Howard Murad's Blog

Transform Your Skin from Within

Transform Your Skin from Within

FACT: You have 19 million skin cells on every square inch of your body. Are you feeding them right to look your best?

Yes, you are what you eat. And, try as you might, it’s impossible to get all your nutrients from food. “Even the 20 to 30% of Americans who make the effort to consistently eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may not be getting the vitamins and minerals they think their healthy eating guarantees,” says Dr. Murad, board-certified Dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare.

Diet isn’t the only factor in skin health. No time for exercise, increased stress levels, even where you live can negatively impact the look and health of your skin (think skin that looks, feels and acts dull, discolored, aged, and damaged).

Understanding this, Doctor Murad developed Internal Skincare®, the philosophy of supporting your skin health from the inside out. He has successfully advised his patients on this principle for over 50 years.

Internal Skincare for External Skin Health

“The years I spent treating skin were my training grounds for establishing an approach to skin health that goes far beyond the surface of the body,” says Dr. Murad. His commitment paid off in results. “I found that those who took advantage of my internal skincare program felt better, slept better, had a remarkable reduction in the severity of common skin disorders, and showed an apparent increase in structural strength and resilience that made it appear firmer, plumper, brighter—more like young skin.”

An essential part of these incredible, non-surgical results were supplements that benefited skin health the inside out. While Doctor Murad’s pioneering Internal Skincare® supplements weren’t available to the public until 1995, he has been prescribing supplements for skincare since 1972—almost 2 decades before founding his eponymous skincare system.

Why Murad Supplements?

Murad is the only skincare company that offers comprehensive, targeted internal AND external products designed specifically for the 4 major skin concerns: anti-aging, dehydration, acne, sun damage. Our supplements are dermatologist developed, specifically for skincare concerns, rather than general well-being. Murad’s skin-benefiting supplements unite with his innovative, award-winning skincare products to create a whole-person regimen. Just like Murad skincare, Murad supplements are intentionally formulated with natural and biosynthesized ingredients for superior efficacy and performance. Uniformity in skincare and supplements is critical, and we choose the best delivery to maximize free radical defense, boost hydration, and stimulate collagen production so skin stays smoother, younger, vibrant, and more radiant.

Ready to Reveal Your One-of-a-Kind Regimen?

Take our quick quiz and get the internal and external skincare kit customized just for you.

 

The post Transform Your Skin from Within appeared first on Murad Blog.

Dr. Murad’s Tips For Sleep Deprived Skin

Dr. Murad’s Tips for Sleep Deprived Skin

You know when you feel sleep deprived – did you know you can look sleep deprived? Beauty sleep is not a cliché. If you’ve been told that you “look tired” there’s a chance that your skin is reflecting the tell-tale signs of a rough night’s sleep.

Without restorative sleep, your skin (and the rest of your body) misses out on essential recovery that keeps you healthy and, most of all, youthfully hydrated. Especially the production of growth hormone (GH), which is essential to refreshing cells, restoring skin elasticity, improving the body’s use of oxygen and even aiding in maintaining a healthy weight.

If you’re tired of looking tired, try these tips I’ve shared with my patients. They set the stage for a better night’s sleep, so you feel and look refreshed upon waking.

Use a humidifier. Skin becomes drier as we age because of a loss of lipids and a weaker skin barrier. Humidifiers put moisture into the air that helps relieve issues like skin dehydration.

Do something that relaxes you. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is in direct competition with sleep-enhancing melatonin. So, if you’re stressed before bed, your sleep will suffer.  What relaxes me might not relax you, so dedicate some time to figuring out what helps you wind down and prep for bed. Try a warm bath, relaxing music, a cup of caffeine-free tea, aromatherapy or meditation. I advise all my patients to disconnect from anything digital. Whatever you do, make it a goal to take 30 minutes before your set bedtime to follow a relaxing routine.

Fortify your body with nutrition. Entering sleep allows your body to repair itself.  Encourage this process by consuming healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants, omegas and amino acids. I like to eat walnuts and/or supplements that contain both omegas and antioxidants.

Do not eat a heavy meal within two hours of going to sleep. Your body, including your digestive system, needs to relax before you go to bed. Keep this in mind and, whenever possible, eat dinner earlier on in the evening.

