COSMETICS
Most cosmetics on the market today may
improve appearance without harming the skin. Lipstick, powder, rouge are
usually harmless unless you happen to have a special allergy or sensitivity to
the preparations themselves or perfumes they contain. Some lipsticks dry the
lips, but with a little experimenting most women can find a suitable one.
Pancake makeup and powder bases may clog the pores, and it is important to wash
them off or remove them with cleansing cream every night. There is usually no
significant difference, aside from odor and attractiveness of packaging,
between expensive and inexpensive cosmetics, though it is sometimes difficult
for women to believe this.
BODY ODOR AND DEODORANTS
Perspiration
itself is essentially odorless. When odor does develop, it is the result of
bacterial action on the secretions from the skin's glands. Thus, bathing is the
primary method of body odor control. When a full bath cannot be taken, body
odor can be largely controlled by bathing armpits and genital area with soap
and warm water. Deodorants are formulated to mask or diminish body odor. They
do not affect the flow of perspiration. Antiperspirants contain compounds to
reduce the amount of perspiration. Their effectiveness varies depending not
only upon ingredients but on such factors as the individual's normal
perspiration rate and activities that may encourage perspiration.
CREAMS
Cold cream, a cleansing agent,
generally is a water-in-oil emulsion. The mineral oil in it helps dissolve
fatty skin secretions and loosen grime particles. The cream's suspending effect
helps in removing dirt with tissue or soft towel. A variation, the so-called
liquefying cleansing cream, may contain mineral oil that is not emulsified but
rather is solidified with paraffin or petrolatum to a consistency that allows
it to melt upon contact with the warmth of the skin. This oily film is intended
for the same purpose as emulsified cold cream. Cold creams and other cleaners
should remain on the skin only briefly, since the actual cleaning operation
requires removal of the cream together with the secretions and grime. On the other
hand, other creams-lubricating, moisturizing, conditioning, and
"night" creams-have a different purpose and require longer contact,
generally overnight. Their objective is to help make the skin smoother by
overcoming drying and roughness. For this, they provide a lubricant, emollient
(softening) or humectant (moisture-attracting or -retaining) action.
The film of cream, when applied to the skin,
closes out air, and the water in the cream-sometimes aided by ingredients such
as glycerine and sorbitol-has a moistening effect. Foundation cream has similar
ingredients for moistening and is used prior to makeup to provide a thin film
that becomes a base for powder and rouge while providing some protection
against grime. Although many manufacturers add to creams certain mystic
ingredients-ranging from royal jelly to orchid pollen, mink or turtle oil,
placenta extract, and assorted hormones and vitamins-claiming that they make it
possible for women to keep or regain youthful appearances, many medical authorities
believe that the claims have not been substantiated on a scientific basis, and
the buyer is getting perhaps a good cold cream but at a high price.
