text book skin

For all you beauty bibliophiles this is a posting for you. An avid reader myself, I love a look good book that introduces me to new philosophies and puts a spin on my thinking. Two books that I’ve come across that do just that are by leading skin experts. Dr Nicholas Perricone and Dr Howard Murad. Here is a bookworm overview of both:

Forever Young, £17.99 (available from amazon.co.uk) is scripted by Dr Perricone who believes we are no longer at the mercy of our genetic blueprint when it comes to ageing, and introduces us to the emerging science of Nutrigenomics. Sounding something from a sci-fi movie, it’s the study of how specific foods can switch on protective genes and switch off genes that have a negative effect on our health. It’s not a light read, but for those who are interested in taking control of how their skin looks and performs – the books promises glowing, wrinkle free skin at every age, Perricone says, “I will demonstrate how you can actually change the way genes are expressed and how that information is transmitted, simply by manipulating different aspects of your diet and lifestyle.”  Now, that’s a powerful thought.

The Water Secret, £12.99 published by Wiley is from Dr Murad who I’ve written about previously on this blog, and is one of the most advanced dermatologists I’ve come across. Highlighted as the cellular breakthrough to look and feel 10 years younger (and who wouldn’t unless you’re 25?) Murad advocates that the key to good skin from the inside out lies in maintaining strong cells that can retain water the way younger cells do. Furthermore, Murad explains that contrary to popular belief, once out of your dewy early 20’s, you’re not 75 to 80 percent water – ageing has damaged your cells and weakened their ability to retain water, but a half full 50 percent. A sobering thought! Rewriting skin wisdom, Murad reveals that hydration should be defined by the water you keep, not the water your drink. Literally a refreshing read.