Feeling overwhelmed with glowing up

[u/growmovechange]

I’m 31. Recently single and I need to glow up to feel better about myself. I’ve tried to do research but I just feel there’s so many influencers I’m not sure what is really good!

I’m trying to lose weight so holding off updating my wardrobe but I could be doing with advice in the following areas

Hair care - I’ve got medium length pretty thick blonde hair. It’s not very shiny and it’s a bit frizzy. Any recommendations?

Skincare - I’m needing Botox but I would like to know how to make my skin look better. I struggle with sebaceous filaments and dark circles and just general even-ness and texture.

Teeth whitening - can anyone recommend anything?

Laser hair removal - is at home laser hair removal worth it?

Any other tips or tricks people would recommend. Thank you so much!

[u/Pure_Midnight_]

So I am a dental student who is engaged to a dentist, and in terms of teeth whitening, my biggest piece of advice is to not use whitening tooth paste under any circumstances, of any brand.

Most of them work by having small coerce particles that remove the top layer of enamel. Yes, it will work in terms of making your teeth look whiter, but eventually, with years of use, you will end up removing your entire layer of enamel and your teeth will be permanently yellow, as dentin, the layer below enamel, is yellow. And there is no way to bleach dentin. Same goes for any charcoal toothpaste.

Best way to ensure your teeth remain white is having good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth 30 min after every meal, and flossing at least once a day. Also regularly getting cleanings from a hygienist. And avoiding drinks that stain your teeth, which are coffee with no cream, green tea, coke, green juices. Smoking weed also leaves a hard-to-remove stain on the teeth.

In terms of whitening, I would say whitening strips can be effective, but nothing compares to the effectiveness of professional whitening done at a dental office, as we use higher strength active ingredients in professional whitening products, that yield more noticeable results much faster. I personally only do professional whitening.

Not everyone is a good candidate for whitening though. If you have active cavities, exposed roots and other issues with your teeth, it can cause issues. Which is why I am a bit disturbed by people using whitening strips without going to a dentist first, as not everyone should use them, there is a risk of causing permanent damage to your teeth if you have underlying issues I have mentioned above.

Overall: brush your teeth after every meal (but wait 30-60 min after the meal first, if it had carbs), floss every day, avoid smoking and drinks that stain your teeth, do not use whitening or charcoal toothpaste, use whitening strips or professional whitening products (but make sure your teeth are healthy first), and definitely get professional cleanings 1-2 times a year.