What foods and drinks should I avoid to prevent yellowing of teeth?
The reason we sell activated charcoal teeth whiteners is not because they directly whiten teeth like hydrogen peroxide products do, but because they are very good at absorbing and removing stains, returning them to their natural color. This is why it is such a popular and more natural alternative to chemical teeth whitening kits.
However, there are a number of foods and drinks that you should avoid if you wish to keep your teeth white and sparkling. These are highlighted below:
1) Coffee
Well, that one is obvious. It may wake us up in the morning, but if you have 3 cups of coffee during your lunch hour, don’t be surprised if your teeth are stained. Teeth absorb dark colors because the outer layer of teeth is very porous (in layman’s terms: spongy).
2) Curry
My favorite food in the world. I can’t imagine life without curry, but it has to be said that it is often the one that people doubt when it comes to tooth discoloration.
3) Red Wine
It is said to be the worst thing to pour on your carpet because it leaves permanent stains, and it is used in TV commercials every day. Replace these carpets with your teeth and you will understand why they are always singled out for their negative effects. An occasional glass of red wine isn’t so bad, but it’s important to be aware of the discoloration effects.
4) Soy Sauce
A lot of people don’t know this, but this is another one that has to do with dark colors that stay on your teeth long-term. Don’t be afraid to add some to your stir-fry, but maybe think about how much you add.
5) Lemon Juice
Lemons are extremely healthy and should be a regular part of your diet (i.e. added to hot water or with food, not chewed as a snack). However, because this fruit is extremely acidic, it can seriously erode tooth enamel, which inevitably leads to tooth discoloration.
6) Food Coloring
If food coloring can stain your food, it can stain your teeth, too. It’s commonly found in frosting and cakes, and is a common culprit for teeth.
7) Tea
We highlighted coffee, which everyone knows about, but what some people don’t know is that tea is often considered worse than coffee for discoloration due to its higher tannin content. It should also be mentioned that green tea has another benefit.
8) Sugary Drinks
While sugary drinks are obvious, I want to add another tip: use a straw to direct the liquid across your teeth and directly into your mouth and throat without damaging your tooth enamel.
9) Balsamic Vinegar
Dark liquids again, there’s a theme here! Well, this liquid with deep pigmentation made it to this list for many of the same reasons.
10) Beetroot
If you finish eating beetroot, your mouth will be redder than if you drank half a liter of red wine! Beetroot is a no-no on dates or in public because it will make your mouth look like something out of a horror movie.
11) Cherries
Let me remind you again that this is a list of foods and drinks that will stain your teeth, but I still recommend eating and drinking them. Cherries are a berry that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, but they are one of the worst at causing discoloration.
So if you eat or drink any of these foods, remember to drink a glass of water and rinse your mouth right afterward. This won’t remove all stains, maybe 50%, but it will definitely help.
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.
