ASTRINGENT CREAMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22609, 28 June 1935, Page 15

ASTRINGENT CREAMS

Many girls whose complexions generally are good, yet complain of a rather muddy tone around the mouth and chin, find that, no matter how well their powder may suit their colouring on nose and cheeks, it is never quite right on the lower part of the face. There the skin is inclined to be greasy and to need constant repowdering, and ' this repowdering in itself helps to create the condition which they are trying to cure. It is no use just covering up complexion defects with cream and powder. Beauty culture to-day shows how to remove skin blemishes so that the face is really fresh and clear, and make-up just an addition to a charming complexion, not a cloak with which to hide imperfections.

To begin with, then, this muddy condition of the chin usually implies a sluggishness of the sebaceous glands, and calls for three things—stimulation by friction, treatments with a suitable cream, and a carefully chosen diet. Heavy face creams should be avoided, especially those which, left on the skin nil night, simply clog the pores and prevent them from taking in oxygen and throwing off waste matter. Yet, needless to say, the right stimulating cream is essential.

In other words, the right cream should contain an astringent to tighten tho pores and stimulate them after tho cleansing treatment has been given. Creams containing alum are excellent for this. Alum, in small proportions, greatly benefits skins of the sallow, openpored type. It prevents the complexion from wrinkling early, and generally tones it.

Here is a highly recommended formula: Lanolin—4 ounces. Powdered alum—s teaspoonful. Olive oil—} ounce. Orange flower water—§ ounce. Borax—l pinch.

Beat the lanolin up with the oil slightly warmed. When it is creamy put In the borax dissolved in a teaspoonful of boiling water. Beat all together again. Now dissolve the alum in the orange flower water and stir it gradually into the mixture. Alum preparations should not be used more than two or three times a week. Like all astringents, they lose their effect If used every day. A twice-a-week cleansing treatment followed by the cream given above will banish muddiness and improve the texture of the complexion. First wash the face in hot water. It may be steamed for a few minutes, but a thorough washing Is just as effective and not so drastic. Have the water really hot, and use a clean rough face glove. A handful of oatmeal thrown into the water softens it, and makes a splendid friction when used on the face glove. Be careful to scrub the chin briskly, without, of course, scratching it or reddening it unduly. When the whole face is clean, and the pores well open, apply the alum cream.

This should first be rubbed in lightly. It is pleasant to use, liquefying quickly, and producing an agreeable tingling sensation. The effect will be better if it is left on half an hour and used as a kind of pack. Cut some strips of butter muslin. Spread a fine film of the cream on these and lay them over the face. Press the strips well down on to the chin, across the nose, and under the eyes." As in all face-packs, it is better to lie down for the necessary half-hour, and to compose the features without speaking or moving the facial muscles. At the end of that time remove the butter muslin, and friction the face with a piece of soft dry towelling. If you are going to bed, do not wash again with water, but simply remove all the alum cream with dry friction. Follow this treatment regularly a couple of times a week, whenever you have time, for a month or so, and you will be really delighted by the look of clear transparency that follows. • Muddiness of the chin will be a thing of the past.

One other 'tip on this subject—add more fruit to your diet, especially oranges. Luckily the orange season is approaching, and they will soon be plentiful again. Make up your mind to eat no fewer than three oranges a day during the winter months. Especially is it good to drink orange juice in a little warm water the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.—An Australian weekly.