=The Use of So-called Cosmetics for the Face.=—All skin specialists, and these are in the very best position to judge of the great amount of harm that is done, say emphatically that the use of face lotions and “paints” can only work the lasting injury of the complexion. They may assist in hiding the defects of nature, but they frequently contribute to increase these defects. Many of them merely fill up the pores of the skin and give it a pasty look. Numerous cases of eczema and other diseases have followed the use of paints. Of the advertised cosmetics, many are not only worthless, but actually injurious. Certain applications to the skin of the face are permissible and beneficial. “Virgin milk,” which is a milky-looking mixture, composed of the tincture of benzoin and rose-water, renders the skin soft, and is said to prevent the formation of freckles. If the skin is dry, glycerin may be added to this. The formula for this mixture is as follows: Take of the tincture of benzoin and glycerin each 1 ounce, mix well, and then add 2 ounces of rose-water. This should be applied by the fingers, just after the face is washed. Pure glycerin is irritating, and should never be applied to the face without dilution. The various good preparations of rice and talcum powder on the market are perfectly harmless, and, if there is a tendency to greasiness or shininess of the skin, the use of these is essential from an esthetic point of view. In case of greasiness a little calcined magnesia may be used. In hot weather the use of face powder is very refreshing, and in the hot climates it is used for this purpose to a very striking extent. But the true cosmetics, and the only ones that can procure and keep a beautiful complexion, are plenty of exercise in the open air, attention to the diet, to the daily evacuation of the bowels, to the condition of the kidneys, to baths, and to proper dress. FACIAL BLEMISHES.—Among the most common facial blemishes are freckles, liver spots, a sallow complexion, pimples, acne, eczema, superfluous hairs, and wrinkles. _Freckles._—These are brownish or yellowish pigmentary spots, varying from the size of a pin-head to that of a pea. They occur on the face and the backs of the hands. They consist of a circumscribed deposit of pigment; not much is known about their origin. The pigment is situated in the deep layers of the epidermis, and, in order to remove the freckles, it is necessary to use something capable of producing desquamation. As a rule, if left alone, they will gradually disappear. _Liver Spots._—The so-called liver spots are irregular patches of a brownish color, which appear most frequently on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and hands. If not caused by disorders of the liver and digestion, they are certainly aggravated by them. They are not only unsightly blemishes on the skin, but sometimes cause great nervousness by the intense itching which accompanies them.