Howard Murad's Blog, page 4
August 2, 2017
Retinol Reinvented
We’re doubling down on Retinol: the star ingredient in our two most highly anticipated launches this summer: Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum and Night Cream.
Retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-aging products, and for good reason. It dramatically improves all key signs of aging, minimizing the look of wrinkles and crow’s feet while lifting and firming skin. But the benefits go beyond anti-aging: it visibly brightens dark circles, reduces dullness and even helps to fight acne!
What is Retinol?
“Retinoid” is the overarching term for all forms of Vitamin A. And no matter what kind of Vitamin A it is, Retinoids break down to retinoic acid in the skin. Think of it like candy – there are all different kinds of candy, but they all turn into to sugar in the body.
Since they work from the bottom up, Retinoids aren’t your typical exfoliants. Instead of sloughing away the buildup on your skin’s surface (like some of our other beloved scrubs and chemical peels), Retinol increases cell production within the stratum basale layer, which in turn stimulates the cell turnover cycle on the upper layers. As a result, it renews our skin and keeps impurities at bay.
Going Beyond Traditional Retinol
We’ve transformed the incredible science of Retinol into an art with our proprietary Tri-Active Technology. What makes our formula different is that we don’t rely on one single concentration of Retinol. Instead, our Retinol Tri-Active Technology is a blend of 3 advanced Retinols designed to maximize results with minimized side effects.
So, how does it work? Without getting too scientific, Retinoids have to morph into the correct shape in order to fit into your skin’s receptors. By varying the shape of our retinoids, we can create consistent flow of Retinol in doses that are gentler on the skin.
Our Tri-Active Retinol Technology is one of the formulas we’ve been most proud of, because our “Retinol at Any Age” motto is so much more than just a tag line. No matter what changes are happening to your skin, there’s going to be a significant benefit for your complexion.
Retinol Tri-Active Technology Explained
As mentioned, staggering Retinoid sizes can help the skin control how much Retinol it gets and when. This is because it takes time for Retinoids to break down into a shape useable for the skin’s receptors.
Take for instance Retinyl Propionate– this form has a lipid tail. And before it can fit into the receptor,it needs to have its lipid tail cleaved off by an enzyme. Since it takes time for the skin to break down and drop that lipid tail, this specific type has a delayed delivery.
Working alongside this time-released component is a fast-acting retinol that is tail-free and immediately bioavailable on the skin. Since it is gentler than many other forms of Vitamin A, this is an important feature for people who have experienced sensitivities from harsher formulas.
Tying both of these Retinols together is the Retinol Booster, which essentially opens a pathway for the retinoid and retinol to get to where they need to be.
Product Application
Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
For use day or night.
Dispense a small amount onto ring finger and pat gently with the opposite ring finger to evenly distribute product.
Pat along orbital bone.
Massage in a circular motion.
Gently pat around eye area.
Follow with Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream.
Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
For use every night.
Thoroughly cleanse skin and pat dry.
Apply Retinol Youth Renewal Serum or recommended treatment product.
Apply Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum or recommended eye treatment product.
Press to dispense a precise amount of Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream.
Massage evenly to face, neck and chest, using sweeping upward movements.
Shop this story
Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
$82.00
Shop Now
Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
$85.00
Shop Now
The post Retinol Reinvented appeared first on Murad Blog.
August 1, 2017
What is Cellular Hydration?
A number of years ago I discovered that the secret to vibrant health lies in maintaining strong cells that can retain water. Since then, The Science of Cellular Hydration has become a key to everything we do at Murad, from our skincare products to our Inclusive Health medical and spa treatments.
So what, exactly, is the Science of Cellular Hydration?
As we age, our cells lose water. When we are babies, approximately 75% of our body is water. By the time we reach middle age, our body’s water content can be as low as 50%. The good news is that there is a way to strengthen our cells – even as we age – by incorporating The Science of Cellular Hydration into our daily lives.
The Science of Cellular Hydration looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water within a cell as the fundamental marker of youthful good health. Because skin can only be beautiful if it is healthy at the cellular level, water-rich nutrition, dietary supplements and topical skin care products that we use on a daily basis can go a long way toward optimizing cell health.
