AGEING WITHOUT SHOWING IT

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31043, 26 April 1966, Page 2

AGEING WITHOUT SHOWING IT

The time when men and women grow old in years, but not in appearance, is not far off, according to an Austrian-born beauty expert, Baron Martin von Muhr, who is visiting Christchurch to advise women on skin care and the correct use of cosmetic.

“Age is not important and today women can look feminine and attractive at 65. Our old-age span, when we look as old as we are, will decrease with every year and we will eventually die still looking comparatively young,” he said.

For those who could afford It, rejuvenating treatment was available. Within 20 years such treatment would be within the financial grasp of everyone, he said. However, the process of keeping age in check would take some time, possibly another hundred years. As yet science had not discovered what caused cells to age, and cosmetics alone could not keep wrinkles and lines from appearing, although they could do much to keep them in check. Baron von Muhr said that in New Zealand unqualifified people were able to advise women on beauty preparations and skin problems, such as acne. In Europe such people would be gaoled. Baron von Muhr is a member of the International Institute of Aesthetics and Cosmetologists. To become a member he had to study anatomy, physiology, physiotherapy and dermatology and do a two-year medical course. “The rules of the institute are veiy strict. People selling cosmetics must do a threemonth course before being allowed behind a counter, and then they are allowed only to sell,” he said. Beauticians were allowed to give facials and beauty treatments only. Even cosmetologists were allowed only to treat certain types and degrees of problem skins. Baron von Muhr said many members of the institute were doctors, and the institute had the support of the medical profession. He considered

that New Zealand medical societies should investigate the situation in this country and stop unqualified people giving advice on skin treatment. While in Auckland he had several women ask him about spotty skins and what treatment he advised. “If I attempted to do this in Europe I would be struck off the roll and more than likely go to gaol. I told them to see a skin specialist,” he said. In common with women all over the world, New Zealanders were lazy about skin care, he said. Very few women gave cleansers enough time to penetrate and to float out dirt and grime. "They just put it on and wipe it off,” he said. “It has to be left for a few minutes if it is going to work effectively. Liquid cleansers are better than creams because they penetrate more deeply.” Baron von Muhr emphasised that skin care was most important and should be done every day. Weather was the skin's biggest enemy, especially sun which drew out moisture. Every skin, even if oily, needed a good moisturiser to protect the top layers of skin and prevent the natural moisture in the fatty tissues from being .dissipated. He recommended a mild skin tonic to bring the acid level back to normal and to keep bacteria from entering the skin. "Harsh tonics such as witch hazel, eventually dry the skin and allow bacteria to penetrate. “Night creams are important and should be used

carefully. Not every woman needs them. Those with oily skins should use a moisturiser and those with dry akin a night cream.” It was important not to use powerful night creams at an early age because the skin became immune and when a woman really needed a powerful cream later there were none which were effective. There was no need for a woman to go to bed with her face a white, greasy mask. The effective absorption time for preparations was 20 minutes. After that she could wipe off a preparation. Baron von Muhr said that it was essential to put creams on the neck. “Quite aften you see women with lovely soft facial skin, but their necks are all wrinkled like baked lamb chops. This was specially noticeable among Auckland women.” Because Christchurch has a milder climate than Auckland, Baron von Muhr is expecting to find better skins here. “I shall be disappointed if I don’t,” he said.