glow is a good skin colour. We all love the sun tanned look, but of course we have to be careful to use skin protection in the sun. Not just for the more serious skin conditions that sun exposure can bring about, but also for the ageing effects of the sun. That is why a new product from skin care brand EUCERIN is specifically designed for mature skin. Photoaging Control with advanced spectral anti-age technology is a sun fluid designed to prevent photoaging and visibility reduces the appearance of wrinkles. So you have a sun protection product and an anti-ageing product all in one. Apply liberally to your face, and the back of your hands, when you go out in the sun.
Eucerin have also just introduced a new range of their Hyaluron-Filler products called the Triple Effect formula. The upgraded Hyaluron-Filler formula is enriched with a new ingredient Ennoxolene, traditionally used in treatments for eczema and dermatitis conditions. Combined with short and long chain Hyaluronic Acid, to moisturise and plump, and anti-oxidant Saponin to stimulate skin’s own Hylauronic acid production, this formula creates a triple threat against fine lines and wrinkles. More good news on the skin care front.
Finally, are you one of the 20% of Irish people who suffer from hay fever? With a higher pollen count and an unusually wet, warm and humid spring earlier this year, hayfever is on the rise more than ever before. With more pollens and grasses in the air, people are experiencing symptoms that are more severe including overheated, reactive skin, especially around the nose, and red, stinging, itchy eyes. Tips to help manage the condition include:-
• Check the pollen count daily. • Spray Thermal Spring Water (Avene or similar) onto the face and eyelids for immediate cooling effect. • Stay indoor if possible and keep windows shut. • Wear a face masks outside to block out pollen in the air. • Wear sunglasses to stop pollen getting into the eyes. • Have a shower when you come in from being outdoors. • Consider adding a Vitamin C supplement to your routine. • Don’t dry your clothes outside as they can carry pollen indoors. • Keep pets clean with weekly baths.
