Three Makeup Tips to Look Tan Without the Sun

Most people love the look of sun-kissed skin, especially at this time of year. However, nothing does more damage to your skin—both in the long term and the short term—than UV rays. No matter what skin care products you use, excessive exposure to UV rays, either from the sun or a tanning bed, ultimately cause signs of aging on your skin. These include fine lines, medium-to-deep wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots and sun spots. While you may love that tan look now, you won't love the results later on when you need to remove and fade age spots or sun spots. Still want a healthy glow? Here are three ways get the look of a tan without the damage.

Tip #1: Use a Bronzing Makeup or Primer
The easiest way to give your face a bit of color is to use a makeup or makeup primer with a subtle bronze tint. You don't want to go overboard with makeup or primers that leave you looking orange, but a well-matched color can give you that sun-kissed look without harming your skin. Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 | PA++ is the perfect solution. This makeup primer gives skin a healthy summer glow as it protects, firms and promotes skin health.

Tip #2: Use a Bronzing Powder on Top of Your Makeup
For a subtle look, apply a bronze or golden dusting power on bare skin or on top of your foundation. Again, the key here is not to go overboard. Opt for a mineral-based powder and apply it on the apples of your cheeks, above your brow line and on the tip of your nose, since those are the areas where the sun would naturally affect your skin the most.

Tip #3: Opt for Warm Makeup Colors
When selecting your makeup palette for the summer months, opt for warm tones in brown, gold and chestnut hues. Warmer tones on the eyes, cheeks and lips can give your skin a summer glow even if you're using your usual color of foundation or powder. If your skin tone is on the cooler side, just be careful not to use colors that are too intense.

Remember, there's no such thing as a "healthy tan." But with these tips, you can give your skin a summer glow without the skin damage.

Customer Reviews:
Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 | PA++
Golden, creamy goodness!
"I was apprehensive when I first received this product, as many bronzers make my skin look a little silly, especially as I have so many freckles! This one, however, went on smooth, was not sticky or oily—in fact, I forgot I even had it on! The color was subtle and blended right in. A great product." gracieuk, Kaneohe, HI
Get Yours!

Better than the sun!
"I’ve been using this for a week, and I love it! It’s easy to apply, spreads smoothly and looks natural on me. It doesn’t have that fake tan (orange) appearance. I would definitely recommend this to my friends." Magana, Fort Worth, TX
Get Yours!

Via: Three Makeup Tips to Look Tan Without the Sun

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How Does a Sun Spot Form?

Summer is here and that means that we'll all be spending more time outdoors. However, with more time in the sun comes more skin damage. While sun exposure can damage the skin in a variety of ways, many people overlook the development of age spots and sun spots. Because this type of sun damage tends to appear later in life, it's easy to forget. That's why it's important to keep in mind that the UV exposure you get now can cause age and sun spots years from now.

What Is a Sun Spot?
A sun spot is an area of hyper-pigmented skin that appears over time. Usually these areas are dark brown, but they may also be light brown or even black. More like freckles than moles, sun spots don't rise above your skin or change the texture of your skin. Sun spots are most common on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands (all areas where you may tend to get unprotected exposure to UV rays).

How Does a Sun Spot Form?
Sun spots (more commonly called age spots) occur as the result of a breakdown in melanin pigment. Melanin pigment is the skin's natural pigment that helps defend against damaging UV rays. In the epidermis, the cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without proper sun protection results in damage to the melanocytes; when they're no longer able to produce enough melanin to protect against UV radiation, sun and age spots form on the skin.

Can You Prevent Sun Spots?
While exposure to UV rays builds up over time and may result in sun and age spots, you can largely prevent sun spots by wearing appropriate sun protection, including protective clothing and, of course, sun block.

Customer Review:
Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++
"This is one of the best sunscreens I have bought! It’s lightweight, oil-free, doesn’t make me all oily and doesn’t make me break out. It smells good too!" xKTFx, El Paso, TX

Can You Fade Sun Spots?
It's absolutely possible to fade sun spots and age spots. Using a product such as Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, you can effectively reduce the appearance of age spots, sun spots and other areas of discoloration on your skin.

Recommended Product:
Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Using Hydroquinone, the strongest skin lightening agent available without a prescription, this nighttime treatment fades age spots and discoloration quickly and safely.

 

Customer Review:
"I absolutely love this product. I had a few age spots that I was very self-conscious about. I spent thousands of dollars on expensive prescription creams and laser treatments with not much satisfaction. Since I started using this product 6 months ago, the spots have almost disappeared. Thank you!" firefox, Denver, CO

By all means, get outside and enjoy the summer sun—but be responsible and protect your skin from the development of sun spots and skin damage.

Learn more about age spots and sun spots.

Via: How Does a Sun Spot Form?

