This two-volume set serves as a comprehensive reference work investigating the complex biological, chemical, and physiological mechanisms of human skin. Edited by Lowell A. Goldsmith, the text compiles the expertise of nearly 80 international scientists to provide a rigorous scientific foundation for dermatological research and clinical practice. It utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to bridge the gap between basic laboratory science and clinical application.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational reference for both basic scientists and clinicians in the field of dermatology. Readers frequently note the high density of technical information and the extensive use of specialized imagery to support complex physiological concepts.