How to Choose the Right Toothbrush
Walk into an oral care store and you’ll be overwhelmed by the variety of items on offer, from cheap one-pound toothbrushes to high-tech electric toothbrushes that can do just about everything except cook and drive home from work. So how do you choose the right brush? Luckily, we’ve done some research, so read on to learn what to look out for.
Soft Bristles
This is the most common reason your dentist tells you to replace your toothbrush every three months, because the toothbrush can become stiff and not reach all areas of your mouth effectively. A small brush head allows you to reach your often problematic molars, and a small brush helps effectively remove plaque and other debris.
Size Matters
They used to come in just one size, but now there seem to be a dozen different sizes. So as a general rule, we recommend going with a size that’s 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. Every mouth and teeth size can be different, so just remember that the toothbrush should fit comfortably in your mouth and clean 1-2 teeth at a time. For the reasons mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t use a brush that’s too large, as it may prevent you from reaching your molars or hard-to-reach areas.
Bruxism? Choose a very soft brush
If you grind your teeth at night, you are doing a lot of damage to your teeth. So, in addition to visiting the dentist, we recommend using a brush with extra soft bristles.
Check for quality seals
Most reasonably good toothbrushes have been through rigorous testing to prove their suitability, and therefore come with a badge of honor on the packaging. Our cousins across the pond can look for the American Dental Association (ADA) on the brush, while in the UK you can look for a smiley face with the words “Oral Health Foundation Approved” around the logo.
Consider a timer
If you have an electric toothbrush, you might want one that beeps after 2 minutes. This may seem like a ridiculous addition, but the average person won’t even brush for a minute, which is not enough time for optimal results. So this would be helpful. On the other hand, you can set a timer on your phone.
Teeth Whitening Powder
Comfortable Grip
Now we really start talking about the less important factors, because comfort isn’t a big deal unless the toothbrush is flimsy and can slip out of your hand or hurt your mouth. But you should try to find a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your mouth and use extra little tricks to help you brush longer.
Kids Need Smaller
When buying a toothbrush for a child, you need to be mindful of their smaller mouth and tooth size. Therefore, you may need to opt for a smaller, child-friendly brush. You can also consider the design of the brush, as having a favorite cartoon character on the brush can help increase the likelihood of brushing (not scientifically proven, just a hope).
Don’t Forget the Namer
If it’s a really cheap brush from an unknown brand, steer clear. You might save some money, but you’ll probably spend more at the dentist in the long run. Products should always go through rigorous safety testing to ensure quality, but when the price is ridiculously low, you need to question this factor.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
