The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-23
THE BICYCLE FACE.
Women Riders Especially should Be
on Their Guard Against 1t.

zone of the evils which would warn my
fair bicycling friends to be on their guard
against Is the requirement of that terrible
malady, the bicycle face" says an expert
on bicycling affairs. The possession of
the bicycle face is no enviabe one, L can
assure you, and although easily acquired
IS not so easily remedied might be sup
posed. 1t attacks, principally, very nervous
riders, and. in fact, if you take the trouble
to scan the countenances of the bicycle rid
ers-nen and women-whom you meet in
the streets, you will notice that large num-
bers them wear a strained, fixed expression,
and that this is generally more noticeable
in roads or streets where there is a good
deal of traffic. If not corrected in time the
face gradually settles into a hunted, drawn
look, the brows become contracted, and
there is rigid appearance about the eyes
which is the reverse of prepossessng. The
trouble is, that this expression does not
pass away, but becomes habitual, and as it
is contracted almost unconsciously it is
well that learners should be on their guard
1.-THE bicycle face is a well-known maIa-
dy. AS the habit is generally due in the first
instance to nervousness it is obvious that
considerable self-control and will power
must be exercised to overcome the tendency
to contract the facial muscles. Whenever
you feel that the muscles of the face are
contracting in the way l have described
the lips FIRMLY compressed and the eyes
strained-pull yourself together and make a
persistent effort to relax the features as
much as possible, says the lady.
gentleman who was discussing the
pros and cons of bicycle riding with me a
few days ago, said; I neveP think a woman
looks her best on bicycle. Nine out OF ten
OF them wear such an anxious expression
just as If they were working a treadmiIl.'
smiled, but could only agree that there
was some truth In the assertion A strained
anxious and fixed expression does
even the prettiest won.an's face, and if you
want 10 look Well on that smart new wheel
IN which you have Just invested, and which
goes well with your stylish costume, don t
forget that bright, pleasant expression is
sine qua non.
Il must say a few words in conclusion on
that affection which so frequently attacks
bicycle riders-seborrhoea or greasy skin
IT is due. principally to overexciting the
glands of the skin by excessive eXerton
This is followed by reaction and loss of
tone, and elasticity in the senaceous glands.
Violent bicycle exercise must be avoided.
Take snort spins of an hours or two hours
duration, rather than long, continuous
rides, and take the precaution to battle the
face before going out with a lotion COM
posed Of the following ingredients: Sulphate
of zinc, two grains; compound tincture of
lavender, eight minims; distilled water. one
ounce. Before applying the lotion the face
should be washed with water.
The oatmeal face treatment is both pre-
ventive and remedial. Take teaspoonful of
prepared toilet oatmeal and mix ii on a
saucer or plate to the consistency of a thick
paste, with a little rose, orange flower or
elder flower water. Take this upon the tins
of the fingers aud thoroughly massage the
face with il, rubbing 1t into the skin until
all the paste is used and the oatmeal comes
OFF in the form of a fine powder. Then dust
the skin with powder This oatmeal treat
ment is most refreshing, and the oatmeal
has very absorbent effect upon the super
huous sebaceous matter. l am not in favor
of very strong astringent washes to over
come excessive greasiness if they can be
avoided, as the disadvantages of such To-
lions are MANY