If, because one is lacking in vitality or from other causes the reaction does not follow, the effect of the cold bath is to depress instead of benefit. The bath should never be taken if one is cold, one should be thoroughly warm before it, and it is best taken after exercise for this reason. =It is easy to inure oneself to the cold bath.=--Begin taking daily baths at a comfortable temperature, gradually lowering it from week to week, till you can take it cold or almost as cold as it comes from the faucet. Or one can accustom one’s self to them by taking a cold sponge bath in the beginning, standing on a cloth or towel wrung out in hot water, or by standing in a few inches of hot water, if this is required, to lessen the shock. But if despite these precautions you do not recuperate properly from the cold bath, it is not for you, for you are not benefited by it. Both hot and cold bathing accelerate the circulation, the first relaxing the tissues, the latter giving them tone and firmness. =The friction bath.=--But, perhaps, one of the most valuable of baths for the skin, one that never fails to improve its texture and color is a bath that does not require water--the friction bath. It stimulates the circulation to the skin and thoroughly cleanses it. The friction bath is self-applied by means of two soft bristled brushes. Beginning at the forehead, the face and neck are thoroughly brushed, then each arm in turn (working upward from the hand to the shoulder), then using both brushes together, the shoulders, chest, sides, abdomen, back and lastly the legs, brushing from the ankles upward. The treatment is continued till each part of the skin is in a glow. It will be hard to reach the back of the body, but do the best you can. When taking the friction bath for the first time, it will be necessary to avoid vigorous brushing and not to continue the treatment very long, as in the beginning the skin is easily irritated, but as the treatment [Illustration: Friction baths with a flesh brush--not too stiff--will insure a smooth, satin-like skin with a glow of health.] is continued from day to day, the skin becomes accustomed to it, and it may be made as vigorous as desired. The friction bath will put one’s skin in splendid condition, and it will not be possible for pimples, blackheads, or other eruptions to develop when the friction bath is a regular practice. The ordinary Turkish towel may be used for the friction rub instead of the brushes. [Illustration: In the absence of flesh-brushes, one may go over the body with a good, heavy bath towel to stimulate the skin and bring to it the rich glow of health.] =The relation of air to beauty.=--So much for baths and bathing. A great deal more that is both interesting and helpful can be said, but enough has been told to point out their value. In the order of their importance will be described other measures which directly develop charm of face and form.