| NATURAL SKIN CARE |
A good complexion is indicative of health and is seldom possible without good health. A good complexion
depends upon the state of the blood. Vigorous digestion, active circulation and rich, red blood are conducive to
the beauty of the skin.
Do not be misled into the notion that you can buy beauty at the drug store. The more simple home remedies
used in the days of our grandmother are far more effective and reliable than the high priced, cosmetic
preparations. Infinitely better results can be secured by the use of buttermilk, fresh milk, lemon juice and
vegetable oil.
Cold water offers a cosmetic superiority than anything on the market. Paints and powders are injuries in some
cases and fail to produce the appearance of a healthy and beautiful skin. There is nothing so good for the
complexion than cold water. Use plenty of it and several times a day. There is nothing worse for the complexion
than hot water. Never use it. Hot water and soap will produce a temporary effect that may be gratifying but will
invariably be detrimental in the long run.
The hot water relaxes the blood vessels, causing them to lose tone and especially opens the pores. Heat
stimulates the secretions of the oil glands and is detrimental to those prone to blackheads and pimples.
Strong soaps should never be used. Pure castile soap is preferred and the face washed with lukewarm or cool
water, using very little soap. The skin should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water and the skin not stretched too
much.
If cold water is valuable for improving the complexion, ice is even more effective. It has a wonderful, tonic effect
and not only closes up the pores, but improves circulation and the general health of the tissues. Take a piece
of ice and move it over the face for 2 to 3 minutes, once a day. The result will be a glow which can last for hours
and you will enjoy a feeling of life in the skin. If the bare ice is too severe, use a cloth or small towel to wrap
around it.
Those who have very dry skin and who cannot use much soap may find that pure, cold cream is advantageous
for cleansing purposes. Dry skin is the result of a lack of oil or inactivity of the sebaceous or oil glands. When
much soap is used in such cases, abstracting the limited amount of oil, the condition becomes aggravated. The
possessor of dry skin should use just as little soap as possible and use only cold water for cleansing purposes.
The use of a little cocoa butter or virgin, olive oil might be advantageous to supply the deficiency.
Those who complain of oily skin should avoid hot water. Cold water and ice tend to check the activity of the oil
glands and also to contract their pores or ducts.
The formation of wrinkles is due usually to the breaking down of connective tissue beneath the skin, although
lack of nutrition generally and the distortion of the face through _expression of various mental states are
important factors. Improved health and better nutrition cause lines to disappear. Massage is suggested,
rubbing in the same line as the wrinkles themselves, but never across them. A complexion brush may be used
in the same manner.
Every one should prefer a good, natural complexion to an artificial complexion. The use of cosmetics inevitably
have the result of injuring the complexion. The person with an originally good complexion will find in a few years
that it is ruined.
The following are a few remedies of special value in the way of natural cosmetics:
Milk - either fresh or soured may be used for washing the face, with good results. Fresh cream is infinitely
superior to any "cold cream" ever devised.
Buttermilk - makes a good skin whitener in many cases for the face or hands. It can be used for those who
suffer with dry skin, for washing the face.
Salt - has a wonderfully stimulating and tonic effect upon the skin. One can use table or sea salt. Wash the
face with cold water, then gently rub salt around the face. This produces a stimulating effect.
Lemon Juice - is one of the most valuable, natural beautifiers, especially in the case of oily skin, blackheads,
pimples or rough skin. Washing the face with diluted lemon juice will bring surprising results. Lemon peelings
can be saved for the skin. If using full, strength lemon juice, it should be diluted with water. It can be sponged
off with milk or water after a few minutes.
Strawberry lotion - fresh, ripe strawberries can be mashed to a pulp and the juice strained through a cloth.
Watermelon rub - rubbing the skin with watermelon has an excellent effect in cleansing the skin.
Cucumber lotion - is good for oily skin. Cucumber pulp should be grinded into a juice, strained and applied to
the skin several times a day.
Barley, honey and egg - used for coarse skin or enlarged pores. Take 3 ou. ground barley,
1 ou. honey and the white of one egg. Mix and spread on the face. May leave on and wash off in the morning
with lukewarm water, followed by cold.
Oatmeal water - a little oatmeal stirred into cold water is excellent for washing the face and making it soft and
smooth.
