Month: August 2019

If you’ve found yourself on a quest to achieve a perfectly flawless complexion, you’ve probably realized that the odds are—sorry—against you. We’re not trying to be pessimistic, but between stress, a polluted environment, hormones, genetics, products, lifestyle habits, diet, workout regimens, and so on and so forth, there is a lot at play when it comes to the health and appearance of our skin. Oh, and as we recently learned from celebrity aesthetic dentist Grace Goar Vershinina, our dental health can also have a major bearing. 

When you think about it, it makes total sense. As Vershinina describes, the mouth acts like a gateway into the body, and just as things like our hormones, digestion, and more can affect the glow of our complexion, so too can the state of our oral health. However, unlike more complicated issues like hormones, genetics, or finicky pores, keeping on top of what’s happening in our mouth makes it easy to address (and hopefully eliminate) oral hygiene as a suspect skin disruptor. Curious? Keep scrolling to learn more about the relationship between mouth and skin, plus the relatively simple and totally painless way to make good.

As Vershinina explains, our oral health extends way beyond the cosmetic status of our mouth (aka how bright our pearly whites are) and even beyond the health of our mouth, teeth, and gums. “Think of your mouth as a gateway to the rest of your body,” she explains. “The condition of your teeth and gums has a significant impact on their overall health and skin health. Because the mouth is a gate, a primary entryway into the body, poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation, infection, and disease.” And yes, it can most definitely impact the status of your skin regardless of how great your skincare routine is, how clean your diet may be, or even the number of times you hit the gym per week.

“You may be on a healthy diet, exercising daily, using the best skincare products, but if you have dental problems, poor oral hygiene, silent dental infection, different types of metal restoration in your body (aka fillings, etc.), your skin most likely won’t have that healthy glow because a healthy mouth contributes to healthy skin.”

Just as other systemic and bodily issues like inflammation and hormonal imbalance can cause dull skin or acne, so too can poor oral hygiene. So to make sure your mouth isn’t the contributing factor here, Vershinina recommends making habit of the below practices. 

According to Vershinina, different types of metal restoration in your mouth can cause skin issues. We’ll let her take it from here in dental speak.

“The correlation here is due to the construction of restorative and prosthetic dental appliances which are often comprised by a wide range of metals,” she explains. “The corrosion of these appliances releases metal ions into the body, and the linings of the mouth and the digestive system can absorb these metal ions. Many dental metals may become allergens and cause dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and other health problems, and the potential risk for developing these types of allergic reactions increases the longer you have these types of pieces in the mouth.”

But there’s hope! Vershinina shares that more and more patients are beginning to replace their metal restoration with biocompatible restorations, which conversely interact favorably with the human body and are nontoxic, some examples being metal-free ceramic implants, metal-free zirconia and porcelain crowns, inlays, onlays instead of composites, etc. The best idea? Have a consultation with a dental expert you trust to come up with the best game plan. 

To keep your mouth, and in effect, your skin, in tip-top shape, Vershinina says regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings are paramount, and it’s good to aim for a visit every three to six months. 

If you find yourself in looking for ways to appear younger than you really are, there are so many ways to virtually stop time. All manner of beauty regimens, diets, injections, serums, and moisturizers exist to do just that, but there’s a simple styling tip that also does the trick: It all comes down to landing on the right color. To find out which are the best colors to wear to look younger, we beelined to an expert to uncover these magical hues.

We spoke to celebrity stylist Andrew Gelwicks, who insists that “color plays such an important role in your wardrobe—almost as important as the actual clothing itself.” He also shared which color to definitely avoid: “If you’re hoping to look younger, the absolute color to avoid is black since it’s too severe. If you want to experiment with looking younger, start out with reds, pinks, and purples. They all have a youthful vibrancy to them that is widely recognized.”

Don’t just take his word for it, though. Up ahead, see how the chicest over-40 celebrities are putting these youthful colors to the test. Keep reading to get inspired by how they wear each shade and then shop our picks because no matter what your age is, wearing these vibrant colors is always a good idea.

Red is everyone’s favorite power color, so it comes as no surprise that Gelwicks points it out as one of the best colors to wear to look younger. According to celebs who defy their ages, a true red is the best way to go.