Try a sleep-enhancing mist. Melatonin is found naturally in the body. It helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm to promote deeper, more restful sleep. Beauty RESTore Sleep Oral Spray combines Melatonin with stress-relieving GABA and L-Theanine to encourage relaxation before bedtime. Just one to two mists an hour before bedtime not only encourages more restful sleep, but also helps improve the restorative abilities of your skin, so you wake looking refreshed and revived.

Beauty RESTore Sleep Oral Spray

$39.00

Shop Now

The post Dr. Murad’s Tips For Sleep Deprived Skin appeared first on Murad Blog.

The Best Gel Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Breaking news you can use: Oily skin types need moisturizer. Yes, it’s true. If you’ve shunned this skincare step because your skin feels greasy just at the thought of moisturizing, then gel moisturizers are your new skincare holy grail.

What is A Gel Moisturizer?

Gel moisturizers are a popular new product that combine the lightweight texture oily skin types love with the hydration benefits of a traditional cream that every skin needs. They absorb faster, feel cleaner, and never leave behind a greasy residue. Many gel moisturizers are water-based and oil free, making them perfect for oily skin types. (Bonus: gel moisturizers also help plump skin for a flawless makeup canvas.)

Why Are Gel Moisturizers Great for Oily Skin?

Gel moisturizers maintain a lightweight, cooling texture while being loaded with essential hydrators even oily skin needs.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?

To start, dry skin is a type of skin. Dehydrated skin is a condition. The difference between the words “type” and “condition” is key. Dry skin is something your born with; a genetically determined factor, similar to your eye color and body structure. Dehydration is a skin condition that develops from of external factors, such as hot showers, sun damage, and/or environmental pollutants, and using the wrong skincare products. Because dehydrated skin is a condition you can develop, it can happen to any skin type, similar to how aging skin can (and will) happen to any skin type.

Another key point: Dry skin is a lack of oil. Dehydrated skin is a lack of water—meaning dehydrated skin can still be oily. When skin feels dehydrated, it can flip oil glands into overdrive to offset the missing water. If you’re looking to hydrate and balance oil production to see less shine, a gel moisturizer is essential.

Here are some ways to tell if your skin is dry, or dehydrated:

Dry Skin

Your skin produces less oil and can look dull as a result

It absorbs heavy or oil-based products quickly

It can be flaky, and looks dry

Dehydrated Skin

You still experience oiliness or breakouts

Skin looks dull, and fine lines and wrinkles are more prominent

Skin can feel a little more sensitive than it ever has before

What is the Best Gel Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Meet the water gel that packs a punch well above its weight class. Oil-free Nutrient-Charged Water Gel contains revolutionary Cumulative Hydration-Release Technology that instantly locks moisture to skin and increases retention for up to 5 days*. It’s the only gel moisturizer with a nutrient-charged blend of 5 peptides, 5 vitamins and 5 minerals that strengthens the skin’s barrier for plump, baby-soft and smooth skin.

Nutrient-Charged Water Gel is inspired by Dr. Murad’s philosophy, Eat Your Water. “Don’t just hydrate, strategically hydrate. Staying sufficiently hydrated isn’t about drinking 8 glasses of water a day. When we eat more water-rich foods, we absorb water more slowly because it is trapped in the nutritional structure of these foods. If eating more nutritious food helps our bodies trap and hold on to water, then applying more nutrient-rich ingredients will help our skin trap and hold onto more water, longer. That’s how the formula for Nutrient-Charged Water Gel was born.”

*Technology tested after 3 weeks of continuous use.

Nutrient-Charged Water Gel

$60.00

The post The Best Gel Moisturizer for Oily Skin appeared first on Murad Blog.

The 5 Ws of Facial Oil

Gone are the days when oil-free products lined our bathroom counters. Instead, our regimens are rounded out with dainty eye-dropper bottles filled with infusions that claim to smooth out lines, relieve dryness, and even clear breakouts. So, are these skin saviors worth their weight in oil? We put them to the test with the 5 Ws.

What: What is a Facial Oil and What Does a Facial Oil Do?

A facial oil harnesses the power of a natural botanical oil or oils for various skincare benefits. It is believed by many cosmetic chemists and skincare practitioners that oils better penetrate the surface layers of the skin than a moisturizer. This is because of their lower molecular weight (think thinness versus thickness).

