Reading up on Skincare

I recently decided it was time for me to start taking better care of my skin.  I wanted to learn more, skincare seems so flighty, hither and thither, ephemeral, hard to pin down, nothing concrete.  Everyone has a different idea about what's best for your skin. I want scientific, fact-based research on skincare. It's so disappointing that even in my local library card catalog, the skincare books are relegated to the 646 shelf, nestled next to the “dating” books, makeup, and other “crafty, DIY” type books.  Why isn’t it considered more of a science or medical subject?

I chose six different books.  Mostly what I learned was that even amongst doctors and professionals in the field, there are differing ideas as to what skin requires.  Some are very hands off, some are product heavy, others focus on mostly on diet, etc, so it was definitely interesting to read them back to back and catch all these differences.  It really makes you wonder if there's a right or wrong way to skincare! The subjects everybody agrees on I’ll accept too, and for the things everyone doesn’t agree on, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, so I take everything I read with a grain of salt!

Ageless beauty the French way : secrets from three generations of French beauty editors / Clémence von Mueffling with Karen Moline.

243 pages

Raised by two beauty editors for French Vogue (her mother and grandmother), Clémence von Mueffling proudly continues their legacy in [this book], a luxurious, entertaining, unparalleled guide to every French beauty secret for all women. In these pages, you'll learn the most effective ways to let your beauty shine through, including the ultimate secret to a glowing, glamorous, natural face. You'll learn that double cleansing your skin is the only way to go, and that there is more to choosing the perfect perfume than you ever imagined. Weaving wisdom from all three generations of her fmily with insiders' tips from top beauty experts, Clémence shares both timeless and age-specific information in three categories--Jeunesse (15-35), Plénitude (35-55), and Maturité (55+)--creating a wonderful guide that any woman can use throughout her life.French beauty rituals from three generations. The art of French beauty at any age -- Le visage. Beautiful skin at any age ; Hydration: improving your daily beauty routine ; Sun protection and travel ; Maintaining your youthful skin-without the doctor (and sometimes with!) ; Beautiful makeup at any age -- Le corps. Three generations of expert advice on body care -- Les cheveux. Beautiful hair at any age -- Life et les bonnes habitudes. The four pillars of French wellness ; Our world of perfume.

This book was definitely product heavy, and every product is pricey.

The little book of skin care : Korean beauty secrets for healthy, glowing skin / Charlotte Cho.

212 pages : color illustrations

As the founder of Soko Glam, a leading Korean beauty and lifestyle website, esthetician and beauty expert Charlotte Cho guides you through the world-renowned Korean ten-step skin-care routine. In Korea, healthy, glowing skin is the ideal form of beauty. It's considered achievable by all, men and women, young and old--and it begins with adopting a skin-first mentality.

Another book that promotes the use of lots of different products!

Transform Your Skin Naturally: Groundbreaking Alternatives to Exfoliation and Other Damaging Antiaging Strategies / by Ben Johnson.

I have to admit, this was the most boring-looking cover, but it was also written by a doctor and I figured it might be more like a text book so maybe I’d get more science reading this one.  I like how whoever designed the cover, just threw a butterfly on top, because it's more feminine? Ben Johnson, MD, is a physician, and the founder/formulator of Osmosis Skincare. Dr. Johnson, a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine, started his career opening one of the first medi-spa chains in the world. This quickly expanded into his exploration of highly effective, alternative strategies to prevent and reverse aging that contradict most of the current methods being practiced today.  His approach is to eliminate inflammation while repairing the skin, illustrating how to increase blood flow and provide proper nourishment. Avoiding harsh exfoliating techniques and other misleading anti-aging programs, this guide demonstrates how these practices can actually do more harm than good. His chapters include: “Back to Basics: How Healthy Skin Functions”, “What's in Your Makeup Bag? A Look at Popular Ingredients in Cosmetics”,  “Healthy Skin from the Inside Out: Nutrition, the Digestive Tract, and Our Skin”, and “Sun and Sun Protection”.  Includes bibliographical references and index.

Skin cleanse : the simple, all-natural program for clear, calm, happy skin / Adina Grigore.

237 pages : illustrations

This was a quick read that was super simple and to the point.  Adina Grigore is the founder of the organic skincare line, SW Basics.  From learning about how diet and lifestyle factors affect the quality of your skin to examining what is in the dozens of products we use every day, Grigore helps you take control over what goes on your skin.  Chapters include, “You are what your great-grandmother ate”, “The beauty industry is ugly”, “Eat like your skin depends on it”, and “Be your own apothecary”. Includes bibliographical references and index.

Plant-powered beauty : the essential guide to using natural ingredients for health, wellness, and personal skincare with 50-plus recipes / Amy Galper and Christina Daigneault ; photography by Cayla Zahoran.

302 pages : color illustrations

Amy Galper, M.A., Dipl. AT, is the Executive Director and Founder of New York Institute of Aromatherapy, and is a pioneer in the field of organic beauty and wellness.  Amy has appeared as a featured speaker at the Indie Beauty Expo, Women in Flavor & Fragrance Conference, and EcoSessions. She has been a guest lecturer at New York University, NSU College of Pharmacy, and is a member of the Visiting Faculty at Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism in New York City, at The School of Aromatic Studies.  Christina Daigneault is a certified aromatherapist from the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, studied at the esteemed Maison Fragonard in Paris, and is the president of Orchard Strategies. Helpful chapters include, “Natural beauty basics: Deconstructing beauty labels”, “How the skin works”, and of course the Beauty recipes: Facial care:cleansers, masks, scrubs, moisturizers, and special treatments -- Haircare: scalp serums, and hair pomade -- Body care: cleansers, scrubs, masks, and moisturizers.   Includes bibliographical references and index.

Clean skin from within : the Spa Doctor's 2-week program to glowing, naturally youthful skin / Dr. Trevor Cates.

208 pages : color illustrations

The “Spa Doctor” sounds a little hoky, but its actually referring to Dr. Trevor Cates time as the former Spa Doctor for the Waldorf Astoria Park City.  Dr. Cates' two steps involve making simple dietary changes and environmental and lifestyle changes. This book includes recipes for both internal ways to improve your health - by way of nourishing recipes like bone broths, antioxidant-rich salads, and quick smoothies - and external means - through DIY recipes for cleansers, toners, scrubs and masks.  Get the clear skin you've always wanted with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. The chapters include “Why I’m Different from Your Dermatologist”, “Your Magic Mirror and Its Clues”, and “Skinflammation and Other Root Causes”. Includes bibliographical references and index.