Hi Dr. Sandy, thanks for this amazing book, I loved it! Finally, something that makes sense to me after suffering for almost 4 years with chronic, itchy, scaly eyelids. I love how the products are so accessible and affordable. I love being able to do something proactive to figure out my "dermatitis" instead of medicating it with steroids. I feel like I'm close to an answer to this. Thank-you!

Such an informative and well-written book about how we're damaging the micro-biome of our skin by applying hundreds of ingredients by way of lotions and potions and make-up. How we strip off our natural oils only to spend a fortune on trying to replace them. And how we're giving ourselves dermatitis, eczema, rosacea and acne by irritating our skin from all these ingredients and also by over-washing. There are a couple of quotes that stand out, like," organic and 'natural' is good for food but not for skin care", and "when showering, don't lather up all over, just wash your bits". It was eye-opening to realize that a "fragrance-free" label doesn't mean there's no fragrance, and how tried and true products can change for the worse over the years for the sake of marketing. I especially appreciate her lists of good basic products that are free of common skin irritants. This is a book that everyone should read.

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. Unlike what we may be told in advertisements, a regular cleaning and beauty routine may be doing more harm than good. Skotnicki’s common sense approach to skin health is refreshing and her advice for healthy skin is easy to understand and adopt. This book may very well lead you to undertake an investigation of ingredient lists and perform a different type of cleaning…of your beauty cabinet.

The skinny on skin. In this easy to read book by dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, the question of why skin sensitivities are ever increasing in our society is directly addressed. What may not be obvious to most is that much of the problem is due to the many products we put on our skin (shampoo, soap, perfume, etc) and in our incessant need to wash frequently. Although cleanliness may be claimed by some to be next to Godliness, this book 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 book provides compelling arguments that this really isn't good for our skin, and suggests what we can do about it.

Dr. Skotnicki's expert analysis of the consequences of bathing and grooming practices and their effect on the skin is invaluable resource for those who work with, or have an interest in, the development and history of how we approach skin care.

At last, a deep dive into an area that few dare to handle. This book hits the right balance in tone to provide a resource for clinicians, scientists and the general public. Our skin is one of our most vital organs, yet few books have highlighted with such clarity the impact of so called skin-care regimes on its health. Combining scientific insights from myriad disciplines, Dr Skotnicki has created a compelling narrative that illuminates our understanding of our skin, and provides evidence-based alternatives to skin care.

Sandra Skotnicki, a leading Canadian dermatologist with her finger on the pulse of the global issue of contact sensitization, illustrates her professional and personal experience with the shifts in mainstream norms in skin care and the implications of this trending social behavior. Her book is written in rhetorical strategy: breathing oxygen into scientific concepts, challenging assumptions and bringing characters to life in a fast-paced narrative explaining a dermato-social epidemic tipping point. The scales have been tipped by the beauty industry's aim to satisfy the client demands and the clients need to consume at unprecedented levels. And, what began as seemingly isolated events with a margin of the population being affected by chemical exposures to personal care products has become a common force with massive economic and societal consequences. Skotnicki addresses these consequences, offering sage advice geared at simplicity and allowing nature to restore herself.

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

Intuitive, and science-backed.

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