Most oils are single purposed, meaning they rely on one key vitamin or ingredient to enhance the health of skin. Dermatologist and skincare innovator Dr. Howard Murad has recently created a multi-purpose facial treatment oil for all skin types by combining 6 key vitamins that activate recovery where your skin needs it. This means each drop contains the power to help minimize lines, even tone, boost radiance, boost hydration, shield against environmental damage, and balance skin to control oil production.

Why: Why Do I Need a Facial Oil?

Your skin is made up of natural oils (or what dermatologists would refer to as sebum). Things get complicated when oil gets out of balance. When glands produce too much oil, you’re likely to have oily skin or be prone to breakouts. When it under-produces oil, you’re likely to have dry skin and be more prone to visible wrinkles. (Dry, not dehydrated. There’s a difference, and we’ll explain it soon.)

Oil balance is critical to skin health, and a facial oil can correct the imbalance no matter what side you’re on. Adding ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Vitamin B can help clear out pores and balance the skin, while antioxidants like Vitamin E help restore and defend the skin’s barrier to help prevent moisture loss.

Who: Who Can Use a Facial Oil?

Any skin type and every skin type can and should use a facial oil. Yes, that includes you, breakout-prone skin types and oily skin types. Quick lesson: oily skin can still be dehydrated skin, because dehydration is a lack of water, not oil. Confusing the two could lead to stripping oil from your skin. This throws your oil glands into hyper drive as they will produce more oil to replace what was lost.

Adding a facial oil to any regimen can bring the essential balance skin craves to be healthier and better equipped at fighting off dryness, dehydration, oiliness, and breakouts.

When: When Do I Use a Facial Oil?

You can use it morning, night, or morning and night! Facial oils are all about you in the sense that they can fit anywhere in your regimen. But, if you’re using a facial oil with Vitamin A during the day, always finish your routine with a sunscreen.

Depending on the weight of your facial oil, it should be applied sometime after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. A good rule of thumb is to apply skincare products in order from lightest to heaviest weight. Some facial oils are more full-bodied than serums or essences— if that’s the case for your oil, apply it post-serum. If your facial oil is lightweight or more like a dry oil that absorbs quickly into skin without a residue,

If you’re not sure if your oil is heavy or lightweight, take the easy route and mix it into your moisturizer.

Where: Where Do I use a Facial Oil?

Anywhere from your forehead to your chin, down your neck, and onto your décolleté! A little goes a long way with a quality facial oil, so there’s no need to deprive other areas of your skin if they could benefit from a little extra nourishment.

In the winter, facial oils can become dry skin’s best friend. Try a drop or two on rough elbows or dry knees. Massage a few drops onto the back of your hands before hitting the pillow. Are split ends and frizzies making you frazzled? Rub a few drops between your hands and smooth over hair ends. Facial oils have infinite uses with every drop, so get creative and enjoy the benefits.

1 Drop…

on an eyeshadow brush helps shimmer shadow stay put.

on each cheekbone creates a natural dewy highlight.

2 Drops…

turn a powder blush into a velvety dab-on cream.

take foundation from flat to flattering.

3 Drops or more…

turn your moisturizer into a multi-vitamin powerhouse.

work like a precleanser to dissolve waterproof makeup.

How Much Facial Oil Should I Use for My Skin Type?

Our professionals recommend the following drops by skin type. But, of course, this can be adjusted to work with how your skin looks and feels each day.

Oily Skin: 5 drops

Combination Skin: 6 Drops

Normal Skin: 7 Drops

Dry Skin: 8 Drops

 

 

Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$72.00

The post The 5 Ws of Facial Oil appeared first on Murad Blog.

Workouts to Keep You Moving This Winter

Take the chill off cabin fever with creative workouts you can do anytime, anywhere.

Don’t let snow slow your go when it comes to crushing calories. Indoor winter workouts can help you beat the post-holiday blues and get your fitness goals on target for summer. (Quick tip: Discuss any new diet or exercise program with your physician.)

Rock Climbing

Climbing the walls? Rock climbing may be your calling. It’s an amazing full-body, adrenaline-generating and mentally demanding workout that can burn 500-900 calories per hour. It works the core, back, chest, triceps and grip strength. Nervous? Try out a rock wall course with a trainer or expert.

