OCR Text |
Show .Cosmetics, Invariably Harmful to the Complexion, Com-plexion, on the Increase By PROF. H. N. COLE, Western Reserve University. The use of cosmetics, which is invariably harmful to the complexion, is alarmingly on the increase. There is great danger in this practice, inasmuch in-asmuch as poisonous substances are prevalent in face powders, hair dyes, depilatories, hair-smoothing preparations and other common beautifying agents. The employment of cosmetics, unfortunately, has become more and more common. What once was considered poor form is now the mode with the average woman, certainly in cities. Most women paint; all of them use powders of different types. The average woman uses at least some of the long list of cosmetics, and yet many of these women are unaware un-aware of the danger they are incurring. In the first place, there is the purely mechanical obstruction effected by creams, powders and rouges employed on the face. The pores in our skin were intended by nature to serve as lubricating and excretory ducts. If these are constantly shut off, the obstruction alone is bound to injure any skin. Then we have the specific chemical action, depending on the susceptibility suscept-ibility of the patient and on the strength and durability of the application, applica-tion, along with the character of the nostrum applied mercury, arsenic, etc. |