The Remarkable Life of the Skin

In Skin, Monty Lyman takes us on a scientific journey around the largest organ in the human body. He first explores the terrain of the physical skin, picking out the facts from the fiction, and giving a fascinating insight into the skin's many vital functions, from sweating to blushing. He takes us on a 'safari', where we meet the many and varied microorganisms and bacteria which inhabit our skin, many of which perform vital health-giving functions and some of which can kill us.

Along the way we learn things which will have the beauty industry scurrying for cover. Does our diet really affect our skin? What makes the skin age and how can we slow the process? Is it possible to prevent hair loss? And Monty explores the intriguing hinterland between the skin and the mind, from the pain and pleasure of touch to the physical effects of stress.

Including case histories taken from Monty's experience around the world - from East Africa to New Zealand and everywhere in between - this brings our most misunderstood organ into the limelight as never before. Fascinating and jaw-dropping popular science for readers of Adventures in Human Being.