Indoor Roller Skating

The popularity of Derby Dolls has inspired many rinks to reopen their doors, giving us all a chance to lace up and roll out our frustrations. Keep it up for a whole hour and you could burn up to 500 calories, if not more.

Dancing

Dancing, Zumba and even hula hoop fitness all involve physical and mental activity that integrate movement, emotion and the senses. Boost your endorphins and your courage in a group class, or grab a friend and step it out in a ballroom dancing class.

Barre

If dancing brings on feelings of anxiety, test out your toe point in barre classes. These focused classes demand your full attention, pulling you into the moment and out of the stressors of life. Movements borrow from ballet, yoga and Pilates for a muscle-elongating, strength-building class that does wonders for your core.

Trampolining

If you have to trick yourself into exercising, the trampoline might be your thing. Also known as rebounding, playful exercise like trampolining increases stamina, metabolism, range of motion, balance and heart health. Research has shown that trampoline exercise is 70% more effective than jogging, and with much less negative impact on bones and joints.

Boxing/Kickboxing

There are plenty of at-home cardio boxing and kickboxing workouts that can burn 300-400 calories. But exercise in a social setting supports holistic health, and a trainer can teach self-defense and build confidence while improving balance, strength and muscle size.

Martial Arts

If you’re ready for an intense workout that tones every muscle group and can burn 500 calories in a half-hour session, karate, taekwondo, judo and jujitsu may be your jam. All that hard work and training can lead to catlike reflexes, a rock-hard physique, incredible stamina and increased confidence. It can even lead to improved mental health when the Shaolin moral code is followed, and patience and calm when the Dojo Kun from Shotokan Karate is incorporated.

Yoga

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility. Its emphasis on mindfulness and mind-body-soul connection leads to lower levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression, as well as reduced inflammation and chronic pain. Classes that involve synchronized yoga movements can lead to increased rapport and compassion towards others. Those who practice mindful eating – which involves paying attention to feelings and sensations while consuming food – have even experienced weight loss, decreased binge eating and better control of blood sugar levels.

Meditation/Mindfulness

Probably the easiest and best way to incorporate healthy living into your daily life, even when it’s too cold to go outside, is to practice some form of meditation, also known as mindfulness. You don’t need special clothes or gear, though a good cushion can help with posture. And you don’t need a teacher or a class, though a weekend meditation retreat can be a great introduction.

The post Workouts to Keep You Moving This Winter appeared first on Murad Blog.

5 Causes of (and 5 Ways to Eliminate) Winter Skincare Woes

Wind chill, snow, and ice-covered ponds make us crave fireplaces, heaters, hot showers, and warm wool blankets. Unfortunately, the very things we count on to keep warm in the winter take our skin from healthy and hydrated to itchy, cracked, red, and irritated. Here are the top 5 causes of dry and dehydrated winter skin, and how to fix them – fast.

Winter Dry Skin Trigger #1: Drops in Temperature

When colder fall and winter temperatures roll in, the humidity levels drop. This causes the water in your skin to quickly evaporate.

One way to prevent water loss, especially when you’re out and about in the cold, is to keep commonly exposed areas like the hands, face, and neck covered with protective clothing. Don’t just dress in layers; apply skincare in layers, starting with Hydro-Dynamic® Quenching Essence layered under a super hydrating moisturizer like Nutrient-Charged Water Gel. Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence contains Mexican Blue Agave Leaf Extract helps skin attract and hold onto essential water, relieving dryness and dehydration while smoothing, plumping, and making skin more resilient to winter weather. Follow with Nutrient-Charged Water Gel, our oil-free water gel containing 5 vitamins, 5 minerals and 5 peptides to lock moisture into skin, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and increase retention for up to 5 days.*

Winter Dry Skin Trigger #2: Heaters

Space heaters, car heaters, even heated blankets are a must when the temperature drops. But you might start feeling the sting of itchy, irritated skin with continued use. Heaters, just like drops in temperatures, are like vampires that suck moisture out of your skin.

