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clairestacey's review against another edition
4.0
Strayed a bit from the central theme towards the end but stayed interesting and thought provoking. I need grown men to stop referring to historical figures as “the first influencer” please and thank you
westontori's review against another edition
5.0
If you're looking for a how-to guide filled with all the secrets of skin care, this is not it - it is, however, a precursor to that guide that scientists will write someday, hopefully, soon. This book is a thoroughly researched, all-encompassing look at how we have gotten to where we are in 2020: the history of soap, aggressive marketing, what we know about our skin's microbiome, etc. James does not make any definitive statements - no "this is what we all should be doing!!!" - but instead lays out tons of information and says, we should find out more. And we should. This book is like a very long article that I do think everyone should read, and I hope that scientists can find answers about our skin very soon - all skin types and for all walks of life.
amyv's review against another edition
3.0
Plenty of interesting information but I felt Hamblin tried too hard to be funny or clever, to the point of frequently obscuring his own point or making it unclear what was a joke and what was fact. He also makes a big deal and many mentions of his decision to "stop showering," but without the nuance or purpose that would make the multiple mentions of it make sense. It took me a long time to finish this one.
cseibs's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating, important discussion. I appreciate that there was a solid public health discussion. A little imbalanced in the credence given to anecdotes but I guess anecdotes are what sell popular science books.
ellenpederson's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely an interesting read. At times it felt a little like free advertising for some of the people he had interviewed, but I guess you need to get your case studies and specific examples somehow.
boggremlin's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, really. An enjoyable dive into the world of skincare and how it relates to human health.
Using the frame narrative of "I stopped showering" (It's a little more nuanced than that), Hamblin explores the ways in which people, primarily Americans, care for their skin. In doing so he explores the history of hygiene, public health, and our developing understanding of the skin microbiome. Hamblin has both a medical degree and a master's in public health and is very good at explaining medical literature, scientific research, and what it means for the general public. He does poke fun at the skincare/influencer industry, but in sort of a gentle, fascinated way. If you enjoy The Atlantic, for which Hamblin writes, you will enjoy the longform approach to the topic, which is conducted in a similar fashion as Mary Roach's science writing: the goal is to learn something and then share it. Hopefully with a couple of jokes.
Using the frame narrative of "I stopped showering" (It's a little more nuanced than that), Hamblin explores the ways in which people, primarily Americans, care for their skin. In doing so he explores the history of hygiene, public health, and our developing understanding of the skin microbiome. Hamblin has both a medical degree and a master's in public health and is very good at explaining medical literature, scientific research, and what it means for the general public. He does poke fun at the skincare/influencer industry, but in sort of a gentle, fascinated way. If you enjoy The Atlantic, for which Hamblin writes, you will enjoy the longform approach to the topic, which is conducted in a similar fashion as Mary Roach's science writing: the goal is to learn something and then share it. Hopefully with a couple of jokes.
huycantread's review against another edition
4.0
I’m learning that I like non-fiction with a distinct voice. It’s a like a memoir but instead of trying to fuck meaning into a childhood memory, it’s processing what you’re learning as an adult. Is this called investigative journalism??? Lol
Also, I’ve been saying stop using so many products for years
Also, I’ve been saying stop using so many products for years