Cosmetic Dermatology Principles and Practice. By Leslie Baumann. 266 pp, illustrated. New York, McGraw Hill Medical, 2002. $149.00. ISBN 0-07-136281-9

The author of this book is affiliated with the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology at the University of Miami in Florida. When one reads the preface of Cosmetic Dermatology Principles and Practice, the author’s motivations for writing the text become clear, and they are, indeed, admirable. Disillusioned by the dearth of well-done published data in the realm of cosmetic dermatology, she has attempted to compile in textbook fashion all the available information on various cosmetic products, procedures, and problems. Among the multiple reasons published data and research are lacking in this field is that cosmetics are not classified as drugs and are therefore not subject to Food and Drug Administration testing and approval. The result is a minimal amount of good evidence-based data on the effectiveness and safety of products that make up a multi-billion dollar industry. Up to now, much of the information with which physicians and aestheticians have to work is provided by industry sales representatives.

With this definitive textbook, Baumann attempts to bridge the gaps and foster productive working relationships among physicians, cosmetic chemists, and aestheticians—all of whom would find this book useful. She envisions developing this field of medicine by encouraging sound scientific research, data collection, and publications, and she has done an excellent job of sifting through the available knowledge and presenting it in an organized fashion. Because the book is written for an audience of cosmetic dermatologists, it lacks relevance for most busy family physicians. Even so, however, select chapters do serve as an excellent resource for common dermatologic problems seen by family physicians, such as acne and hair loss.

Cosmetic Dermatology is well written. It is easy to read, does not bog down in lengthy sentences and explanations, and is a practical guide for its target audience. The book has many excellent photographs and well-drawn illustrations. It is organized in a logical manner, which is evident from the Table of Contents. Part 1 addresses the basic concepts of skin science and contains such chapters as photoaging, cigarettes and aging skin, dry skin, and hair science and hair loss. Part 2 addresses skin disease and contains chapters on acne and pigment disorders. Both part 1 and 2 have several chapters that would be useful to a family physician. Part 3, on cosmetic science, delves into the chemical basis behind how many products work. Part 4 addresses cosmetic dermatologic procedures such as Botox, collagen injections, chemical peels, and laser hair removal—probably not procedures done in most family physicians’ offices. Part 5 takes a broader look at cosmetic dermatology and addresses some of the issues of drugs versus cosmetics in more depth. There is also a fascinating chapter on the psychosocial aspects of cosmetic dermatology written by Edmund Weisberg, Baumann’s managing editor.

In summary, Cosmetic Dermatology Principles and Practice does achieve what Dr. Baumann had hoped. Targeted at cosmetic dermatologists, it is a well-organized, practical guide to a previously nebulous field of medical knowledge that was largely driven by sales representatives. Her hope to apply a scientific method to this field of medicine is a goal to be commended. Because of the intended audience, this book is not applicable to the practice of most family physicians.