THE SKIX AND THE APPENDAGES 203 



condition of the skin, and so of the circulation, kidneys, and 

 other parts of the body, and they influence our state of mind 

 and our satisfaction with ourselves and our surroundings. 



The first consideration in clothes is the relation to tempera- 

 ture and moisture. Woolen clothing, especially next to the 

 skin, has the advantage that it prevents the rapid loss of heat 

 from the body. On the other hand, it is oily and does not 

 absorb moisture readily, so that perspiration is left on the skin. 

 Cotton, linen, and silk also have advantages and disadvantages ; 

 no material is perfectly suited to all conditions. 



For young and energetic people linen or cotton underwear of 

 special weaves is best, all the year round, to take care of the 

 perspiration. Even in the winter we spend most of our time 

 (indoors) at a temperature of 65°-7o° F. For cooler weather 

 we should depend upon the outer garments for protection 

 from excessive loss of body heat. Woolen underwear gives 

 protection with less weight ; it is therefore desirable for older 

 people, for those who do not take vigorous exercise, and for 

 those who are exposed for long stretches of time to cold air, 

 whether indoors or outside. Since the underwear absorbs the 

 perspiration, it should be aired at night and changed frequently. 



We should avoid tight belts, garters, hatbands, corsets, shoes, 

 and other articles that may compress blood vessels and so inter- 

 fere with the circulation. 



On the side of our mental comfort, young people are often 

 perplexed as to whether being fashionable is worth all that it 

 costs in the way of worry and fussing, as well as in the way of 

 money. The fact is that one cannot afford to appear slovenly 

 and negligent, and one cannot afford to give too much thought 

 to the constantly changing whims of fashion-mongers and cloth- 

 ing designers. It is quite possible to maintain a good appear- 

 ance and the corresponding satisfaction in yourself without 

 yielding too much to the fads of the day. 



169. Sunlight. One of the effects of sunlight upon the skin is 

 to cause the formation of pigment in the dermal cells. Many of 

 us, however, especially extreme blonds, are incapable of produc- 



