Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin [Hardcover]

Ellen Marmur (Author), Gina Way (Contributor)

Book Description

Release date: September 22, 2009

The only skincare book you will ever need, Simple Skin Beauty covers everything from acne to wrinkles to skin cancer prevention making it the definitive dermatological guide for women of all ages.

With all the different kinds of skincare products now on the shelves and all the new-fangled cosmetic procedures now available, skincare has become daunting and overwhelming. New York City-based dermatologist, and a busy mother of four herself, Dr. Ellen Marmur knows that most women simply don’t have the time or money to waste on products or procedures that are costly and ineffective. In this user-friendly guide, Dr. Marmur explains how it doesn’t have to be so hard for women to get great skin and it doesn’t have to be so expensive to maintain it. In her conversational but authoritative voice, Dr. Marmur arms readers with the knowledge they need to make safe and smart dermatological decisions for themselves and their families and provides them with the confidence to take charge of their health—at the cosmetics counter, at home, at the doctor’s office, and beyond. In addition to providing readers with the tools to obtain a radiant complexion and help reverse the clock, Dr. Marmur explains how to protect your skin from harmful sun damage and regularly check it for signs of cancer. In refreshingly accessible language, she demystifies the fascinating world of procedures like lasers and fillers and Botox and confounding cosmeceutical ingredients like coffeeberry and niacinamide. With Simple Skin Beauty, readers will learn how to create their own no-nonsense skincare regimen that gets results.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you want great style, you need great skin. If you want great skin, you need this book." -- Stacy London, host of TLC's What Not to Wear

"This book is a public health service for women. It cuts through the advertising hype and gets right to the truth. It is a comprehensive summary of optimal skin care for women. It's written in simple, easy-to-follow language and in an entertaining style." -- Mark Lebwohl, MD, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center

"Protecting your skin is essential to your overall health. Here you will find everything you need to safeguard your skin." -- Valentin Fuster, MD, leader in preventative medicine and education and renowned cardiologist

"A woman's skin is a reflection on her overall well-being. And when it looks good, she feels good. Dr. Marmur equips readers with everything they need to keep their skin safe and beautiful." -- Frank Lipman, MD, author of Spent: End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again

"Ellen is a rare combination of intelligence and beauty, so to have her wisdom captured in the pages of Simple Skin Beauty is akin to discovering a road map to beautiful, healthy skin. Whether looking up something serious, like melanoma, or just some tips on how to make your skin look its best, this is my new reference book and should be yours too." -- Emily Scott, J.Crew, Plum TV

About the Author

Dr. Ellen Marmur is the Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center New York.

A board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in cosmetic laser surgery and skin cancer surgery, Dr. Marmur earned her degree in medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine with distinction in research on melanoma vaccines and the national Alpha Omega Alpha award for highest excellence in medicine. Dr. Marmur is an international speaker and author with numerous publications in academic journals, books and the popular press. She is also Skin Health Editor of Merck Manual's Your Health Now magazine.

She lives in New York with her husband and four children.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books (September 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416586962
• ISBN-13: 978-1416586968
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #773,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Ellen Marmur is the Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center New York.

A board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in cosmetic laser surgery and skin cancer surgery, Dr. Marmur earned her degree in medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine with distinction in research on melanoma vaccines and the national Alpha Omega Alpha award for highest excellence in medicine. Dr. Marmur is an international speaker and author with numerous publications in academic journals, books and the popular press. She is also Skin Health Editor of Merck Manual's Your Health Now magazine.

She lives in New York with her husband and four children.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Skin Beauty September 28, 2009

By Herbert P. Goodheart

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a dermatologist, I often discourage my patients from buying most "self-help" books that are intended for the general public because so many of them are either oversimplified or overly complex. Most offer limited, and, at times, misleading information. Many adopt a self-serving manner, selling products or trying to prove that their point of view is the latest "cure."

Doctor Marmur's book, "Simple Skin Beauty", is a friendly, easy to understand, humorous guide that explains how you can clear up your complexion. It recommends sensible and economical OTC products, takes on and clarifies many confusing subjects such as the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. She cuts through many of the myths of skin care treatment.

