Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 27, 2003
ISBN: 0060088710
Awards:
Format Reviewed: Hardback
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Genre: Nonfiction / Women / Self help
Reviewed: 2003
Reviewer: Sharon Hudson
Reviewer Notes:

Brown Skin
Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair and Nails
By Susan C. Taylor, M.D. 

     Brown Skin is a comprehensive compilation of information concerning the care of hair, nails and skin of people of color. Not just African-American people, but Latinos and others with dark skin. Not a small book, nor easily digested by sitting down to read from cover to cover, Brown Skin is a reference book that is jam-packed with wonderful information. This is a guide that could accompany the Physician's Desk Reference as a book to have concerning preventative treatment and inexpensive and commonsense treatment of common abnormalities.

     Clear and understandable, Brown Skin doesn't require a medical degree to decipher the easy-to-follow steps. Dr. Taylor takes the time to dispel some of the myths associated with skin types and gives reasonable solutions to common problems that affect skin, hair and nails. I like that it is written down, so now I can refer people to a book that is designed to help us and take the guesswork out of maintenance.

     Brown Skin has many question and answer sessions, quizzes, surveys, tables, checklists and other helpful resources to help the reader determine their particular skin type, hair texture or condition. I'm not advocating that this book be used as a substitute for seeing a medical doctor, but as a guideline for understanding. Knowledge is power. Many pictures and sketches are included, so that a visual aid is available to help the reader understand. Tips are provided for that commonsense approach to taking care of the exterior of the body so that we can look good as well as be good to ourselves.

     I most enjoyed reading the case studies of women with various ailments that are interspersed throughout. If you're like me, when you pass a person on the street who has obvious skin deformities, you realize it's impolite to ask what's wrong, but you sure are curious. The case studies explain what has occurred with these people and provides signs to help me watch for symptoms within myself. Dr. Taylor provides preventative maintenance as well as treatment without laying fault or blame. I would recommend this book as a "must have" for every woman of color. This book is conceivably every bit as essential as moisturizer, or that favorite shade of lipstick. Though I'm not normally a reader of self-help books, this kept me turning the pages because it was truly written about me.

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