Dr. Murad recommends “eating your water” to keep your skin hydrated. “Staying sufficiently hydrated for whole body health isn’t about drinking eight glasses of water a day. When we eat more water-rich foods, we absorb water more slowly because it is trapped in the structure of these foods. That slow absorption means that water in food stays in our bodies longer, with a multitude of additional benefits.”

Some of Dr. Murad’s favorite ways to eat your water include:

Cucumbers (96% water)
Cauliflower (92% water)
Spinach (92% water)
Carrots (87% water)

Winter Dry Skin Trigger #3: Hot Showers

We know that NOTHING feels better than a hot shower. But, hot showers and hot baths work a lot like cooler temperatures, stealing moisture from your skin.

Try turning the nozzle down a notch for a warm shower or bath. And, be sure to pat your skin dry with a towel rather than roughly buffing the towel across your body. Follow with a hydrating, antioxidant-rich body moisturizer within two minutes of stepping out of the shower. This window of time helps your moisturizer create an essential barrier against moisture loss. We recommend Firming Peptide Body Treatment, a sophisticated all-over body treatment with Oat and Grape Seed Oil that melts into a lightweight body oil, feeding skin with essential moisture.

Winter Dry Skin Trigger #4: Wool and Synthetic Fabrics

Wool may keep you warm, but it will also make you itchy. Synthetic fabrics (less “breathable” fabrics) like wool, polyester, and nylon can increase skin’s itchiness in the winter. Opt for a breathable fabric, such as cotton. To avoid future winter wardrobe woes, opt for unscented laundry detergents and dye-free fabric softeners.

To undo any fashion faux pas and start fresh, exfoliate skin at least once a week. Exfoliating lifts dead, dulling skin from the surface so hydration-enhancing products like serums and toners can better penetrate to relieve dry skin.

Winter Dry Skin Trigger #5: Hydrating from the Inside Out

Dry skin and itchy skin go hand in hand, and scratching skin only leads to additional redness and irritation. The same can happen to our lips: a loss in moisture leads to frequent lip-licking which, ironically, only dries them out more.

To relieve dry, chapped skin on contact, sweep Soothing Skin and Lip Care over bare lips or even over lipstick for a protective barrier against the cold. Part healing salve, part lip-smoothing moisturizer, the velvety clear formula with just the right amount of gloss helps your pucker recover from winter’s assault.

Looking to take skin hydration a little deeper? Glucosamine as a supplement helps boost natural Hyaluronic Acid and collagen levels, helping to boost cellular hydration in the deeper layers of the skin. Found in Hydro-Glow Dietary Supplements, this is a great way to complement your external skin hydration regimen to maintain optimal cellular hydration* from the inside out.**

*Based on a clinical study of 20 people.

**This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Shop This Story

Hydro-Dynamic® Quenching Essence

$78.00

Shop Now

Firming Peptide Body Treatment

$39.00

Shop Now

Nutrient-Charged Water Gel

$54.00

Shop Now

The post 5 Causes of (and 5 Ways to Eliminate) Winter Skincare Woes appeared first on Murad Blog.

Dr. Murad’s Holiday Detox & Cleansing Regimen

Oh, the holidays – that merry and bright season that makes us forgo our diets, stress out over presents and fill up on seasonal treats. Fortunately, there are simple ways to get back on track, and they come direct to you from Dr. Murad!

Dr.’s Sayings for a Stress Detox

Holidays bring on more stress, whether you realize it or not. During the holidays, it’s just as important to take care of yourself: “Taking care of yourself sets the tone for your life and health,” says Dr. Murad.

Memorizing a simple affirmation can help you remember to breathe deep and stay in the moment. Here are a few of Dr. Murad’s favorites. Pick one to focus on depending on how you’re feeling that day:

“The best is yet to come – you just have to let it enter.”
“Forgive yourself.”
“Be imperfect, live longer.”
“Treat yourself as royalty.”
“Be comfortable with who you are.”
“Give yourself permission to say no.”
“Accommodate, but maintain your power.”
“Find beauty everywhere.”

Get Moving

Whether you’re traveling or having a holiday staycation, make a pact to go on a post-meal walk once a day. If the weather’s just too blustery, try a quick 30-second burst of exercise at the top of every hour: think lunges, jumping jacks or running in place. The trick: Make movement about having fun and it will feel less like exercise. Approach your 30-second bursts of movement as a toddler would!

