Beauty from the Inside Out

Bihova, a dermatologist, and Schrader ( No More Wrinkles offer women wide-ranging but cursory beauty advice that runs the gamut from moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, acne treatments, hair dyes and artificial nails to the havoc that pregnancy or drug abuse can wreak on one's looks. The authors recommend specific products by brand name as well as procedures (self-treatment of plantar warts) and appliances (an electric battery device, available with a prescription, which purportedly inhibits perspiration) that may be news to consumers. Bihova and Schrader generally alert readers regarding potentially allergenic and dangerous treatments, but women should exercise caution and skepticism before they sample questionable tips like receiving silicone injections to replace deteriorated subcutaneous tissue or relieving insect bites with a coat of nail polish. And instructions for applying cosmetics are minimally effective sans illustrations. (February)