The Influence of Diet on the Complexion.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue IX, 30 August 1902, Page 570

The Influence of Diet on the Complexion.

With the advent of warm weather, Nature, aided by the Meat Trust, has given us several valuable hints in regard to radical changes which might be made in our diet.

No girl can be lovely, can revel in a skin of ivory whiteness and smoothness, unless she gives the subject of what to eat—and what not to eat — respectful attention. No girl troubled with chronic dyspepsia can have

a complexion that is even “passing fair.” The majority of my correspondents want some lotion “to make the skin white,” “to remove pimples and blackheads,” or relieve “a sallow complexion.” The idea prevails that there is in the possession of the beauty expert a magic formula which will work the wonders they desire. Let me tell you emphatically there is no magic about it. If you earnestly covet a good, healthy skin, you must be prepared to battle for it, beginning with the foundation of perfect

health and cleanliness, and that cosmetics, should you require any then, will only supplement your efforts.

Too much meat is as ruinous to the complexion as a surfeit of pastry, especially in the spring and summer. Fresh milk, buttermilk, spinach, rhubarb, asparagus, lettuce, berries, fresh and stewed fruits, greens, whole wheat-meal bread, should be the diet for the spring and summer.

There are two old-fashioned internal remedies to take for pimples and general ill-health of the skin. The

first our grandmothers were dosed, with regularly at the first sign of warm weather. It is a splendid thing to “drive out pimples,” so be prepared to spend the first few days of treatment in retirement or in a heroic, literal “facing out.” The amount of pimples which may appear will indicate pretty fairly the condition of your blood.

Get two pennyworth of sulphur precipitate. Of this put into an ordinary glass or teacup two teaspoonfuls, and add to it six teaspoonfuls.

of golden syrup; stir thoroughly. Take one teaspoonful of the mixture before breakfast, and one just before going to bed, for three days. Omit for three days. Repeat in this manner until you have taken the preparation for nine days altogether. This is a most effectual complexion purifier.

Another remedy which is especially recommended to cure sallow skins and spring, lassitude is phosphate of soda. This can be purchased in one pound or half-pound packages, ready for use. It is taken before breakfast and before going to bed. a tablespoonful in a glass of hot water constituting a dose. Some people complain of a difficulty in drinking the preparation hot. To these I would say. perhaps you have not had it hot enough. Warm water will usually nauseate. Have the water so hot that it can only be sipped. If it is impossible to take it hot, then dissolve the soda in a little warm water first, adding afterwards sufficient cold to fill up the glass. Otherwise the salts will be but imperfectly dissolved. This can be taken as long as one sees fit. three or four weeks or even longer, and should be repeated from time to time when the occasion requires.