Beyond Soap

I was diagnosed with psoriasis when I was five.  It was 1985 and at the time psoriasis was a condition that was seen mostly in the elderly, so for a five year old little girl from Texas to have this disease was baffling not only to my family but our family physician and many local dermatologists.  I was passed from specialist to specialist, each marveling at my age and condition.  I hated every second of it.  Having psoriasis changed my life forever and I still struggle daily with its effects.

At the time of my diagnosis the reasoning behind my having the disease was genetics even though neither of my parents or grandparents showed any signs or symptoms.  It wasn't many years later that my dad was diagnosed that I felt somewhat better about my ordeal but I've never felt like this was the whole story.  I am practically allergic to everything under the sun and though I am extremely careful about what I come into contact with, and use on my skin, I have often wondered if the products I've so carefully chosen are aiding in the ever-constant battle that I have with the psoriasis symptoms they are supposedly supposed to help alleviate?  That's what dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki wanted to find out.

In Beyond Soap Dr. Sandy Skotnicki lays it all out for you.  She explains the different types of skin, gives you a brief history lesson about bathing and makeup rituals through the generations, and then goes on to explain why our society is having the skin issues they are having.  A lot of the information are things that you most likely have heard before but it is a good refresher and Dr. Skotnicki's writing style is so fluid that you will breeze right through many parts of the book.

Dr. Sandy Skotnicki has done her research and it shows in every chapter of the book which makes it a wonderful resource for anyone who struggles with skin issues like myself.  The main premise of the book is less is more.  We are living in a society of overindulgence and that includes what we put on our skin.  When you read about the history of skin care Dr. Skotnicki provides it is obvious that we are "too clean" and using way too many products which are doing more harm than good.

I highly recommend Beyond Soap for anyone who has any type of skin ailments.  I have already begun to use some of Dr. Skotnicki's recommendations and I can already tell a difference.  In my opinion it is a must read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.