Super Skin

Its title does this book a great disservice: ``Super Skin'' smacks of a sleazy promise from a skin-care advertisement, while the author actually takes great pains to debunk the ``miracle'' claims glutting the media. Super Skin is a straightforward and complete guide to caring for our largest organ. A dermatologist and professor at New York's Mt. Sinai Hospital, and an author of two other books on the subject, Novick is an empathetic practitioner. Though disapproving of most common skin-care habits (he believes we over-wash, over-moisturize and over-deodorize our bodies), he acknowledges their purpose in strengthening our self-esteem and self-image. Divided into three sections, his book discusses the basics of good skin care, emphasizing what cosmetic regimens can and can't accomplish; the detection and treatment of skin problems ranging from rashes to skin cancer; and a variety of related subjects (sex and skin; geriatric skin care). Novick discusses the value of recent dermatological breakthroughs cautiously. The real draw of the book is his unswerving common sense in covering his subject, literally, from head to toe. (Oct.)