We bombarded our biggest partners with educational quick questions on oral care, body care, and intimate hygiene topics during Beauty Month. We hope this blog post will be interesting and informative for you, and we can offer you new insights into your daily routines.

 

How often should you replace your toothbrush, and why is it important? 

Colgate's answer: It is advisable to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or after every illness. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A new toothbrush cleans 95% better. Prevent bacteria from multiplying on your toothbrush bristles by replacing your toothbrush quarterly for better oral hygiene!

 

Which tooth do we brush the least, and what is the best technique for brushing to reach all our teeth equally? 

Parodontax (Dr. Bátorfi Béla)'s answer: The back teeth and wisdom teeth are the hardest to reach with a toothbrush, especially their back surfaces, particularly the upper ones, as we can't even see them.
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each day with a toothpaste specifically developed for gum health. Use a manual or electric toothbrush with a small head and soft, round bristles, and pay special attention to the gum line.
Place the toothbrush on the neck of the tooth at about a 45-degree angle to the axis of the teeth. Use small, circular motions to remove plaque from the teeth and gum edge; horizontal scrubbing should only be applied to the chewing surface. Use dental floss or interdental cleaner to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places like between the teeth or the back of the mouth. Visit your dentist regularly.

 

What can mouthwash help with that brushing and flossing can't - how would you convince those who never use mouthwash of its necessity?

Listerine (JNTL)'s answer: While plaque can be removed from the surface of the teeth with brushing and other mechanical methods, the teeth make up about 25% of the mouth exposed to bacteria. Therefore, it is worth supplementing mechanical cleaning with mouthwash rinsing for more complete oral care.

 

It's often read on a product that it has a skin-friendly pH. Why is the skin's pH important, and what happens if this value is disrupted?

Nivea (Beiersdorf)'s answer: The pH value shows the concentration of acid in liquids. Since the skin is mainly composed of water, it has its own pH level. Our skin is slightly acidic, caused by its own substances, sebum, sweat, and water. This plays an important role in proper skincare: the average pH value of the acid mantle is 5.5. For comparison: simple soap has a higher pH, so during cleaning, the skin's acidity increases. Only healthy, normal skin can restore this value to its natural level in a short time. If you overdo bathing or showering, it can worsen your skin's condition and damage its protective function.

 

What causes unpleasant odors in our armpits, and how can a deodorant neutralize this reaction of our body for the whole day?

Rexona/Axe/Dove (Unilever)'s answer: Contrary to popular belief, sweat has no odor. It is a clear, odorless liquid mainly composed of water, salt, proteins, and oils. The smell we call "body odor" is caused by bacteria. Our body hosts millions of harmless bacteria that promote the skin's natural protection. They live and multiply in a moist, humid, nutrient-rich environment – such as our armpits. Bacteria feed on sweat, breaking it down while producing very distinctive – vinegar, cheese, or onion – smelling byproducts. The cause of body odor can vary from person to person. But in most cases, the main causes of body odor are sweat glands and the bacteria living on our skin.

The human body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are found all over our body. The sweat they produce is mainly water, which cools our skin when our body overheats. Apocrine sweat glands are mainly located in the armpits and other body parts, such as the groin or around the eyes. When sweat from these glands meets the bacteria living on our skin, body odor develops. This is a completely natural process that begins during puberty.

Antiperspirants help reduce the amount of sweat. Aluminum salts – the active ingredients in antiperspirants – dissolve in the moisture on the skin's surface. This forms a gel that temporarily covers the exits of the sweat glands, thus reducing the amount of sweat reaching the skin's surface. Furthermore, the ingredients in antiperspirants reduce the number of bacteria that cause body odor, helping you stay fresh.

An antiperspirant can also be a deodorant if it simultaneously inhibits sweating and provides fragrance. However, deodorants only mask body odor with pleasant fragrances and do not reduce sweating.

 

Why is it beneficial for the customer to buy vegan-certified beauty products, and what are the implications of this label?

The Body Shop's answer: Vegan-certified cosmetics have numerous advantages from ethical, environmental, and health perspectives. Vegan products do not contain animal-derived ingredients, are cruelty-free, and thus no animals are harmed in the creation of the product. The production of vegan cosmetics generally has a lower environmental impact and can contribute to reducing water usage and agricultural land, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Vegan beauty products contain fewer harmful chemicals and more natural, high-quality plant-based ingredients. This can reduce the risk of allergic reactions, skin irritations, and other skin problems. Plant-based ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, can help improve the health and appearance of the skin. Overall, purchasing vegan-certified beauty products allows consumers to make more ethical and sustainable choices while supporting their health and the well-being of the planet.

 

Is there such a thing as too much washing? Can too frequent use of shower gel harm the skin, especially in the summer heat? And is daily bathing necessary for children?

Ziaja (Superio)'s answer: Although the quickest way to refresh is to bathe or shower, be cautious about how much you wash: too much (multiple times a day) cleansing can dry out the upper layer of our skin. Dermatologists and experts say it's not harmful if you occasionally skip daily bathing, as it helps preserve your skin's natural defense capabilities. Even during daily cleansing, pay attention to soap more thoroughly those areas (such as the folds) where the skin is softer, as there is a greater risk of pathogen proliferation and infections.

In the summer heat, we like to stand under the shower more often, but it is essential to use the right shower gel. With regular and persistent use of shower gel, your skin becomes clean, fragrant, soft, and hydrated, but if you choose poorly or have more sensitive skin, certain ingredients can damage your skin's protective system, leading to dryness, itching, tightness, redness, and unpleasant texture.

