A review by ardavis414
Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less by James Hamblin
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Anyone who is my friend knows that, starting about six years ago, I transitioned from taking daily showers to showering twice a week. I mostly cut down on my number of showers because I hate being wet, but over time I noticed that my chronic eczema wasn't flaring up anymore and my skin was less flaky and itchy during the winter. Before reading Clean I had already done some independent research on the skin's microbiome, the concept of hygienic vs. sterile, and the impact of daily showers on our skin. I realized that it supported my current hygiene routine and my belief that less is more when it comes to my skin.
I'm high-key nerdy so, of course, I also enjoyed learning about the origin stories of today's international soap corporations (and soap operas!) and how capitalism and marketing shaped how society understood cleanliness and proper hygiene. As you read, you'll realize that a lot of what Hamblin discusses is just common sense: wash your hands often, spend time in nature, and maintain a simple skin care routine. Though this book was written before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamblin's advice in the epilogue hasn't changed much: keep washing your hands, mask when appropriate, and isolate when necessary. Not only is he a former medical doctor, but he also includes the perspectives of people from both sides of the skin care/hygiene spectrum in the book. It's a worthwhile read.
I'm high-key nerdy so, of course, I also enjoyed learning about the origin stories of today's international soap corporations (and soap operas!) and how capitalism and marketing shaped how society understood cleanliness and proper hygiene. As you read, you'll realize that a lot of what Hamblin discusses is just common sense: wash your hands often, spend time in nature, and maintain a simple skin care routine. Though this book was written before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamblin's advice in the epilogue hasn't changed much: keep washing your hands, mask when appropriate, and isolate when necessary. Not only is he a former medical doctor, but he also includes the perspectives of people from both sides of the skin care/hygiene spectrum in the book. It's a worthwhile read.