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Three Tips for Clear Summer Skin

Now that summer is here, you're probably getting ready for vacations, outdoor parties and lazy days by the pool. No matter what you have planned, you'll want to look your best—and that includes having clear skin. For healthy skin that's blemish-free, you need to take care of your skin and use an effective acne treatment regimen. Here are three tips for healthy, glowing summer skin that's acne-free.

Tip #1: Don't Confuse Tan Skin for Clear Skin
One skin care mistake that people with acne-prone or oily skin make is to confuse tan skin with clear or healthy skin. Tanning dries out your skin—and while that may temporarily reduce inflamed blemishes, it doesn't address the cause of acne breakouts. Your body will continue to overproduce pore-clogging skin cells that lead to the buildup of acne-causing bacteria. And once your skin returns to a normal balance, your blemishes will return too. Dry skin is also more susceptible to skin care issues like premature wrinkles and sun spots. Keep your skin moisturized with an oil-free moisturizer such as Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion and, most importantly, never go out in the sun without sun block or sunscreen.

Customer Review: Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
"My skin is sensitive, but also prone to moderate acne breakouts. Acne products are often too harsh, non-acne products usually don’t treat my acne well enough, and moisturizers are generally too oily/heavy. This product, however, is very well balanced. It does not dry out my skin and is lightweight." macnz, San Diego, CA

Tip #2: Cleanse Your Skin After Outdoor Activities Like Swimming
In the summer months, you may have more breakouts on your face and more back and body acne. This may be due to higher humidity in the summer months. But another cause of acne breakouts during summer is increased environmental exposure from spending more time outdoors. Oil and chemicals from some sun protection products, bug repellents and even the chemicals used in pools and hot tubs can agitate your skin, causing breakouts and skin damage. While it's difficult to avoid these chemicals entirely, cleansing your skin after your outdoor activities will help to remove breakout-causing oil, dirt and chemicals from the surface of your skin. Use an acne skin cleanser like Murad Clarifying Cleanser or a cleanser for environmental damage like Murad Essential-C Cleanser. And if your skin is prone to back and body acne, consider a body wash or treatment specifically for body acne, such as Murad Acne Body Wash.

Customer Review: Murad Clarifying Cleanser
"I never write reviews for products, but I feel like I should for this cleanser! This is great! I used Proactiv several years ago and my skin has been messed up ever since. I used every single product under the sun to calm my acne. This actually is working for me. It's been about 1½ months and I had mild breakouts in the beginning (worth it), and now I have rare breakouts (chin area). It is seriously worth every penny. Give it a try!" mad30

Tip #3: Don't Get Out of Your Routine
Summer can be a good time to get out of your normal routine and relax. That sense of relaxation is important to your overall health, and it's important that you enjoy it. However, the acne treatment products you use are just one part of a successful acne treatment program. It's also important to use them consistently. No matter how leisurely your summer plans are, be sure to stick to your morning and evening acne treatment regimen.

For healthy, clear skin year round, get the facts on acne and learn about the best acne products and treatments at the Murad Acne Treatment and Resource Center.

Via: Three Tips for Clear Summer Skin

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Summer-Ready Skin Care Products: Prevent and Restore Skin All Summer Long

Summer is here, and for many of us that means more time in the sun. No matter what you have planned this season, make sure that your skin care is summer-ready—with skin care products and solutions that are designed to protect your skin from additional exposure to the sun's UV rays. Is there a skin care line that's summer-ready? Absolutely. Murad Environmental Shield skin products are ready for summer, just like you are!

But I Use Sunscreen! My Skin Is Protected From UV Rays!
If you're not using sun protection, then you should add sunscreen (as well as makeup and moisturizers with a high SPF) to your skin care and beauty regimen immediately. There's no greater enemy when it comes to aging skin than the sun. However, even if you're regularly applying sun protection, there's no way to entirely avoid exposure to UV rays. The sun is persistent, and even with sun block on, in the shade, with a hat, your skin will experience some degree of exposure. Even if you don't spend much time in the sun, it's still important to protect your skin. Choose a summer skin care regimen that will help prevent and reverse damage all season long.

Customer Review:
Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++
"This is one of the best sunscreens I have bought! It’s lightweight, oil-free, doesn’t make me all oily and doesn’t make me break out. It smells good too!" xKTFx, El Paso, TX

How Can You Prevent and Undo Sun Damage?
What's the best way to prevent and reverse the signs of sun damage? One of the most important tools in the battle against Environmental Aging and sun damage is a healthy dose of antioxidants. UV rays damage your skin by weakening elastin, breaking down collagen and damaging melanin, causing sun and age spots. All of these symptoms of sun damage are caused by free radicals in your body that result from UV exposure. Antioxidants combat and destroy free radicals, helping to prevent damage before it occurs.

