The largest organ in the human body, our skin plays a vital but often overlooked role in our physical health and can have a major impact on our self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Part of the Q&A Health Guides series, this book offers a broad introduction to healthy skin – a topic that can have a tremendous impact on our physical and mental well-being. The book begins with questions covering the structure of skin, its many functions, how it repairs itself after damage, and how it changes as we age. Next, the book explores proper skincare, helping readers separate scientific fact from beauty industry hype. Readers will discover how to protect skin from UV damage, pollution, and other environmental hazards. Acne, rosacea, eczema, and other common dermatological conditions are also covered. The final group of questions examines the potential benefits and risks of a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, from chemical peels to injectable fillers.

Augmenting the main text, a collection of 5 case studies illustrate key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The Common Misconceptions section at the beginning of the volume dispels 5 long-standing and potentially dangerous myths about healthy skin, directing readers to additional information in the text. The glossary defines terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, while the directory of resources curates a list of the most useful books, websites, and other materials. Finally, whether they’re looking for more information about this subject or any other health-related topic, readers can turn to the Guide to Health Literacy section for practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet.