Skin fitness. Safe and healthy skin care. Hugh Molloy, Garry Egger. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2008 (xii + 137 pp). ISBN 978 1 74175 373 8.

In the introduction to this book, it is the authors’ thesis that the skin problems encountered in the world today are secondary to our way of life and the environmental factors found in the modern world. Unfortunately, this sets the tone of the majority of the content and information in this book. It is too simplistic. Molloy, a retired dermatologist, bases his ideas on his clinical experience rather than evidence-based research.

Skin fitness does try to explain and help in the care of common dermatological conditions. In a straightforward manner, it provides useful tips for common skin care problems, such as dermatitis and acne. There are techniques to guide patients, helping them understand their dermatological conditions and providing insight into the factors that can exacerbate such conditions.

In summary, this is a useful but sometimes too simplistic book, without a great deal of scientific data supporting the hypotheses and information.