A Bran Bath

The water should be quite warm, and bran should be stirred into it in the proportion of ½ peck to a tub of water (no soap is required). Oatmeal is still better on account of the oil. Follow it by long friction until the skin shines, this brings the blood to the surface and wards off wrinkles, while the gluten in the bran softens the tissues. A bran bath should be taken once a week.

Ammonia is very pleasant to put in bathing water, 1 large tablespoonful to a bowl of water; this is refreshing for the neck and arms in summer on account of its deodorizing qualities. Use for a foot bath also.

White Toilet Soap

1 gallon of soft water, let boil and add 4 pounds of white linen soap shaved fine, 2 ounces of sal-soda, 2 ounces of Glauber salts, 1 tablespoonful of spirits of hartshorn. Boil all together five minutes, or until well dissolved. Then scent to suit with cologne or musk, bergamot, etc. Pour into a buttered tin to cool and cut in squares. This will make 12 pounds.

Liquid Toilet Soap

4 quarts of rain water, 4 ounces of borax, 4 ounces of baking soda, 2 ounces of ammonia. Mix and bottle. Shake before using. Will be found very nice for sensitive skins or for those having undue oily secretions of the skin.

Aids To The Complexion

The foregoing directions, are applicable, alike to good and bad complexions, and should be followed by every one wishing to keep the skin clear and wholesome. But it must be added that there are many skins which by reason of neglect, ill health or lost youth, stand in need of more special treatment. Especially does this apply to that coarse and porous skin, more noticeably across the cheeks and nose, that tries the patience of so many girls and women. Nothing short of a new skin will answer in this case.

Make a mask of white cotton cloth of many folds quilted together, leaving openings for nostrils and eyes. The material should be one that will retain as much water as possible. Wet thoroughly in warm water and put on the face just before retiring, wear all night and keep as wet as possible. This wet mask keeps the air away from the skin and gives it time to soften. The outer cuticle wears off, slowly and a fine, smooth surface takes its place, but it requires at least eight weeks before this desirable result repays the long discomfort. Baths must be carefully attended to, and the face not exposed to any sudden changes of atmosphere without applying a little cold cream and wearing a thin veil, for the new cuticle is very tender at, first.

Paste For A Porous Skin

A substitute for the toilet mask will be found in the following paste. It will be found even as quicker in its operation. 3 ounces of finely ground barley or oatmeal, 1 ounce of honey, white of 1 egg. Mix to a paste and spread thickly over the nose, cheeks and forehead before retiring. Cover the portions where the paste is applied with bits of old thin lawn, and let remain on all night. Wash off with warm water, first dampening and allowing to soften while dressing. Then bathe the face with white castile soap and warm water, rubbing on a little cold cream before exposure to the weather. Repeat this every night until the skin grows soft and fine, which will be in about three weeks. After that use once a week for some time. Care must be taken at the same time to bathe daily.