In the following pages I shall try to tell clearly of the simple, easily-to-be-observed methods that can make each woman as beautiful as it is possible for her to be. When I think of how these simple, sensible and effective methods are neglected, through ignorance or thoughtlessness, and the torturous treatment so many members of my sex undergo: the face-skinning; the incasing in unbearable rubber undergarments to reduce flesh and the countless other “treatments” of which they are willing dupes, I marvel and am almost ashamed of the amazing credulity shown by my sex.
Beauty building through the bath.—I shall discuss “Beauty Building Through the Bath” because the various forms of baths properly applied can improve the appearance to a remarkable degree and I shall therefore write at some length on this particular measure as a means of attaining or enhancing the physical charms. ’Tis a trite phrase that cleanliness is the handmaiden of beauty, and the first office of the bath is to clean. The skin is one of the organs by means of which the body is relieved of waste. Its depurating action is unremitting and thus there is constantly exuded on the surface waste matters. Hence, unless frequently bathed, the skin suffers in appearance, firstly, by reason of its uncleanliness; secondly, becoming clogged up, the wastes are not readily eliminated from the blood, which becomes impure. In consequence, the whole system suffers, the skin taking on a yellowish tinge, and the complexion becoming dull and sallow and coarsened by enlarged pores.
Cold and warm baths.—The warm bath is taken daily by many people, who believe that only thus can perfect cleanliness be insured. There are opposing views as to whether the daily bath should be warm or cold; but one should not be confused by the conflicting opinions, the reason therefor being that differences between individuals necessitate varying practices, some being benefited by the cold, some by the daily warm bath, etc. When the daily bath is a cold one, a hot bath must be taken twice or thrice weekly to cleanse the body, for cold water has no cleansing power.
The cold bath is a stimulant or tonic. The effect of the cold bath is to close the pores of the skin, and the blood is driven into the body. But on emerging from the bath, a “reaction” sets in: the blood rushing to the skin in quantities, reddening it and making it glow with warmth. The body should be quickly and vigorously rubbed dry with a Turkish towel, as it increases the good effects of the reaction. The cold bath should be a very brief one, and the warm bath, when taken daily, should not exceed ten minutes in duration. The latter should be followed by a cold sponge bath.
If, because one is lacking in vitality or from other causes the reaction does not follow, the effect of the cold bath is to depress instead of benefit. The bath should never be taken if one is cold, one should be thoroughly warm before it, and it is best taken after exercise for this reason.