364 EXCRETION 



the same time removes the scales of dead epidermis. K the bath 

 is continued too long a second reaction takes place, the skin 

 becomes pale and chilled, and the .person becomes depressed as 

 much as from excessive warm bathing. A warm bath followed 

 by a cold shower is often beneficial in producing a healthy glow. 

 When we say cold baths we do not mean that the temperature 

 must be excessively low. Some persons cannot stand the shock 

 of too cold water, and for them water which just feels cold to the 

 skin may produce better results than colder water. The salts 

 in sea water tend to stimulate the skin nerves, and thus aid in 

 producing the glow. Salt baths may often be taken with good 

 effect when cold fresh water depresses. Cold baths should not be 

 taken when the body is depressed, as they cause too much loss of 

 heat. They should never be taken immediately after a meal, 

 as they draw to the surface the blood required for digestion, and 

 thus may produce serious indigestion. Shower baths take less 

 heat from the body than immersions, and also give a greater 

 stimulus to the skin nerves. Rightly indulged in, the cold bath 

 tends to keep the skin clean and to invigorate the system, at the 

 same time rendering the person less liable to colds. A judicious 

 mixture of cold and warm baths is best for maintaining the 

 body in the best possible state. 



Care of the complexion. — The use of paints, powders, and 

 external applications for the beautifying of the complexion is 

 injurious, for the reason that, like dirt, they clog the pores of 

 the skin. Many of them, too, contain poisonous substances 

 which may be absorbed through the pores and produce disease. 

 Good exercise and frequent baths will keep the skin glowing in 

 health, and render it far more beautiful than any artificial appli- 

 cations. 



Care of the hair. — The hair is naturally kept soft and glossy 

 by the secretion of the oil glands. If it is not washed frequently, 

 and the scalp rubbed thoroughly dry after the washing, this oil 

 will collect, mix with the perspiration and dead-skin scales, and 

 clog the pores of the scalp. Washing, therefore, is important in 

 removing this accumulation, while the rubbing stimulates the 

 blood supply and thus furnishes food to the hair papillae. Leav- 

 ing the hairs wet at the roots tends to rot them. 



