The presence of dextrin and starch will appreciably increase the contracting action. Face packs and face masks generally include these substances. the whole mode of action should be absorptive as well as astringent. Alcohol, cold water, and other substances are apparent or artificial astringents. These differ from the true astringents, because they do not react chemically with the proteins inn the skin. It is well known that the application of cold water promotes the contracting of the pores and enhances the resistance of the skin. Alcohol is much more effective than water because it increases the rate of evaporation of aqueous solutions and the subsequent cooling has a special astringent effect.