Christina Milian on Turning 40, Smile Health and the Underrated Power of Some Frozen Aloe
Actress-singer-songwriter Christina Milian is up bright and early and coming in via Zoom to talk about her recent partnership with Crest + Oral-B—a program that aims to end oral health inequity for children across America. (A startling stat: Black children are almost two times as likely to have fair or poor oral health, while Hispanic children are nearly four times as likely as their peers.) It’s something that the 40-year-old says is a “cause that’s dear to her family,” but not a number that necessarily surprises her, which is why she’s set on driving awareness to the issue.
Why this partnership?
“First of all, it’s Crest, it’s Oral-B—they’re both great brands. Growing up, oral health was a really big deal in my family, and I want to pass along the same message, the same good habits, to my children. We are always brushing our teeth. It’s an important custom to pass along.
Both my parents were immigrants from Cuba, and they didn’t necessarily grow up the same way, and they paid for it later—especially my mom, who has lots of cavities and has made lots of trips to the dentist. But both of my parents really implemented the flossing, the brushing for two minutes, the brushing after meals, all of that. This is important to me, especially when I hear my own community is suffering from it. It’s an important part of our daily routine.”
Did your basic self-care routine change during the pandemic?
“I was wearing a lot of sweats! I did do a lot of home remedies with my daughter, mainly to keep us from getting too bored. I can’t say I looked ‘exquisite’ during that time—I sort of let go—but I did do my best with trying to take care of myself. I drank a lot of water, and I found a lot of skin care I liked. I was pretty chill and relaxed when it came to all of that.”
Can you share any of the remedies?
“I bought myself a big old stick of aloe at the grocery store. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what to do with it, so I guess I should go on YouTube. I heard it’s great for hair, for skin, for healing, for everything. I chopped it up, put it in a Ziploc bag and put it in the freezer. I have to figure out what to do with it! It doesn’t taste good by the way…I tried that one, too.”
And you recently turned 40. Does it feel any different?
“I didn’t know how to handle it or what to think about it. I really loved my 30s—I made a family and I recognize all my blessings and I am thankful for them. But there’s a lot to look forward to in life, so I’m ready. It was a little different to embrace, but my friends helped make it really fun. It took me a week, but then I was ready.”
What are you excited for as the year closes out?
“I’m excited to spend time with my family! I’m also getting back into my health and fitness again. I always try to do that before the new year. So I guess I’m looking forward to taking care of myself. I’m excited for it all.”
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