Be careful not to overdo cleansing with children, as soap and water can dry out young skin even more. For infants, daily bathing is not always necessary, as their skin is the most sensitive: it's not a problem if the evening wash is occasionally skipped, and even during daily bathing, use gentle products. If the baby's skin becomes rough, dry, or irritated from the bath product, stop using it, and always use a nourishing cream after bathing to keep the baby's upper skin layer hydrated. For older children, parents have a more challenging task: daily bathing is very important for them, as this is the age when they learn basic hygiene habits from their parents, and the need to establish proper personal hygiene for themselves. Ensure that your child does not sit in the bath or stand under the shower for too long, and that cleansing is not the last task of the day when both the child and the parent are so tired that they would prefer to skip washing, but rather create conditions for bathing, such as with toys or rewards, that help the child experience daily cleansing as an enjoyable activity. 

 

How often should you change a tampon at most, and what are the consequences if someone leaves it in for longer?

Always/Naturella/Tampax (Procter & Gamble)'s answer: The frequency of tampon changes depends on the flow of the menstrual period. It is generally recommended to change the tampon every 4-8 hours, but it should never be left in for more than 8 hours. If someone leaves the tampon in for too long, bacteria can multiply and produce toxins that can enter the bloodstream. This can rarely lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), with severe symptoms including high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash. Regular tampon changes help prevent other complications, such as vaginal irritation, infection, and unpleasant odor. 

 

Incontinence is a social taboo. What factors contribute to its development, and what can be done against leakage - beyond wearing an incontinence pad - and how reversible is the process?

Tena/Libresse (Essity)'s answer: The most common risk factors are: frequent coughing and sneezing; diabetes; overweight; recurrent urinary tract infections; prostate problems; pelvic tumors; pregnancy, multiple childbirths; menopause. In some cases, it is reversible, e.g., by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, lifestyle changes, laser, or surgical intervention.
Incontinence can be attributed to several causes. Unfortunately, not all bladder and incontinence complaints can be alleviated. If someone is uncertain about their condition or symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.

 

Why is a separate intimate wash gel recommended, and how does it differ from an average shower gel? Is it possible to use it "incorrectly"?

X-Epil (Alveola)'s answer: Our skin's natural pH value is 5.5, while the pH value of intimate areas ranges between 3.8-4.5, so if we use the same shower gel or soap down there as on other parts of our body, they can disrupt the vagina's natural defense system, leading to the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Intimate wash gels, thanks to their lactic acid content, help maintain the pH value of intimate areas, thus supporting protection against various infections. Most shower gels contain a lot of fragrances and even perfumes, which are also not good for intimate areas, whereas proper intimate wash gels are soap- and fragrance-free.

 

Although sexual content is pouring in from everywhere, little is said about technical advice. How is it safest to put on a condom (to minimize the chance of tearing, slipping, or leaking)?

Durex's answer: Correct condom placement is very important, especially if it's your first time. To make placement easier, the logo on the foil shows which side is the bottom of the condom, so you know the correct direction even in the dark. Once you have this, open the package from the serrated edge. Handle the condom carefully: nails or other sharp objects can easily damage it. With the rolled part on the outside, pinch the semen reservoir between your fingers, then place the condom on top of the erect penis. Roll the condom down to the base of the penis. If it doesn't unroll, it may be in the wrong position: discard it and use a new one. Make sure the condom doesn't slip off and isn't too tight on the penis – the latter can cause the condom to tear. After ejaculation, remove the condom shortly, pinching it at the base of the penis when withdrawing. Dispose of the foil and used condom in the trash. Do not flush it down the toilet!

 

It's easy to get confused by the flood of skincare products, given this multitude of functions and active ingredients. What basic products are recommended, for example, in a skincare routine for a woman over 35? 

Helia-D's answer: After 35, collagen production decreases, cell function and regeneration slow down, and the skin loses its firmness. Therefore, skincare requires the use of even more effective, complex anti-aging formulas, and the more such active ingredients we use, the longer the skin can remain youthful, healthier, and firmer.

Morning routine:

• Vitamin C serum (enhances the effect of sunscreen)

• Daytime anti-wrinkle cream (containing anti-wrinkle peptide, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide)

• Sunscreen face cream

• Eye cream

Evening routine:

• Facial cleanser

• Peptide serum or Retinol serum

• Night anti-wrinkle cream (containing hyaluronic acid and retinol)

• Eye cream

 

How often is it ideal to wash hair? What could be the consequences of washing it too frequently or too infrequently?

L'Oréal's answer: Generally, it is advisable to wash our hair every 2-3 days to maintain the healthy balance of natural oils and keep our hair clean. However, the frequency of hair washing can vary depending on individual factors, hair type, and scalp health. Washing hair too frequently removes natural oils from the scalp, leading to irritation, dry and itchy scalp, and split hair ends. On the other hand, if we wash our hair very rarely, oils, dust, and pollutants in the air accumulate on the scalp and hair strands. This leads to a greasy, dirty appearance and can contribute to more serious scalp problems, such as dandruff.

 

Many people only pay attention to what they put into their bodies (as food), but not to what they apply to their bodies. Why is it worth applying only natural ingredients to our skin? What are the benefits of choosing natural cosmetics?

Mix Your Nature's answer: Although many people don't think of it this way, our skin is our largest organ, so it's very important to take proper care of it – both externally and internally. Our skin is also a very important defense and signaling system for us. It protects our body from external influences and immediately signals if something is wrong with our internal system – whether it's the rest of our body or mental issues. Just as it's not advisable to consume only processed foods and chemicals in our diet, the same applies to our skin.
Products on the market must meet many regulations and undergo testing, but these tests do not consider the cumulative effect of individual ingredients, so it's worth considering what cosmetics we use and which ones we are open to switching to natural alternatives. Often, with a natural cosmetic, we can replace multiple products (e.g., anti-inflammatory and moisturizing), so we don't need to use separate products for these steps.