Receipts and Remedies

Skin bleaching and whitening tips from Receipts and Remedies, 1908

Tan.—

1. A bleaching lotion to remove tan: Half a pint of milk, half an ounce of white brandy, one-quarter of an ounce of lemon juice. Bring the milk to a boil, and then put in the lemon juice and brandy. Let it come to a boil again, and then remove and strain. As soon as it cools, bottle, and mop the tanned surface with it twice a day, and at night, allowing it to dry on.

2. Another remedy is to moisten the face at night with cucumber juice. Cut a cucumber lengthwise and rub it on the face, allowing the juice to remain until it dries off. A mild solution of baking soda is also good.

Complexion.—

1. A buttermilk lotion for bleaching and beautifying the skin is made of; Lactic acid, two drachms; glycerine, one-half ounce; essence of white rose, one and a half drachms; tincture of benzoin, one drachm ; water, sufficient to make six ounces. Mix the acid and glycerine with the water, and add the other ingredients, previously mixed. Apply to the face twice daily.