DOMESTIC HYGIENE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1354, 10 February 1898, Page 16

DOMESTIC HYGIENE.

THE CARE OF THE SKIN. (From WomanJ When we realise the function of the skin it is as easy to understand how absolutely essential to good health a daily bath is. For the perspiration which is constantly being given off (although not alway noticeable) is acid, and when it conies into contact with the greasy deposit (which is likewise thrown off by the sebaceous glands) on the surface of the skin it would, if not removed, form a substance which is calculated to choke the pores, and the skin in consequence would from acting freely. Such a condition of things must materially affect the health and is a frequent cause of those troublesome little spots which appear on the face, chest, &c., and which are too well known to need any description. MANY WOMEN NEVER REALLY WASH THEIR FACES THOROUGHLY. This sounds somewhat astonishing, but it is nevertheless true, because water alone is not sufficient to remove the layer of grease which covers the skin , soap is required to do this, and should be used certainly once in twenty-four hours, preferably at the end of the day. Warm water is permissible for the facial ablutions when soap is used, provided the face is well bathed immediately afterwards with cold water to counteract the relaxing effect. When the skin has been carefully dried with a soft towel it should be gently massaged with the lingers for at least ten minutes, smoothing out any incipient wrinkles. If this simple method of treating the skin is persevered with it will certainly do much to give it tone and elasticity, and will ward off lines and “ crowsfeet,” but rubbing it once a week is useless ; it must be done every night to be of any real service.

TREATMENT FOR A MUDDY COMPLEXION.

Before any good result can be produced by local treatment it is necessary to look to the general health, which in all probability is defective. Having procured the proper remedies for torpid liver, or whatever your complaint may be, turn your attention to your complexion. If the skin is dull and leaden-looking, or is covered with blocked pores, in addition to the ablutions recommended above, an occasional steam bath will in all probability help to effect a cure. If you have a vaporiser, use it twice a week; or, on th 6 other hand, half fill a basin or a widemouthed jug with boiling water, to which a few drops of simple tincture of benzoin have been added, and cover it with a thick towel, leaving a little opening through which to put your face, so that you may get the steam as it rises. Replenish with boiling water after a. few minutes, and steam altogether for twelve or fifteen minutes. Wash the face well, douching it after with cold water, and when it has been dried and massaged rub a little fresh lemon-juice over the skin. l A PLEASANT REMEDY. In the event of your complexion not being in quite a satisfactory state you will derive great benefit from taking an orange before breakfast; apart from doing good in other ways, this refreshing fruit will 1 improve your appetite for breakfast. Fruits of all kinds (of course in moderation), and fresh, green salads do much to cool and purify the blood. Diet, as every woman who values her complexion knows, plays a very important part as regards i the skin. If it consists chiefly of rich and highly seasoned dishes and numerous “ sweets,’ it is not possible for the skin to ; be as fresh, and clear as it would be were i a more wholesome and consequently more digestible diet partaken of. Large quan- | tides of meat are ; not advisable —indeed. ‘ the more varied the diet the mare sqifc- { able it is to the requirements of the i majority of English people. Cooling | beverages made from fresh fruit are very beneficial, especially in warm weather, and a tumblerful of hot lemonade taken the last thing before going to bed is often useful in cases where the skin does not act freely. ' - v