Grace Beauty

Do you wish your teeth were whiter? Some people have off-white teeth naturally, probably through their genetic inheritance. Others get stained teeth over time for a variety of reasons. If you would like to brighten your smile but don?t want to put the time or money into commercially whitening them, here are a few suggestions for doing it on your own.

1. Limit your consumption of tea, which contains tannic acid. This substance can darken teeth gradually over time, as evidenced by the stains left in teacups used for serving this beverage. You also may want to cut back on cola products, which has a similar but lesser effect. Any foods with deep colors, like blueberries, can leave stains on your tooth enamel. So be sure to brush your teeth after eating foods like these.

2. Rinse your mouth after eating. For best results, try to rinse with water even after snacks, including pop or candy bars. This will prevent foods from sticking to or staying with your teeth, where they can adhere to the enamel and cause stains to appear gradually. At work, use the drinking fountain or bathroom sink for a quick rinse. The quicker you rinse, the better results you will have. Some people even carry small bottles of mouthwash for a quick gargle after lunch.

3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Morning and evening are the best times, or following two of your main meals. This will help to remove food bits that can cause discoloration or decay. You can use whitening toothpaste if you prefer, which will provide a low-key brightening effect on your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Ask your dentist to recommend a safe whitener for this purpose.

4. Ask about tetracycline substitutes. If you are prescribed tetracycline, a popular antibiotic, ask the doctor if there is a reasonable substitute, as tetracycline has been known to discolor patients? teeth, especially those who took it frequently or for prolonged periods of time. If you must take it, check with your dentist about how to combat the potential darkening effect it may have on your teeth. Other medications may have this effect, as well, so if tooth color is a problem, ask your doctor about the potential for discoloration for any prescription you receive, or simply inquire about those you should avoid.

One alternative is to merely accept your teeth the way they are. Unless they are extremely yellow or darkened, most people will not notice them, and they should pose no particular health hazard. Another option is to try a home whitening treatment that you can do yourself. This will save money and time, but it involves a bleaching process that probably uses peroxide or another chemical. Ask your dentist about the advisability of this type of product if you are thinking of trying one. Society views white teeth as an indication of good health and wholesome hygiene, not to mention physical attractiveness, so make the most of your pearly whites.

For more information on how to prevent dental stains without chemicals, Visit The Denture Spot

Cold weather is on its way and the winter season is just around the corner. What does this mean to your skin? Cold weather can be damaging to your skin. If your face is not properly protected, it can dry out, crack, and wrinkle! It is imperative to have a good moisturizer. But do we need a toner too?

For years I concentrated on cleansers and moisturizers, neglecting toners. The only time a toner was used was when I purchased a complete skin care regimen set that contained a toner at the department store. When I began to make my own skin care products, I was concerned mainly with lotions and moisturizers. I finally began to realize that a toner has many benefits that I was missing out on by not including it in my daily skincare program:

• Removes traces of cleanser that was left behind after cleansing
• Help restore your skin to its nature acid PH
• Refresh your skin throughout the day
• Set make up
• Adds additional moisture
• Conditions the skin

One thing to remember is to keep it simple. Prepare a toner that can be used for both a toner and a refresher. Before you make your toner, be sure to have the bottle available for storage. A good choice is a spray bottle, so you can use your toner as a refresher throughout the day. Be sure to store your toner in a cool place, the refrigerator is ideal. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and also spritz throughout the day.

A couple of easy toners you can make to help nourish, protect, and moisturize your skin during the winter are the PH Toner, Herbal Refresher, and the Aloe Soother.

PH Toner 1Cups distilled water

4 TBS Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar(or any other nature non-distilled apple vinegar)

10 drops of rose oil

8 drops of chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in your bottle of choice and shake vigorously before each use. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and spritz throughout the day.

Herbal Refresher 1 cup witch hazel

1/2 cup distilled water

1 chamomile tea bag

10 drops of Lavender Oil

6 drops Sandlewood Oil

Heat water to boil and steep the tea bag in the water for 15 minutes. Add the chamomile water to the witch hazel and add essential oil. Shake before each use.

Aloe Soother 1/2 cup aloe vera gel

1 cup distilled water

10 drops chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use.

All three toner recipes are great to help you get through the cold and wintery harsh months that follow. Your skin will thank you by remaining soft, refreshed and healthy.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. For more information go to Body Wraps Exposed

It is said that ?beauty? is skin deep and as such the skin care assumes much significance in today?s beauty conscious world. One may wonder whether any special care is needed for skin alone for a normal person. The answers may vary but the truth remains that, all are not normal skinned, and people with not so normal skin need give the desired care for their skin to look natural and feel good.

The natural ageing process, exposure to sun light, regular smoking etc. may contribute for the lesser production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that hold the skin together and make the skin look young and smooth.

Skin care products that contain Argireline derived from Amino acids helps relax facial tension. Extract obtained from edelweiss is another substance that acts as an anti oxidant and prevents the ultra violet light penetrating into the skin besides cleaning up of the free radicals getting damaged by metabolism and pollutants. Yet another natural product is shea butter a natural moisturizer that prevents dryness of the skin.

The face is the first and the best part of the body that gets attention from others. Naturally one would like to present a good facial appearance for that first impression. There is no dearth for skin care or rather facial care products in today? s market, with each product claiming to be better than that of the other. However the fact remains that, the best skin care product varies from individual to individual depending upon the type of skin one possess, the region where one lives, the food habits one follow among many other relevant factors.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding skin care treatments. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Find more about skin care treatments, aging skin care products and many other aging skin care resources on http://www.aging-skin-care.com