A GOOD complexion is most desirable. It is not only winsome and has monetary value but proclaims sound health.
We recall a cripple engaged in the office of an accountant. He could only walk with the greatest difficult. He had, however, one important asset-a splendid complexion. This rendered him a most valued assistant in interviewing clients and gave him welcome to any social party.
Unfortunately, ladies believe that creams and lotions are imperative. It is rare, in view of this fact, to find a newspaper or magazine that does not tell of the increased charm of cosmetics, as well as exhibiting alluring portraits of those who have applied these wonderful compounds. Indeed, there are few “Queens” elected by noted towns or cities who could disown any “make-up.”.
Cosmetics, however, have only temporary value. In every district there are numerous persons with wrinkled faces, who can tell of their delusion when young in supposing that much-[raised beautifiers could substitute natural cleanliness.
To many it will seem rank heresy to be told that washing the face daily in cold water is better than face cream. Who, however, can deny that hot water wrinkles the skin? It is not necessary to speak of the hands of the washerwoman after she has finished her days work. Neither to give instances of those with good complexions who confess that their only secret is that in both winter and summer they have washed their face in cold water.
True, something more is often needed. Practitioners do not expect their patients when affected with depression or painful disease to be ” at their best”. Often, however, on their return visit the prescriber can see in their face the signs of improvement. If the patient has suffered from obstinate constipation caused by wrong diet or bad habits the face, “mirror of both and soul” will reveal it. Cosmetics are not substitute for unhealthy conditions.
The pallid anemic may use rouge. Yet it deceives no one. Their languid lack adaisical movements and indifference to matters in which most people are interested speak loudly to all observers.
Some weeks ago a lady consulted me that had hoped to increase the charm of her well-formed features with cosmetics, but her so- called amenities caused no perplexity. We diagnosed anaemia, and Ferrum phos, alternated with calc. phos, in a few weeks wrought notable betterment.
Another case was that of a young widow. She had always been anaemic. In recent years it had become more marked. Though she has fairly good nights, yet in the morning she felt tired and this weariness continued throughout the day. Her face was marble pale and she said she loved nothing better than to lie on the sofa and allow other members of the family to attend household duties. We gave her the two remedies named with excellent results.
Sometimes pale people crave the flaming redness of the country girl. This is not certain sign of good health. We have had occasion to prescribe for several girls engaged in farm work who spend most of the day in the open air and have given ferrum phos. alternated with Nat. sulph. for head troubles.
Young people often suffer from acne-pimples on the face. In some instances it arises from self-abuse, yet other causes may produce this unsightly eruption. Occasionally we have found that young girls of nervous temperament have taken Bromides which allopaths prescribe far too freely. These give temporary relief but poison the blood proved by the acne that spoils the best complexion. Of course, it is possible for the biochemist to antidote the poison. But is it not better to keep the blood pure by safe remedies than to suppress disease by drugs that at best are only palliatives?.
Disfigurement may be caused by branny tetter. A young lady serving in a jewellers shop was much concerned with a persistent tetter on the face. Naturally, her position called for the best appearance and hoping for the best she had sought the help of a herbalist for two or three years.
In addition to the herbs prescribed he had used ointment in order to hasten the cure. The latter suppressed the ailment and as soon as it was discontinued the old complaint returned with increased violence. Since the tongue was grey-white we prescribed Kali-mur, to be alternated with colloidal Sulphur and now for a considerable time she had been clear of the despoiler.
Health, then, is the basis of a good complexion. Few persons are really ugly. Yet even the good-looking if ill do not appear to advantage. It is foolish to expect sound tooth from tooth powder or a good complexion from face cream. What is often needed is an intelligent prescription that will secure vigorous health but will cause no face to glow and become attractive.
To many the possibility of a good complexion seems remote. Bit it is within the reach of all. To-day a patient called whose face was sagged and sallow, yet under treatment it has now the healthy tinge of health. Previously this lady patient deemed herself amongst the plain-faced women who envied their more charming sister. Now. these beauties seriously think she has discovered an elixir that outrivals all their magical preparations.
