by Kristen Ma
Trumpeter Books, $16.95, 232 pages
What is beauty? Is it obtained synthetically through fake hair, nails, eyelashes, and tanned skin? Or is it a focus on glowing skin, shiny hair, bright eyes, and a strong body? Let Kristen Ma help you define your notion of healthy beauty in her book Beauty Pure and Simple. Ma’s goal is to combine the latest scientific research on skin biology with elements of the ancient science of Ayurveda, an Indian system of wellness. The result is a guidebook with an all natural approach to skincare and beauty. Readers will find the chapter on the basics of Eastern Medicine (and Ayurveda) to be fascinating. Take a test to determine your true skin type according to Ayurvedic principles.
Ma takes a practical, realistic approach to skincare problems and her recommendations are presented in a conversational, reader-friendly way. Ma explains how to repair existing skin damage and the best ways to treat ailments like acne, sensitivity, rosacea, eczema, hyper pigmentation, and signs of aging. What makes Ma’s approach different? Her system is built on a foundation emphasizing patient empowerment and involves methods of both self care and lifestyle. Incorporating Ayurveda’s framework allows people to spiritually connect with the pursuit of a healthy body and individually customizes a health system.
Kathryn Franklin