| Mouthwash 'can cause oral cancer'
If it was a facial cream that had the effect of reducing acne but had a four-to-five-fold increased risk of skin cancer, no one would be recommending it." Some mouthwash can contain as much as 26 per cent alcohol. The findings, published in the Dental Journal of Australia, said the most popular mouthwashes contained higher concentrations of alcohol than drinks such as wine or beer. Prof McCullough said: "If you have a glass of wine, you tend to swallow it. With mouthwash you have a higher level of alcohol and spend longer swishing it around your mouth. The alcohol present in your mouth is turned into acetaldehyde." He said regular alcohol consumption was a cancer risk - but usually did not involve swishing it around the mouth. Eating while drinking increased salivation which lowered the risks, he said.
Skin-care tips
If face skin is dry, once a day is enough; more-frequent cleanings may be required if skin is oily or prone to acne. n Stay cool inside the home, which is better for humidity. Hot air in a house is a key cause of dry skin. n Think green. Indoor plants can keep moisture in the air, and act as a humidifier. .
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