The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-06-16
The Summer Complexion.
From The Cincinnati Weekly Gazette


Just at this season of the year, the sun
plays havoc with delicate and sensitive
skins. To stay indoors during this lovely
weather, when one has opportunities for
enjoying the air, would be almost criminal,
and yet the result of basking in the sun
shine is, to some women, positive torture.
The effect Of the sunshine upon very
thin and transparent skin is, in many cases,
to cause it TO peel off in flakes; in other in
stances the skin becomes red in patches
and burns violently. Those whose skin is
less sensitive experience little effect from
the action of the sun, the skin simply be-
coming browner and darker in hue.
Upon some compilations the action of the
sun causes freckless to accumulate TO an
alarming degree. This is due to the chemi-
cal decomposition of the iron deposit pre-
sent in the secreting glands of the skin.
The skin is more likely to become tam
ed, freckled or bronzed at the seaside than
In inland places. Any one suffering from
serious skin affections should avoid thessea-
side, as the salt air has an exceedingly irri-
tant effect upon the cuticle when in an I'M
healthy condition.
Prevention is better than cure" and it
is by far the best plan to take precautions
against the advent Of sunburn and freckles
than to apply lotions aud cosmetics after
they have made their appearance.
An excellent means of preventing sun
burn is to wash the face every day, previ-
GUS to going out, with solution made by
dissolving ten grains of borax and one
drachm of alum in pint of water. Wash
ing the face with buttermilk several times
day is also good method of preventing
sunburn. The following old-fashioned de-
coction is not only generally successful in
keeping away sunburn, but is one of the
best though simplest cosmetics known for
keeping the skin fair and clear: Take
handful of freshly -plucked parsley and put
1t into jar which has lid; pour upon it
pint or more Of boiling water; shut down
the lid and allow the decoction to become
perfectly cold. Then bathe the face, neck
and arms with this. This simple and mex
pensive lotion is within the reach of all. An
other simple lotion is composed of equal
parts ofmilk or buttermilk and rose or elder
flower water in which horseradish has been
stepped Thisshould be applied to the face.
One more suggestion before l pass on to
remedial lotions. As soothing and cool.
ing application for the skin nothing sur
passes few slices of cucumber (which
should, if possible, be perfectly fresh, } rub
bed gently over the face. 1t has most re-
freshing and healthful qualities. Beg
few slices from cook next time she is COM
pounding the salad, and see if you do not
agree with me. A gauze veil is the best
protection for sensitive skin during very
hot weather and on no account should
thick black veil with large spots be worn.
When the skin has become burnt or
scorched by the sun the following wash
will generally be found effective Alum,
one ounce; lemon juice (strained) two
table spoonfuls; elder flower water, one
pint. Apply several times day. The
following is also good: Milk (fresh, ten
ounces; carbonate of soda, one-half ounce;
glycerine, one-half ounce; powdered borax,
ne-quarter ounce. Here is another: Bo-
rax powdered six drachms; pure glycer-
Inc, three-quarters of an ounce; rose water,
twelve ounces.