Want more ideas? Check out our 5 Tips to Stay Fit Over the Holidays.

Layer Your Skincare

Cold weather steals the moisture from your skin, which is why you’re dry and itchy. It’s not enough to just increase your hydration. Gentle exfoliation is a winter essential, as it polishes off the top layers of dead skin so hydrators can reach the healthy layers underneath.

Dr. Murad recommends Rapid Resurfacing Peel at least once a week after cleansing. Featuring Glycolic Acid and brightening Vitamin C, it helps retexturize and enhance radiance without irritation. Follow with super-hydrating Hydro-Dynamic® Moisturizing Duo, our lightweight yet moisture-rich set that features Hydro-Dynamic® Quenching Essence and Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture, to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. 100% of users instantly saw silkier, more supple skin texture.

Steer Clear of Extremes

That belly bloat might make juice cleanses really tempting right now. It’s fine to start a juice cleanse (consult your doctor first), but you can save yourself some cash if you trust in the power of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to de-bloat, reset and rebalance your stomach.

It’s Time to Re-Hydrate

Salty foods, sweet desserts, cocktails and wine are the universal menu for holiday get-togethers. Unfortunately, they all lead to dehydration. And during the winter season when the air is already dry, your body needs more hydration to stay healthy.

“Hydration should be defined by the water you keep, not the water you drink,” says Dr. Murad. Eating your water through water-rich foods can help your cells hold on to more water. In addition to drinking more water, sneak in water-rich pears, blueberries, lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes, the latter of which contain a whopping 93% water!

What’s the best way to stay on track with your New Year’s detox and cleansing goals? Write them down, then schedule some “me” time to review how you did each week. You can also use this time to determine what’s working, what’s not and what you’d like to try next.

Comment below and share your New Year’s intentions.

Shop This Story

 

Rapid Resurfacing Peel

$44.00

Shop Now

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Moisturizing Duo

$135.00

Shop Now

The post Dr. Murad’s Holiday Detox & Cleansing Regimen appeared first on Murad Blog.

Resolve to Eat, Sleep and Treat Yourself Right

It takes 21 days to form a habit — meaning in less than a month, a New Year’s resolution that seemed like an imposition will feel more routine. While there’s nothing wrong with setting big goals for 2018, we encourage you to start small by making simple changes that will make you look and feel younger! Then you’ll be 100% prepared to take on 2018’s big goals. (Hello, half marathon!)

Eat Right

How do you stop coveting sweets and start craving colorful produce? Add at least one fruit or vegetable to every meal and your tastebuds will start to shift. Mix blueberries into oatmeal, add broccoli to your lunch wrap and sneak in an after-dinner sweet with a handful of strawberries.

Remember: start small. When it comes to changing food habits, Dr. Murad recommends making “additions rather than deletions to your lifestyle at the start.”

If you just don’t have time to whip up a nutrient-dense, water-rich meal, try Dr. Murad’s Glowing Goji Berry Smoothie, full of nutrients that keep you glowing and going.

Sleep Right

Tired of being told you look tired? Sleep-deprived skin shows up on your face as dark circles, under-eye bags, dryness and even fine lines and acne breakouts.

Damage done to skin during the day is repaired at night. When you’re at rest, your body goes into detox, repair and recovery mode, cleaning out and recharging from the inside out. That’s why sleep is essential to healthy skin — and a healthy body and mind.

FACT: The face appears 2.5 years younger on people who fall asleep within 1 hour.

If you toss and turn, ingredients like melatonin in Beauty RESTore Sleep Oral Spray can help promote deep, restful sleep. Taken one hour before bedtime, melatonin can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm to promote more deep, restful sleep.

As Dr. Murad says, “Once you establish better bedtime habits to encourage rejuvenating sleep, you won’t want to go back to earlier habits that keep you sleep deprived, moody and chronically stressed out.”

Treat Yourself Right

Quite possibly the easiest resolution to keep! A 10-minute weekly mask is the combines downtime with rejuvenation time. Take our quick quiz to reveal the mask for your skin type.

Start That Skincare Routine and Simplify Your Life

Did you know your skincare routine can actually save you time in the AM? Things like two-in-one cleansing exfoliators and makeup primers with anti-aging benefits simplify your responsibilities without skimping on results.

