Mutton tallow is considered excellent to soften the hands. It may be
rubbed on at any time when the hands are perfectly dry, but the best
time is when retiring, and an old pair of soft, large gloves
thoroughly covered on the inside with the tallow and glycerine in
equal parts, melted together, can be worn during the night with the
most satisfactory results.
Four parts of glycerine and five parts of yolks of eggs thoroughly
mixed, and applied after washing the hands, is also considered
excellent.
For chapped hands or face: One ounce of glycerine, one ounce of
alcohol mixed, then add eight ounces of rose-water.
Another good rule is to rub well in dry oatmeal after every washing,
and be particular regarding the quality of soap. Cheap soap and hard
water are the unknown enemies of many people, and the cause of rough
skin and chapped hands. Castile soap and rain-water will sometimes
cure without any other assistance.
Camphor ice is also excellent, and can be applied with but little
inconvenience. Borax dissolved and added to the toilet water is also
good.
For chapped lips, beeswax dissolved in a small quantity of sweet oil,
by heating carefully. Apply the salve two or three times a day, and
avoid wetting the lips as much as possible.
To soften the hands: One can have the hands in soap-suds with soft
soap without injury to the skin if the hands are dipped in vinegar or
lemon juice immediately after. The acids destroy the corrosive effects
of the alkali, and make the hands soft and white. Indian meal and
vinegar or lemon juice used on hands where roughened by cold or labor
will heal and soften them. Rub the hands in this, then wash off
thoroughly and rub in glycerine. Those who suffer from chapped hands
will find this comforting.
To remove stains, rub a slice of raw potato upon the stains; or wash
the hands in lemon juice or steeped laurel-leaves.
To give a fine color to the nails, the hands and fingers must be well
lathered and washed with fine soap; then the nails must be rubbed with
equal parts of cinnebar and emery, followed by oil of bitter almonds.
To take white spots from the nails, melt equal parts of pitch and
turpentine in a small cup; add to it vinegar and powdered sulphur. Rub
this on the nails and the spots will soon disappear.