Cover of Skin care A to Z

Skin Care A to Z

Carolyn Ash
Splash Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0967024013
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (2/06)

“Skin Care A to Z”is packed with all kinds of useful and pertinent information on the skin. It is set up just like an encyclopedia for the skin with subjects ranging from Accutane to Zinc Oxide. But unlike an encyclopedia, it reads much more personally, just like you’re having a discussion with a friend. We are given all kinds of information on how to care for the skin—what to do and what not to do. We are given guidelines on what to look for in products, not what products to use.

Carolyn Ash wrote “Skin Care A to Z” as a sibling to her earlier book, “Timeless Skin.” She decided there was simply too much information about skin to be included in one book only. Through the pages, Carolyn takes a subject and explains it, and then she shares interactive conversations she has had with clients. She also includes a question and answer format on many topics. Carolyn is quick to point out this is not a book telling of the latest fad or trend in the skin care world.

Carolyn’s goal in writing “Skin Care A to Z” was to give us useful information we might use to help us decide a course of action we may deem necessary for our own skin conditions. Carolyn points out she is an aesthetician (one who gives facials), not a doctor. She shares her belief that it is best to figure out what is causing a skin problem rather than just treating a symptom. She tells us the effects on our skin if we take certain drugs and how they influence our whole body.

Anyone who cares about clear and healthy skin will find the info contained in this book to be relevant and beneficial. The knowledge shared applies to all skin types and colors and to both males and females. All Carolyn’s writings are experience based, either her own or her client’s experiences. A nice feature is the inclusion of a bold faced HOT TIP at the end of several articles. This is a summary of an important point Carolyn wants us to know and remember.

The best thing all of us can do for our skin is get enough sleep, eat right, drink water, avoid sugar, exfoliate and apply sunscreen. To keep our skin clear and healthy, we need to do The Basics 1-2-3 (cleansing, toning, moisturizing) daily, The Extras (exfoliating, using a clay mask) weekly, and if at all possible, receive a facial monthly. Unfortunately, Carolyn feels very strongly that sugar should be avoided, and she includes several case studies to prove her point. Carbonated beverages are also taboo, even sugar free ones.

It’s important to accept aging while not dwelling on things we cannot change. We should be grateful for what we can do and for all we have, but it’s best not to obsess on looks. Live each day to its fullest and experience life’s adventures! Everyone will gain useful information with this book on hand! Personal experiences make it entertaining and enjoyable.

This will make a nice addition to any library!

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