The chicest over-40 celebrities prove that when it comes to wearing pink (with the goal of looking truly ageless), bold is better. Think vibrant shades of fuschia and hot pink, as demonstrated by the below Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Kerry Washington looks.

Purple is a slightly less obvious choice for achieving an age-defying appearance, but as Selma Hayek and Chrissy Teigen are showing us, lilac purple hues definitely do the trick.

Next, find out the shoe trends celebs over 30 will and won’t wear.

If you ask us denim-loving Who What Wear editors, boring jeans are the best jeans. After all, the number one thing that jeans have going for them is the fact that they’re the most versatile thing you can wear. (But that doesn’t mean we don’t love a unique pair from time to time. How amazing are these?)

After months of warm-weather styles, we’re ready to transition into fall the best way we know how: denim. Each of us has had our eye on a few pairs of everyday (aka “boring”) jeans that we know we’ll wear constantly when fall hits on September 23 and beyond.

As you’ll see below, many of us have similar taste when it comes to the brands we shop for the best “boring” jeans. There are several styles from the likes of Agolde, J Brand, Levi’s, and more. Now is the best time of year to stock up on denim, so keep scrolling to shop the pairs of jeans we plan on purchasing.

Next, seven skinny-jean outfits that won’t feel dated in fall 2019.

With the onslaught of new fall trends in the spotlight, it can be easy to get wrapped up in all the freshness coming your way. Because let’s just call a spade a spade: The forthcoming runway must-haves are good. Like, really good. That said, autumn also brings with it a range of closet standbys (think black ankle boots) that could easily rival some of the latest trendy items thanks to their classic nature. We’ve actually found that women over the age of 40, in particular, have nailed down this perfect assortment of fall classics that withstand the test of time.

Because when you think about it, you’ve probably developed a certain level of sartorial confidence by the age of 40 and are thus fully aware of the versatile pieces needed to build a functional wardrobe as a result. Stylish celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker are especially in tune with those effortless basics that make for a well-rounded closet. Keep scrolling for a deeper dive into the foundational staples that many in this age bracket rely on for fall.

A timeless LBD featuring 3/4-length sleeves is a foundational piece every woman needs. While you can wear as is with heels like SJP here, the silhouette is also ideal to build an effortless fall fit with on-trend outerwear and other layering pieces.

On Sarah Jessica Parker: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Celine Embellished Sparkle Mary Jane Pumps ($450)

While shrunken cardigans made a major comeback this spring and summer, a classic iteration will always hold true for fall. We’re all about buttoning your go-to style all the way up with leggings or jeans for a streamlined feel.

On Victoria Beckham: Chanel knit; Victoria Beckham Stirrup Leggings ($1136) and clutch

Statement-making turtlenecks have become a layering essential for women at every age. A flawless silhouette (like this neon-green iteration here) adds that cool sophistication to a fall look.

On Tracee Ellis Ross: Louis Vuitton sneakers

No, that above-the-knee skirt won’t cut it come fall. Take a cue from this ensemble by incorporating a fashion-forward midi into your rotation.

On Katie Holmes: Dorothee Schumacher shirt; Zeynep Arcay skirt; Jimmy Choo pumps; Gucci bag

While you could consider wide-leg pants to be a year-round staple, they’re especially ideal for fall to elevate a jacket-and-tee pairing.

On Jennifer Aniston: Bottega Veneta blazer; Chanel bag

Black ankle boots would certainly rank high as one of the top wardrobe essentials thanks to their versatile nature. You can dress them up—similar to this fit—or down to work for any fall occasion.

On Thandie Newton: Louis Vuitton look

A perfect-fitting leather jacket not only looks cool, but it pairs well with a range of outfits for a downtown edge.

WHO: Cindy Crawford

Tossing on a trench coat will keep you warm on those days when the temperature teeters on chilly (but not freezing) while simultaneously adding a classic yet modern flair to your vibe.

WHO: Jane Fonda

A tailored suit is particularly useful to have in your arsenal for fall because you can either wear as is when you want to look professional, or you can mix and match the pieces to work with other fall separates.

On Jennifer Lopez: Quay Australia sunglasses

All you really need to look like the sleekest person on the street is a solid overcoat to bring instant polish to your ensemble.

WHO: Mindy Kaling

Next, check out some of the key fall trends to invest in now.