The Skincare Bible by Anjali Mahto

“I now feel safe in the knowledge that I'm armed with the latest science-backed information about how to care for my skin.“ 
– Chloe Brotheridge, author of 'The Anxiety Solution'

Radiant, plump, and free of clogged pores and acne skin is a dream of anyone. It adds confidence and makes feel good in your own body.

Skincare can be a complicated issue to deal with. With the rise of social media, there is a plethora of information and beauty hacks that often give conflicting information. More and more people are relying on the Internet as their primary source of information. By taking advice from beauty gurus and influencers we can waste a lot of time, money and effort on products that won’t work for our skin.

To address this issue and provide skincare knowledge from both a medical and beauty point of view, Dr. Anjali Mahto has written a book ‘The Skincare Bible’ – a book which provides quality information grounded in science and is founded on the author’s experience as a consultant dermatologist.

Throughout her career, she has successfully treated numerous patients and has developed a deep understanding of these skin conditions. Anjali’s personal experience with acne during her youth motivated her to pursue a career in dermatology. She is passionate about promoting skin positivity and serves as a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.

‘The Skincare Bible’ is a comprehensive and accessible guide to achieving great skin. Authored by a practising medical dermatologist, Dr. Anjali Mahto, the book offers practical advice and addresses a wide range of topics related to skincare. It covers everything from establishing an ideal daily routine for different skin types to addressing specific concerns like acne, rosacea, dark spots, and under-eye circles.

The book starts with an explanation of how our skin is built and how it works. Then the author rises the topic of skincare routine and explains what steps should it consist of depending on one’s skin type.

Dr. Mahto also dives deep into the skin issues like acne and post-menstrual skin. She gives a deep understanding of the causes and ways of treatment of different skin problems. The book also includes an FAQ section that answers all the most common questions about acne.

The book goes beyond product recommendations and instead focuses on educating readers about ingredients and their suitability for different skin types.

What sets ‘The Skincare Bible’ apart is its commitment to providing reliable information grounded in scientific principles. Dr. Mahto emphasises the importance of moderation, self-care, and embracing one’s natural appearance while acknowledging that good skin health can have significant social and psychological impacts.

Unlike books with hidden marketing agendas, ‘The Skincare Bible’ is free from endorsements and sponsorships. Dr. Mahto genuinely cares about her readers’ well-being and offers unbiased recommendations. She advocates for specific ingredients rather than specific brands and encourages individuals to consult dermatologists for serious skin concerns.

• Introduction

Many of us see different methods of skin cleansing, some use foams, gels, enzyme powder, etc. It is vital to remember that cleansing should be never confused with makeup removal.

This is when the concept of double cleansing comes into play. Double cleansing involves using two different cleansers to thoroughly clean the skin and remove makeup, SPF, and other skincare products. For example, you use micellar water to remove makeup and then gentle foam to cleanse the skin.

By using this method, you make sure that all the makeup and dirt won’t be clogged in your pores which may cause breakouts. Double cleansing can be beneficial for removing heavy makeup and preparing the skin for other treatments.

While there is limited scientific evidence proving long-term benefits for the skin, using face masks can be a positive self-care practice that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

When incorporating masks into your skincare routine, focus on the ingredients rather than brand names. Different masks cater to specific skin types, such as clay and charcoal masks for oily skin, hyaluronic acid masks for dry or dehydrated skin, and vitamin C masks for lacklustre skin.

It’s important to choose masks that don’t cause redness, irritation, peeling, or sensitivity. While the benefits may be temporary, indulging in pampering sessions can be enjoyable and beneficial for overall well-being.

‘The Skincare Bible’ is rich in skincare info gems. For instance, the author gives recommendations on how to get rid of a huge pimple before a special occasion like a wedding or prom.

Dermatologists have a treatment for acne cysts that involves injecting a small amount of steroid or cortisone. While it may feel uncomfortable, this treatment can significantly reduce the size of the cyst within 48 hours.

However, it’s important to have this procedure done by an experienced dermatologist to minimize the risk of complications like indented scars, pigmentation changes, and prominent blood vessels. This treatment is effective as a quick fix before important events, but if you have recurring acne, it’s advisable to seek a longer-term approach. If you’re concerned about your skin, consult a dermatologist well in advance of any significant event to allow enough time for treatment.

Strengths

Weaknesses

”One of the main functions of skin is to act as a barrier to the outside world. The skin’s barrier function can easily be disrupted or damaged by noxious chemicals such as pollutants in the environment, cumulative sun damage or even products that are deliberately applied to the skin for their anti-ageing effects, such as retinoids.” 

”Fundamentally, all acne is hormonal, but in adult women it has often been reported – anecdotally – that it occurs more commonly on the lower half of the face, jawline, chin and neck. Actually, this is something I have noted from personal experience in my clinics; however, the scientific evidence is inconclusive on this point as we haven’t yet determined the precise causes of such distribution.” 

”Retinoid and hydroquinone creams and gels are commonly used to fade marks. This can take up to three months before any benefit is noticed. Prescription tretinoin is the gold standard and has a wealth of scientific support for its effectiveness. There are, nevertheless, useful over-the-counter products to try, which include The Ordinary Retinol 1% and Retriderm Max Vitamin A Ultra 1.0% Retinol Skin Serum.”

Where to buy

You may purchase ‘The Skincare Bible’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in Kindle and paperback versions, so you are free to choose the format that suits you best.

---