We recommend AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, which polishes away dullness with three exfoliating agents while cleansing away impurities.

Get makeup on faster and smoother with Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++ to blur imperfections while creating the ultimate invisible makeup base. These multi-action products can shave minutes off your morning prep routine, giving you more time to do things like updating your journal (or, let’s be real, washing the dishes from last night’s dinner).

Invisiblur also helps you keep another resolution we definitely recommend: wearing SPF daily.

Write it Down

Logging your achievements and resolution wins is a great way to stay motivated. Whether big or small, keeping a journal helps you see your progress, and will probably inspire new goals!

Shop This Story

 

Beauty RESTore Sleep Oral Spray

$39.00

Shop Now

Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

$65.00

Shop Now

The post Resolve to Eat, Sleep and Treat Yourself Right appeared first on Murad Blog.

Give Joy, Be Present with Dr. Murad

Dr. Murad sparked the conversation with a few of his own ideas. Keep reading to see how this artist, author, father, husband, Dermatologist and Founder of Murad Skincare cherishes the season’s moments with friends and family.

Question: How do you plan to “Be Present” this holiday?

Dr. Murad: Mostly one-on-one time. The problem with big gatherings is you don’t always have time for everyone. It’s hard to really communicate with multiple people, so it’s great to connect person to person.

Question: What are your “Be Present” tricks?

Dr. Murad: Spending time connecting with one person.

Question: What family tradition do you want to pass down?

Dr. Murad: Taking each of my kids on a one-on-one vacation. It always helped bring us closer.

Question: What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

Dr. Murad: The joyous feeling — everyone is happy. People are giving and more charitable. It’s the time of year when everyone seems to be at their best.

Question: What products do you love to gift?

Dr. Murad: I love giving the gift of Internal Skincare. Right now, I love Hydro-Glow Dietary Supplements. They’re easy to take, based on the science of cellular water, and you see a difference in overall health in just a couple of months.

How will you Give Joy and Be Present this year? Take 5 minutes to write down a few ideas — then share them with us in the comments below!

Hydro-Glow Dietary Supplements

$48.00

The post Give Joy, Be Present with Dr. Murad appeared first on Murad Blog.

Just Add Cheer: Decorating Your Pine Wreath

Are you looking to add a fresh and festive touch to your home? We love the warmth that an ornate wreath can bring to a space, but finding the perfect design to compliment your holiday style is sometimes easier said than done. Fortunately, with a store-bought wreath and a little imagination, you can create a chic custom arrangement to show off your yuletide flair. Follow along with Jen Harmatz as she transforms a basic wreath to a festive statement piece.

ChoosE Your Wreath.

To ensure that your adornment stands the test of time, opt for a wreath that looks as green as possible and snap a few needles to check its freshness. If they feel brittle between your fingers and snap too easily, your wreath will have a harder time supporting your additions and will be more likely to shed needles. It also is important to make sure the size will achieve the right look on your door. Too small of a wreath can get lost in the scheme of things, while a massive wreath can overwhelm your entryway.

MakE it Your Own.

When you get your wreath home, take a look at its shape and structure as you decide exactly what your theme should be.

Get creative! Sometimes I make my own decorations – like getting pine cones and covering them in glitter or panting them. I also enjoy using a variety of different decorations that I find at local craft stores.

Intertwine battery operated LED lights throughout the branches to give your creation a festive glow – I prefer the warm variety over the cool blue lights. Secure the battery pack safely out of sight using some florist wire.

Once you have a theme in mind and the lights in place, lay everything out before attaching anything. That way you can rearrange your design, making changes or additions where needed. If you want help remembering your arrangement, you may want to snap a photo on your phone to refer back to.

Use florist wire to secure your different elements into place. Do your best to get a secure hold while keeping the wire hidden, and use very sharp scissors or cutting pliers to handle the wire. 

Start adding the elements you have chosen, referring to your photo as needed.

Care for Your Creation.

To help your creation last, mist your wreath with water daily and display your wreath away from of direct sunlight and other heat sources. You can expect your fresh trimmings to last indoors for about two weeks and even longer outdoors in cooler climates. We love these tips from Martha Stewart to care for your greenery!

The post Just Add Cheer: Decorating Your Pine Wreath appeared first on Murad Blog.