Skincare Decoded: Revised and Expanded: The Practical Guide to Beautiful Skin

This book is packed with information and yet easy to read. Each chapter is clearly laid out, delves in detail both informative and entertaining (see diagram: skin cells with parachutes!), then reviews what you’ve just read with a summarizing page and a personal take from each of the authors (further emphasizing their point that every individual’s approach to skincare is unique). I enjoyed how all of the lists, pictures, and tables emphasized the key points per section and helped me retain the information. Not only that, the chemists are aware of how the skincare industry markets their products, and help explain what you should look for in ingredients lists or packaging formats, in order to judge actual efficacy vs just marketing. For example, I knew before reading this book that vitamin C is a good addition to my skincare regimen and just looked for “vitamin C serums” when shopping - little did I know that there is a whole host of vitamin C derivatives that have different benefits (and in one case as the authors put it bluntly, “Kinda useless”). Their honest take extends to trends that are in vogue, too - just when I casually remembered a post from social media of someone touting a product or skincare tool, sure enough I found a blurb explaining what it was designed for, followed by guidance and recommendations. Basically, this book makes you want to understand what you’re doing to your face and do better! I found myself grabbing the products in my skincare regimen to compare the ingredient list against the explanations in the chapters to understand what and why things are in there. I was also inspired to improve my moisturizing regimen and be more conscious to adjust it when I’ve been doing the same thing every day - with the days getting hotter and drier, I should probably look to introduce some emollients in my moisturizing step. I can keep going back to this book as a reference when I want to tackle a problem with my skin or try something new to improve my anti-aging regimen.

I love everything about the education strategy in this book. From the pictures detailing how the skin works and what it needs to the humor behind explaining every topic. This book is a masterpiece which anyone interested in understanding a bit more about their skin, skin care world and overall understanding on marketing codes to up-sale you products that have no true benefits or education to your own specific skin needs well this is the book you need to read! As a person who struggled with hormonal/ after pregnancy acne as a young mom I highly recommend this book.

Super helpful for beginner estheticians

I didn't know much about skin care until I read this book! This was a great guide to help target my specific skin care needs! It was easy to read and informative! Now, I have a great skin care routine and can tell a HUGE difference in my skin!!!

I bought this as a gift and the content seems great compared to all the other books I considered buying, but the cover was damaged.

If you want to learn the nitty gritty details of ingredients, skin science, and skin concerns, this is the book for you. This is great for both beginners and experts. This book breaks down types of skincare products and common (and even uncommon) actives into detail along with information on how to to best utilize them. The information is accurate and up to date. I highly recommend it!

This is a must read for anyone interested in skincare, but especially estheticians! I plan to use this as a tool for helping my clients understand what's in their products, and the importance of their ingredients. Nowadays it can be super overwhelming for people to shop for skincare. People don't understand the label, or theres conflicting information out there regarding an ingredient, or product, so this book will act as my partner in debunking false claims, and truly understanding what's in our products and why they are needed! Thank you for writing such an easy read, and quality content! Can't wait to let my Esthetician friends know about this book! :)

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in skincare that works. Walk into any store-even a big box store-and you will find endless serums, primers, thousands of sunscreens, etc. Calling it overwhelming is an understatement. As the authors say, the world of skincare is a hot mess. If you are like me and want stuff that works vs miracle claims and empty promises that come in pretty packaging, then this what you need. For years, I wanted a streamlined skincare line that worked or at least made my skin appear better than it currently is and didn't know where to start. Thanks to this book, now I do. More importantly, I know what I don't need and what doesn't work for my needs. Skincare is expensive. Even drugstore lines have products that cost $20 and upward. Think of this book as an investment: The knowledge in it will ultimately save you time and money. It's worth every penny.