Readers will learn which treatments really work and which are wastes of money. She is not trying to sell any miracle potions or cures; rather, she has written a completely objective evaluation of all the legitimate treatment options available.

I can honestly say this is no less than the finest and most objective layperson's book on skin care. It will serve as an invaluable resource for my patients and for me as well. I will have several copies in my waiting room.

Dr. Goodheart is the author of Goodheart's Photoguide of Common Skin Disorders, Diagnosis and Management and Acne For Dummies.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A complete guide to skin care. December 14, 2009

By Isolde Deig Escobar

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Objective and wonderfully honest, Doctor Ellen Marmur clarifies subjects that may induce us to confusion.
Here are some interesting points you will find in her book:
1) The bare essentials: Your facial cleanser (p.59), Your facial moisturizer (p.69), and Sunblock vs. sunscreen (p.79).
2) Can I use my wife's skin care products? (p.89)
3) How do I need to adjust my daily regimen for my dark (African-American) skin? (p.90).
4) How to read a label (p.109).
5) Five shocking facts about skin cancer (p.161)
6) Difference between miracles and marketing (p.276)
7) Conclusion: "... Wanting to look attractive (your personal best) is a healthy aspiration, and this psychology of beauty is powerful, but it has to be personal. The products you select should be what your skin needs (or an indulgence you desire), rather than something you are pushed into purchasing..." (p.354).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything I ever wondered January 15, 2011

By Gloria R. Arroyo

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book answers almost everything I have ever wondered about skin care. Its an easy read, and has very good information . Also includes names of products. This book will save you a lot of $$$ on beauty products.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully clear, concise and informative January 14, 2010

By Barbara

Format:Hardcover

The book title aptly describes what the book is about. Dr. Marmur has written a scholarly book packed with pertinent information. Especially the chapters that break down the meaning of ingredients listed on cosmetic products. She has successfully addressed the myths about skin care and emphasizes those that work.. The book is entertaining and is a delightful read. I intend to follow her recommendations and am confident that my skin will show excellent results.

Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jammed with useful infromations December 25, 2009

By I. Isabel

Format:Hardcover

Dr. Marmur's book is a must read for anyone who cares about their skin, health and beauty. It covers everyday topics from acne and eczema to skin cancers, ingredients to look for in your beauty products,different cosmetic procedures,how nutrients in food can benefit your skin,and most important: a full chapter devoted to sun protection,etc. I like it's q&a and skin truth sections through the books. It answer questions such as: "will drinking water make my skin look better? / does indulging in chocolate cause acne?" It includes a lot of charts, tables that you could use as quick references. I suggest you read from the the first chapter and get your highlighter ready.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous... Ellen Marmur March 2, 2013

By Donna

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

It's great and provided lots of useful info. I plan to use the info in my fashion and image coaching business.Thanks

5.0 out of 5 stars I was Desperate February 7, 2013

By Anon

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is good for people who desperately want good skin, but for whatever reason don't want to go see a dermatologist.

Dr. Ellen Marmur talks like a normal woman who happens to be smart and educated. She is a respected dermatologist and has the experience, both as a doctor and as someone with skin herself.

I didn't know anything about skin except what I found on the internet, in magazines, and from marketing! I always knew this was dangerous and unreliable information, but I just didn't know where to get reliable practical information. It's not like it's lying around in a textbook ... or is it?

So ... yeah ... if you're looking for a textbook on reliable practical information, I would recommend this book. I quote from it (from memory): "by reading this book, you have virtually spent two weeks with me in my practice". I feel that is not an inaccurate description of how I felt after reading the book.

Anyway, after reading this book I applied the principles and got healthier skin, skin that is really optimal in looks and health (unless you have lots of money and can afford more advanced techniques ... and she talks about that).

It's an enjoyable and informative read. It does for skincare what "Woe is I" does for English grammar.

It is targeted towards women because men culturally are not as present in the skincare scene, or so it seems from my perspective, but really the information applies to men, women, and adolescents.