Q: I have a dry cleaning dilemma: Starch or no starch?

Starching provides stain protection and makes clothes look freshly pressed longer. The kind of starch used is a powdered form of the complex carbohydrate found in vegetables, so you’re not killing the planet by using it. But sometimes starch build-up in pressing machines can leave clothes with a shiny finish, which can break down fibres, causing your shirts to wear out faster. In short, starch is good in moderation. Just make sure your dry cleaner cleans their pressing machines regularly.

Q: I love to ski and snowboard. How do I avoid chapped skin?

First, wear an SPF 15 every day. “The sun reflects off snow, and you need to protect yourself,” says Holly Sherrard, a senior instructor at The International Dermal Institute in Toronto. Next, combat windburn with products that act as a protective barrier. Sherrard likes ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba seed oil as well as fumitory extract and lemon extract because they also calm skin. Try Dermalogica’s Climate Control (dermalogica.ca), which soothes and shields skin from harsh winter weather. Finally, keep skin hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Q: I hear teeth whiteners can increase tooth sensitivity. Is there a pain-free alternative?

Peroxide bleaching agents used to whiten teeth can temporarily irritate the soft tissues and nerves of the mouth, causing teeth to ache when exposed to hot or cold. Using a toothpaste containing stannous fluoride can help prevent that stinging pain. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste reduces sensitivity and fights the bacteria that cause discoloration, gingivitis, plaque and bad breath.

Q: I see vests are in again. How should I wear them?

Start casually. For fellas, try an unbuttoned vest over a soft dress shirt (which in turn is worn over a vintage-style T-shirt). And wear it with jeans. Ladies can pair a vest with a high-necked, lacy Victorian-inspired blouse and skinny pants or pencil skirt.