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Clean

The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less
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( 5,026 ratings, 666 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Clean, James Hamblin explores the science and culture of hygiene, questioning conventional wisdom about soap, handwashing, and cleanliness. He delves into the history of hygiene practices and the global skincare market, revealing how our quest for cleanliness affects health. The book challenges readers to reconsider their hygiene routines in light of scientific findings.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are curious about the science behind personal hygiene and the modern obsession with cleanliness. It delves into the history, industry, and health implications of our daily routines, offering insightful perspectives on what clean really means for our bodies and the environment.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Drawing on the latest science, he introduces a new way to think about cleanliness - one that is cheaper, simpler and better for our skin, our immunity and the world in which we live.

* With a new afterword by the author *

'Fun, interesting and credible' New York Times

'Persuasive...

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A witty scientific investigation that reveals how excessive soap and washing harm our health, now with a new afterword.

SOAP SAVES LIVES. But did you know that excessive use of soap and skin-care products is harming our health and the environment? Apart from in hand-washing, there is no need to use soap on our bodies at all.

Doctor and preventative medicine expert James Hamblin gave up showering five years ago and only ever uses soap on his hands. In Clean, he takes us on an irreverent and entertaining journey through our complex relationship with our bodies and cleanliness. Drawing on the latest science, he introduces a new way to think about cleanlinessβ€”one that is cheaper, simpler and better for our skin, our immunity, and the world in which we live.

With a new afterword by the author

'Fun, interesting and credible' New York Times

'Persuasive... Clean made me chuckle and then left me thoughtful' Daily Telegraph

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

James Hamblin's Clean is celebrated for its humour and persuasive exploration of our skin's complex role in health and hygiene. The book challenges conventional views about skin as a mere barrier, offering readers both amusement and insight. It is praised for its accessibility and engaging narrative, making complex science enjoyable and enlightening. Respected outlets and authors highlight its entertaining yet credible approach, marking it as an essential read that transforms understanding of our body's largest organ.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784709709

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 217g

Pages: 304

About the Author

James Hamblin is a doctor and holds a masters in Preventive Medicine from Yale University. He is a staff writer at The Atlantic, a lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health and a specialist in preventive medicine. He is the author of If Our Bodies Could Talk and hosted a video series of the same name. His Twitter account is @jameshamblin. He only uses soap on his hands.

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