Here are some very basic rules of thumb for helping to keep your cells youthful and well-hydrated:
Consume Cellular Water Boosters.
Eating a balanced, water-rich diet is an easy way to create a nutrient rich environment within the body so that the building blocks we need to create strong cells are readily available. Following my recommended Pitcher of Health guidelines, for example, is one easy way to help develop strong new cells. When we eat this way, the body is flooded internally with micronutrients to create the ideal environment for the production of healthy cells.
Soothe Your Cells.
Topical skin care products with powerful hydrating ingredients can also support and enhance the skin’s barrier function to protect cells from environmental damage and dehydration while encouraging healthy cell turnover so that surface layers have a higher population of stronger younger cells. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, both topical and internal, decrease the frequency and severity of free radical assaults.
Make Time for Yourself.
From working with thousands of patients, we have also found that reducing stress can be a significant factor in hydrating and strengthening cells. People who never switch off, are constantly on the go, and never making time for themselves, tend to suffer from cellular dehydration. By taking at least a little time each day to relax and do something you enjoy, you can benefit every cell in your body.
If you follow simple lifestyle steps to build the healthiest cells possible that can hold and attract water and nutrients, you can fight aging and disease, and experience a host of health, beauty and lifestyle benefits at the same time.
Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world-renowned skincare expert and founder of the Connected Beauty movement.
The post What is Cellular Hydration? appeared first on Murad Blog.
The Science of Cellular Hydration Explained
A number of years ago I discovered that the secret to vibrant health lies in maintaining strong cells that can retain water. Since then, The Science of Cellular Hydration has become a key to everything we do at Murad, from our skincare products to our Inclusive Health medical and spa treatments.
So what, exactly, is the Science of Cellular Hydration?
As we age, our cells lose water. When we are babies, approximately 75% of our body is water. By the time we reach middle age, our body’s water content can be as low as 50%. The good news is that there is a way to strengthen our cells – even as we age – by incorporating The Science of Cellular Hydration into our daily lives.
The Science of Cellular Hydration looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water within a cell as the fundamental marker of youthful good health. Because skin can only be beautiful if it is healthy at the cellular level, water-rich nutrition, dietary supplements and topical skin care products that we use on a daily basis can go a long way toward optimizing cell health.
Here are some very basic rules of thumb for helping to keep your cells youthful and well-hydrated:
Consume Cellular Water Boosters.
Eating a balanced, water-rich diet is an easy way to create a nutrient rich environment within the body so that the building blocks we need to create strong cells are readily available. Following my recommended Pitcher of Health guidelines, for example, is one easy way to help develop strong new cells. When we eat this way, the body is flooded internally with micronutrients to create the ideal environment for the production of healthy cells.
Soothe Your Cells.
Topical skin care products with powerful hydrating ingredients can also support and enhance the skin’s barrier function to protect cells from environmental damage and dehydration while encouraging healthy cell turnover so that surface layers have a higher population of stronger younger cells. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, both topical and internal, decrease the frequency and severity of free radical assaults.
Make Time for Yourself.
From working with thousands of patients, we have also found that reducing stress can be a significant factor in hydrating and strengthening cells. People who never switch off, are constantly on the go, and never making time for themselves, tend to suffer from cellular dehydration. By taking at least a little time each day to relax and do something you enjoy, you can benefit every cell in your body.
If you follow simple lifestyle steps to build the healthiest cells possible that can hold and attract water and nutrients, you can fight aging and disease, and experience a host of health, beauty and lifestyle benefits at the same time.
Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world-renowned skincare expert and founder of the Connected Beauty movement.
The post The Science of Cellular Hydration Explained appeared first on Murad Blog.
July 7, 2017
Sunburn SOS: What to Do if You’ve Gotten Burned
With the temperatures rising and the outdoors calling, enjoying life under the sun is synonymous with the summer season. While nobody hits the beach with the goal of getting sunburned, it happens to the best of us.
While we can’t pop you in a time machine and go back to the minute before you should have reapplied your SPF, there are a few measures you can take to ease the discomfort and help your skin bounce right back. Here are some tried and true methods to treat your sunburn every step of the way, plus a few of our favorite tips to prevent them in the future.
