[.ca] The Skin Type Solution (ISBN 0553383302)

Finally, real skin care advice:
Like many (most?) women, I have spent years (and huge amounts of money) trying to find skin care products for my problematic skin. Advertising is rarely helpful, since most ads contain a lot of hype and very little information. Dr. Leslie Baumann, a Miami-based dermatologist, classifies skin into 16 categories, depending on whether it is oily or dry, sensitive or not, prone to excessive pigmentation or not, and prone to wrinkling or not. You answer a four-part questionnaire at the beginning of the book to find out which of the 16 categories you fall into, and then turn to the chapter which tells you what to do (and not to do) for your skin type. She tells you which types of products and ingredients will help and which to avoid, and actually names products, from drug-store inexpensive to department-store expensive brands. (For instance, many products which are touted for sensitive skin are only good for dry sensitive skin, which is a disaster if your skin happens to be sensitive and oily). Dr. Baumann also makes recommendations as to diet and lifestyle (for instance, a low-fat diet will make dry skin worse). All in all, a terrific book, and one I wish I'd had year ago.

The Skin Type Solution:
This book is basically a product endorsement for the cosmetic industry. It focuses very little on lifestyle and nutrition. Simply put, the book provides endless lists of 'recommended' products on the market which is overwhelming given the choices. It was very disappointing. L Park, Toronto

Amazing book if you're clueless about proper skin care!:
I've been cleansing, toning, moisturizing my face for years and years (my mom worked in the industry and I used to get lots of samples!) but I never stopped to find out which type of skin I had. Now after three kids, my skin looks dry and dull so I picked up this book and I'm glad I did! It's really informative and gives you many suggestions on what you should be doing to care for your skin. I do agree there isn't much about lifestyle, but the author does suggest staying out of the sun, exercising and eating fruits and veggies. This book is more about finding which skin type you are and finding the right products to buy for the exact type. Most women do use products and I personally think they are important, especially as you get older. The author does give suggestions for low cost products to extremely expensive. I highly recommend it!