So far so good!

I liked whenever she suggested products they were in a range of price points. So many books like this recommend a “cheaper product” that starts at something like $50.00 this book does recommend a good range from drugstore all the way up to high end, so there are choices for every budget. Or for those of us just wanting to try out a skin care routine before investing big bucks. Often there were recommendations for the lower priced items too which was a nice surprise.

A good book if your current skin care routine doesn’t seem to be working, you are sure to get some ideas from this that will help.

After reading this book, I will never spend another penny on a product or procedure that won’t benefit my particular skin type.

Dr. B. has taken the confusion out of what products I should buy and apply, what procedures I need and what protections and precautions I should take to have the best skin ever.

My skin is dry, non-pigmented, reactive and wrinkled.

I now know exactly what skincare regime I should be following to protect my skin from further wrinkles and to eliminate some of the wrinkles that I have.

I also now have an idea about how to start up with applying Retin-A or retinoyl products to avoid irritation.

Dr. B doesn’t push plastic surgery (and I am thankful for that) but she gives insight into how Botox and fillers can be used effectively to eliminate deep lines and wrinkles.

One of the best two tips she gives is that Thermage can be used to help with puffiness under the eyes and sagging skin AND that facials (which I used to have about once a month) do not benefit the skin in the long run.

She doesn’t “push” any particular products. She gives low price, medium price and high price choices for varous skincare products.

And she gives you a choice of a non-prescription AND a prescription skin care regime for each particular type of skin.

This is a terrific book!

1.) It could be better organized: there is info in the text that the good doctor does not include in the gray boxes of ingredients to try or avoid, but overall Dr. Baumann does a lot to demystify the cosmetics counter.

2.) People who are borderline on any of the four criteria or have “combination” skin will have to do some detective work and read more than one skin type. I found valuable advice in the chapter for Dry, Sensitive, Non-pigmented types, even though I have some mild pigmentation issues, so I will just make sure any products I use do not create additional pigmentation. This is where the gray boxes, however flawed, will be of help when I go to buy new products.

3.) From other reviewers, I’ve learned Dr. Baumann works for some of the cosmetics companies whose products she recommends. A conflict of interest? Yes, but there are always the ingredient lists in the gray boxes that you can use to make informed choices if you don’t want to use her picks. I know I will be because even her mid-priced choices are too rich for my blood.

4.) Dr. Baumann’s pushes retinoids, prescription products, and fancy procedures (like Botox) more than I care for, but some people may be interested in them, so the topics will help interested parties make the best choice for their faces. Baumann also offers nutritional and lifestyle advice for each type as a natural way to stay radiant, which is a plus.

*****Therefore, to get the most out of this book:******

1.) Take your time with the questionnaire and answer carefully to truly find out what type you are.I am using this book for the second time now. The first time, I rushed through the questionaire in about 15 minutes, just guessing on the questions in which Dr, Baumann tells you to do something–like wash your face but don’t apply moisturizer, make-up, or anything else–and THEN answer the question. I assumed my skin was oily, answered as if it was, and severely regretted it for about a month afterwards because I bought a bunch of products recommended for Oily Sensitive types and ended up with a chemical burn all over my face. Not fun!

This time, I am taking my time, doing as Dr. Baumann asks, and THEN answering the questions correctly, and it looks like I am actually going to score as a Dry Sensitive. Surprise, surprise! No wonder I fried my face the first time. I am now looking forward to trying products recommended for my true type.

2.) Read not just the chapter for your type but also chapters for similar types, too.

3.) Photocopy your ingredient list and bring them with you when making purchases. I will this time!

4.) Incorporate some of the nutritional advice and do/buy only what feels right for you. A happy, healthy face is always a beautiful face!

The only caveat is that the recommended products need to be updated. I’m just getting started trying to follow her recommendations, but some of the products I’ve looked up have been discontinued or replaced by another product. While it’s nice to have this quick reference, however, Baumann does include a list of ingredients to use and to avoid per skin type. This can be used to research any products you’re interested in, whether it’s on her recommendation list or not. So, updates or no, I’d rather have the book than not at all.