The moment you notice your skin getting pink:
Seek shade immediately!
Re-apply a high-SPF sunscreen every hour to help minimize the burn.
Apply aloe vera to the affected area to relieve any discomfort.
Drink plenty of water to cool your body temperature.
Put on a hat, sunscreen and more clothing, if possible.
As soon as you get back home:
Take a lukewarm shower to release excess heat from your skin.
Apply a gentle soothing agent, such as Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum, followed by a rich hydrating cream, like Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture.
Take aspirin to relieve discomfort, if needed.
While your sunburn is healing:
Avoid direct sunlight and do not pick at your skin if it starts to peel. This helps protect the healthy skin and prevent discoloration!
Eat water-rich foods high in antioxidants – it’s like internal sunscreen! (Our Pomphenol Sunguard Dietary Supplement also works great if you have trouble sneaking antioxidants into your diet.)
Adjust your fitness routine to focus on exercises that minimize rubbing or discomfort.
Steer clear of products with active ingredients (including Retinol, AHA/BHAs, Vitamin C, Peptides, and Hydroquinone) until your skin recovers.
Less is best when dealing with a burn! Gently cleanse, tone and moisturize with a SPF during the day and generously apply a rich cream at night.
Reapply your hydrating cream often if your skin is drinking it up.
Once your skin has recovered:
If any peeling has occurred, use a higher SPF (such as City Skin Age Defense SPF 50) on those areas, as the new skin will be more delicate.
Reintroduce the products you’ve put on hold, monitoring any unusual reactions.
Set an appointment with your dermatologist for a preventative skin cancer screening if your last visit was over a year ago.
Before your next day in the sun:
Apply the appropriate amount of SPF (1 full shot glass for the body and 1 teaspoon for the face, neck and decollate) at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Reapply your SPF every 2 hours, and more frequently if you burn easily.
Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and scalp.
Treat any discoloration from sun exposure with our best-selling Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum.
Shop Murad Sun Protection
Not sure which sunscreen is right for you? Find the best SPF for your skin type here!
Oil-Control Mattifier
$40.00
Shop Now
City Skin Age Defense
$65.00
Shop Now
Essential-C Day Moisture
$63.00
Shop Now
Perfecting Day Cream
$54.00
Shop Now
Invisiblur Perfecting Shield
$65.00
Shop Now
Age-Balancing Moisture
$72.00
Shop Now
The post Sunburn SOS: What to Do if You’ve Gotten Burned appeared first on Murad Blog.
June 30, 2017
About Face! Your Definitive Face Mask Guide
Boasting powerful ingredients and on-demand results, what’s not to love about a great face mask? These at-home treatments are an effective way to see results between facial appointments, but since everyone’s skin is different, every mask isn’t for everyone.
To guide you on your quest for a picture-perfect complexion, here are some fan-approved masks for every skin concern. Grab one based on your desired results and enjoy a moment of Zen as your skin takes in the benefits of a little pampering. (You deserve it!)
For Noticeably Smaller Pores: Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask
The solution for a shiny t-zone, blackheads, and enlarged or clogged pores can all be found in a miracle mask that’s tough enough to be pink. Using a combination of exfoliating and pore-clearing agents, this clay mask rescues clogged pores and softens the skin after just one use!
Why It Works: Polylactic Acid Polishing Beads gently exfoliate dead skin cells, clearing the way for Volcanic Clay to remove pore-clogging oil and impurities. The mask also delivers a smooth and glowing finish, thanks to a healthy dose of Pomegranate Extract.
Reviews Say: “My pores appeared smaller and smoother while the rest of my face felt soft. I highly recommend this product!” – MsPalazzolo
Shop: Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask, $38.00
For Deep Hydration: Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel
Are unwelcome signs of aging making an appearance on your face? Don’t hide, hydrate! Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel instantly infuses hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines, gently exfoliates and retexturizes skin in just two easy steps. Start by buffing your face in small circles with the provided Retexturizing Swab, then apply the Moisture Infusion Mask for 15-20 minutes. Participants in a Murad-sponsored study experienced a 400% boost in hydration after just one use!
