Description

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In this surprising and remarkably practical book, Dr. Skotnicki reveals the harmful effects of modern skincare habits and provides a step-by-step guide to preserve the microbiome, fight aging and develop beautiful, problem-free skin.

Women, men and children are having more skin problems today than ever before. Sensitive skin prevalence has skyrocketed, and the number of people reacting to cosmetics is climbing. Why? Dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki argues that the cause is a key element of our contemporary lifestyle: the grooming and beauty habits that the advertising and personal-care product industries have encouraged us to pursue. Those miraculous cleansers, creams and balms we're buying to protect our outer layer may actually end up harming the body's largest organ.
     In Beyond Soap, Dr. Skotnicki argues that the best state for normal skin is the natural state—the one that avoids disturbing the skin's protective barrier and the bacteria that accompanied the body throughout its evolution. A combination of diagnosis and prescription, Dr. Skotnicki explains the problem with society's current cleansing and beauty habits, then provides a practical guide on how to fix things with a 3-step product-elimination diet that will help you remove unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients from your beauty and skincare regime, returning the skin to the condition nature intended. Beyond Soap also includes indispensable advice on how to wash and care for the skin of adults, babies and children, followed by a common-sense beauty regimen intended to stave off aging, reduce skin problems and return the face and body to its natural glow.

About the Author

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DR. SANDY SKOTNICKI is the founder of Toronto's Bay Dermatology Centre and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, divisions of Dermatology and Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Toronto. She is a consultant dermatologist at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital. A well-known expert on skin allergy, Dr. Skotnicki has been quoted in Flare, Elle Canada, Chatelaine, and The Globe and Mail. Her television and radio appearances include ET Canada, CTV, CityTV, Global News, CBC Radio, The National and CBC national news.

Christopher Shulgan is a bestselling, award-winning writer who specializes in collaborating with fascinating people. He lives in Toronto.

Praise For…

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“Be hyper-aware of product ingredient lists and skeptical of the beauty industry. Dr. Skotnicki’s advice rings true to me! Beyond Soap is fabulous and important—read it and share.” GILLIAN DEACON, bestselling author of There’s Lead in Your Lipstick and host of CBC Radio Hear and Now
 
“Sandy Skotnicki’s masterpiece breathes oxygen into scientific concepts challenging assumptions and bringing characters to life in a fast-paced narrative explaining the dermato-social epidemic tipping point that has occurred surrounding the global issue of contact allergy. Dr. Skotnicki addresses the consequences, offering sage advice geared at simplicity and allowing nature to do the restoring.” DR. SHARON JACOB, Founder and CEO, Dermatitis Academy and President, American Contact Dermatitis Society
 
“If you’re like me, you have a collection of soaps, shampoos, creams and cosmetics all claiming to keep your skin clean, soft and young-looking. But, after reading Dr. Skotnicki’s fascinating exploration of the chemicals contained in these products and what they do to your skin and microbe, you may wish you saved your money. Skotnicki’s common sense approach to skin health is refreshing and her advice for healthy skin is easy to understand and adopt.” JASON TETRO, author of The Germ Code and The Germ Files
 
“Although cleanliness may be claimed by some to be next to Godliness, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki thoroughly debunks this idea, and explains all the damage we do to our skin, and especially our skin microbes. We (and our skin microbes) did not evolve with regular bathing and all the beauty products we now use. This easy-to-read book provides compelling arguments that this really isn’t good for our skin, and suggests what we can do about it.” DR. B. BRETT FINLAY, co-author of Let Them Eat Dirt
 
“Our skin is one of our most vital organs, yet few books have highlighted with such clarity the impact of so called skincare regimes on its health. Dr. Skotnicki has created a compelling narrative that illuminates our understanding of our skin, and provides evidence-based alternatives to skin care.” PROFESSOR JACK A. GILBERT, University of Chicago and author of Dirt Is Good

“Intuitive, and science-backed.” —Toronto Storeys

“Gives readers a clear plan — complete with product recommendations — on how to deal with sensitive skin.” —Chatelaine