DermaDoctor SkinStruction Manual: The Smart Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Skin and Looking Good at Any Age

Getting proper advice is the first step in having great skin, but finding truth amongst all the hype is easier said than done. Instead of relying on your favorite cosmetic counter or this week's magazine cover story, try starting with Audrey Kunin's The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual; not only is it a great starting point for separating medical fact from pretty packaging, it covers nearly everything that can ever happen to your skin, from teenage acne to post-menopausal dryness.

Arranged alphabetically by topic, its design makes finding the information you need a breeze--and Kunin's casual, conversational style is enjoyably readable. If you've ever wished you could corner a dermatologist at a dinner party and ask about that odd little rash or bump that just won't go away, you'll love the tone. Along with clear explanations of a range of complaints, she provides an even broader range of possible solutions, including prescriptions to discuss with your doctor and simple over-the-counter remedies. Some are her own formulations; even more are not. Whatever the answer is to your problem, it'll be as practical as possible: None of those 19-step daily skincare routines here.

With her background in non-surgical cosmetic dermatology, she's quite open to treatments (like Botox and steroids) that some prefer to avoid. At the same time, her medical background provides her with a solid research base that allows readers to feel that they're getting accurate answers to questions like, "Is mad cow disease communicable via collagen injections?" or, "What's the minimum SPF to look for in sunscreen?" Whether you're trying to prevent skin cancer, control psoriasis or keep on top of your complexion throughout the coming years, Kunin's detailed advice will help get the job done. Jill Lightner

Amazon.com Exclusive Content

Special Interview with Audrey Kunin, MD
"I believe consulting with a dermatologist should be convenient, informative, and economical--that's why I moved my office online," says Dr. Audrey Kunin, a practicing, board-certified dermatologist, creator of DERMAdoctor Specialist Skin Care, and founder of DERMAdoctor.com®, where her focus has been to inform and educate customers on nonprescription treatments for conditions ranging from crow's feet, stretch marks and cellulite to rosacea, discoloration, bruising, male-specific concerns, and a far broader range of skin issues "rarely spoken of, and even less frequently embraced by cosmetics," she observes. Amazon.com contributor Jill Lightner spoke with Dr. Kunin, who shared some tips on how to discern fact from fiction when it comes to skin care advice, and how to make the most of your visits to the dermatologist. Read our interview.