Why It Works: Lactic, Glycolic, Hyaluronic Acids join forces in this unique two-step sheet mask to deliver an impressive dose of hydration, the most important factor for youthful-looking skin.
Reviews Say: “My skin looks healthier and has such a nice glow. Even my makeup looks better. It’s like the new tiny little creases near my mouth and around my eyes have disappeared!!” – Sher1
Shop: Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel, $48.00 for a box of four
For Acne-Prone Skin: Clarifying Mask
If acne breakouts have you constantly reaching for your concealer, our Clarifying Mask deserves a place in your get-gorgeous routine. This weekly treatment for acne-prone skin helps absorb pore clogging dirt and oil while drawing out impurities, both necessary steps for achieving complexion perfection. Try it all over your face or as an acne spot treatment!
Why It Works: This natural clay-based formula uses 4.0% sulfur to calm skin, reduce irritation and minimize breakouts.
Reviews Say: “It really clears up my pores and leaves my skin feeling soft. It dries quickly, and doesn’t burn your face.” – Bon
Shop: Clarifying Mask, $38.00
For an Extra Lift: Age-Diffusing Firming Mask
With age comes wisdom, and sometimes a few wrinkles. Fortunately, the Age-Diffusing Firming Mask is formulated to restore firmness, resilience and elasticity while lifting the skin and softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This mask is also gentle enough to follow with another treatment; we recommend to further enhance your youthful glow.
Why It Works: Shea Butter and Brazilian Fruit Extracts work together to replenish moisture and plump up the skin as Marine Kelp rapidly tightens for a firmer appearance.
Reviews Say: “This pleasant-smelling white cream is ultra-soft to the touch and feels oh-so-luxurious when you apply it to your skin. You can almost feel it smoothing away those nasty wrinkles!” – Rosanne
Shop: Age-Diffusing Firming Mask, $72.00
For a Lasting Matte Finish: InstaMatte Oil Control Mask
Searching for a mask to help with breakouts, large pores, and oily skin? Check all three off your list with InstaMatte, a deep-cleansing mask formulated to transform your complexion in just 3 minutes. (A Murad-sponsored study found that InstaMatte reduces 93% of excess oil in just one use!) Try this busy beauty staple as a weekly treatment or as a powerful cleanser for daily oil-control.
Why It Works: InstaMatte’s formula harnesses the power of Salicylic Acid, an exfoliating BHA that clears oil and debris from deep within the pore. It also contains Grapefruit Extract, a natural astringent with anti-microbial properties used to tone and tighten the appearance of pores.
Reviews Say: “Works really well with mattifying and keeps oil away! Love love love!” – Kelsie
Shop: Insta-Matte Oil Control Mask, $38.00
Do you have any questions about which mask is right for you? Leave it in the comments!
The post About Face! Your Definitive Face Mask Guide appeared first on Murad Blog.
June 22, 2017
slider test
Error Please check Respons Code: 404 Message: Not Found
The post slider test appeared first on Murad Blog.
June 14, 2017
The 20-minute workout that is good for your skin
Our new Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is a great way to help clear blemishes FAST. But it isn’t the only quick way to fight irritants and preserve skin’s healthy balance. Here is a workout routine that you can do in less than 20 minutes, and the best part is that exercise like this helps keep both your body and your skin in shape.
Get moving with a High Intensity Interval Training session to increase blood flow, work up a sweat, and draw toxins out of the body. Alternate between 1 minute of cardio and 1 minute of strength-training for a 16 minute workout that strengthens muscles and maintains caloric burn even after you’re done. Here are 6 moves to get you started.
To start, it’s everyone’s favorite…Burpees!! Only 1 minute – you can do it!
Follow those with a full minute of plank pikes.
Now it’s on to jumpsquats.
You’re doing great! Time to power through the Super(wo)man. Keep those toes up!
Tricep dips. Yowza!
On your feet for some buttkicks. Let’s see that smile!
Congratulations, you’re 1/3 of the way through! Now rinse and repeat.
Once you are done with your workout, be sure to cleanse in order to wash away sweat and oil so skin stays clear. We recommended Clarifying Cleanser or InstaMatte Oil-Control Mask.
SHOP THE STORY
Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
$22.00
Shop Now
Clarifying Cleanser
$30.00
Shop Now
InstaMatte Oil-Control Mask
$38.00
Shop Now
The post The 20-minute workout that is good for your skin appeared first on Murad Blog.
The under 20-minute workout that is good for your body and your skin
Our new Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is a great way to help clear blemishes FAST. But it isn’t the only quick way to fight irritants and preserve skin’s healthy balance. Here is a workout routine that you can do in less than 20 minutes, and the best part is that exercise like this helps keep both your body and your skin in shape.
Get moving with a High Intensity Interval Training session to increase blood flow, work up a sweat, and draw toxins out of the body. Alternate between 1 minute of cardio and 1 minute of strength-training for a 16 minute workout that strengthens muscles and maintains caloric burn even after you’re done. Here are 6 moves to get you started.
To start, it’s everyone’s favorite…Burpees!! Only 1 minute – you can do it!
Follow those with a full minute of plank pikes.
Now it’s on to jumpsquats.
You’re doing great! Time to power through the Super(wo)man. Keep those toes up!
Tricep dips. Yowza!
On your feet for some buttkicks. Let’s see that smile!
Congratulations, you’re 1/3 of the way through! Now rinse and repeat.
Once you are done with your workout, be sure to cleanse in order to wash away sweat and oil so skin stays clear. We recommended Clarifying Cleanser or InstaMatte Oil-Control Mask.
SHOP THE STORY
Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
$22.00
Shop Now
Clarifying Cleanser
$30.00
Shop Now
InstaMatte Oil-Control Mask
$38.00
Shop Now
The post The under 20-minute workout that is good for your body and your skin appeared first on Murad Blog.
May 25, 2017
May 1, 2017
Rediscovering your passions in time for summer
It’s impossible to deny the steadily building air of excitement as summer approaches: days are getting longer, Colleagues and bosses are sneaking out earlier in anticipation of half-day Fridays, and we’re finding ourselves eagerly planning out summer weekends long before they even round the corner on our calendars.
With this long-awaited transition, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our passions, priorities and the way in which we can allocate our free time most effectively to that which brings us the most internal reward.
After all, there is no time like the summer to give ourselves a moment to refocus our energy, and expand beyond the strict and ever-demanding confines of the office and professional responsibility. With this in mind, there are a few ways we can effectively build time into our lives that is dedicated to the pursuit of our passions, those all-important outlets for reducing stress.
1. Write a “Passion List”
Take a moment to truly think about and document the things which bring you the most happiness and mental, emotional or physical reward. What matters most to you, outside of work and daily demands? When was the most fun you’ve had in recent time? What were you doing? If money wasn’t an object, what would you spend your life doing? What do you find yourself wishing you could do more of on a regular basis? Ultimately, identify what it is that you truly love to do.
Using these questions as the framework, put together a list of of things that satisfy your personal passions and happiness. The act of writing these ideas out on paper, helps to solidify their relevance and tangibility, instead of allowing them to constantly get swept away by competing thoughts or stress.
2. Create Space
Once you’ve identified and acknowledged your passion(s), set aside the time to explore those components of your life for 10 to 15 minutes each day and write it into your agenda or calendar. Start small, and remember that if you already spend 20 minutes scrolling through Instagram each morning or over lunch break, you can create space for this.
Whether it’s first thing in the morning, or later at night, make this time as much of a dedicated habit and commitment as work or your other daily responsibilities. Once you get into a groove, continue to add to that time, progressively cultivating that passion and refining your personal process of prioritizing it in your life every day.
3. Prioritize Energy
Energy is our most important currency. While we aren’t always in complete control of the energy which exists around us (in the case of workplace scenarios or public interactions), we do have a say in what energy we prioritize.
Be kind to your mind with the cultivation of a positive environment. Ensure you not only create space for what matters most to you, but also make an effort to surround yourself with likeminded, passionate people who positively impact your life and align with your intentions. Cherish those connections with people who continuously inspire, support and motivate you towards your best self. Do this and you will, without a doubt, internalize that positive energy and momentum to reflect within your own passions this summer, and beyond.
The post Rediscovering your passions in time for summer appeared first on Murad Blog.