Inclusive Health® Tip: Eat Your Antioxidants
There are two ways to pack your system with antioxidants to prevent and undo sun damage. The first is to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. While all fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that will make your skin and your whole body healthier, pomegranates, blueberries, acai and dark green leafy vegetables are particularly high in antioxidants. While it's best to get all of your nutrients from natural sources, you can boost your antioxidant intake with a vitamin or dietary supplement.

Topical Antioxidants: Environmental Shield® Is Summer Ready
Topical antioxidants battle free radical damage where it's most visible—on the surface of your skin. Murad Environmental Shield products feature the antioxidant power of Vitamin C, which helps prevent and reverse sun damage. These products also increase skin firmness, improve radiance, and help fade age spots and sun spots. Use the entire line, which includes a cleanser, several treatments, a face mask, moisturizers and an eye cream, or simply select the individual products you need to make your skin care regimen summer-ready.

Customer Review:
Environmental Shield Introductory Kit
"I am very concerned with my age spots and 'freckles,' which seem to have gotten larger, not smaller, as my sun exposure gets smaller. With this product I find this reversing, and not only that but my wrinkles are less noticeable and my skin just feels better, not just looks better. It doesn’t get much better than that." mel2jane, Huntsville, AL

Remember, Tanning Damages Your Skin
It's important to note that tanning damages your skin as much as a sunburn does. No matter what you may think, healthy skin isn't tan skin! Watch the video below to see how Dr. Murad answers a customer-submitted question on tanning and skin care.

You're probably ready for summer, but is your skin care regimen summer-ready? If not, there's still time to get the skin care products you need for healthy, radiant skin all summer long!

Learn more about Environmental Aging and sun damage in the Murad Skin Care Treatment and Resource Center.

Via: Summer-Ready Skin Care Products: Prevent and Restore Skin All Summer Long

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Pomegranate and Your Skin: Beauty Through Nature

If you've never explored Murad's Vitalic^® line of skin care products, then you probably haven't discovered how the power of pomegranate can benefit your skin. You may be asking yourself, "Why is pomegranate so good for my skin?" The answer is that pomegranate, both topically and as a part of a healthy skin diet, is an antioxidant "super food." And when you combine an antioxidant-rich diet with antioxidant-infused skin care products, the result is glowing, healthy skin.

Why Are Antioxidants So Important?
Every day, environmental factors and the stress of daily life affect the health of your body and skin. Part of this process is the release of free radicals into your system. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are missing an electron, so they attack other molecules within the body looking to replace that electron. Typically, the molecules that they attack are lipids and proteins that support healthy skin. Antioxidants counteract free radicals, preventing skin damage.

Why Pomegranate?
For a powerful source of antioxidants, you don't need to look much further than the luscious pomegranate. In fact, a study conducted at UCLA ranked ten beverages according to their antioxidant-fighting power. Pomegranate juice came in first. Pomegranate outranked blueberry juice, an antioxidant staple, and blew "super food" acai juice out of the water. That's how full of health-building, skin-saving antioxidants pomegranates are.

Why Vitalic Skin Care?
Vitalic skin care products infuse skin with the intense antioxidant power of Pomegranate Extract. The line features a cleanser; a moisturizer; and Murad's best-selling face mask, Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask, to balance and perfect any skin type. While these skin care products are particularly good for combination or normal skin, Vitalic is also gentle enough to be used on dry or acne-prone skin. Taking care of your skin with topical antioxidant skin treatments like Murad Vitalic skin care products will leave it radiant and healthy.

Recommended Product: Murad Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser
This dual-action cleanser from the Vitalic line features AHAs and Pomegranate Extract to tone and cleanse skin in just one step.

Customer Review: Murad Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser
"I first received this product as a freebie when I bought some other products. And WOW! I use it daily and my skin feels so fresh and clean afterwards. It even washes away makeup residue—including eye makeup/mascara residue. My skin really does feel soft and smooth, without making it dry." Sally000, Maryland

Eating Your Antioxidants Through Pomegranate
Beautiful skin starts from the inside out, and eating pomegranate is beneficial for your skin too. Though they're available all year long in most stores, pomegranates are in season from September to January. When selecting a pomegranate, look for a deeply colored one that feels heavy and is free of cracks and soft spots. If you're planning on keeping pomegranates around for a while, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they should last for up to a month.

There are a number of great pomegranate recipes out there, but we're fond of this healthy recipe for roasted vegetables with pomegranate vinaigrette from Martha Stewart. There are also a number of pomegranate juice drinks available in just about every market these days. Just be sure to look for pomegranate juice that's made from real pomegranate and not just from flavoring and sugars!

Nourish Your Health Inside and Out
Both internally and topically, pomegranate improves skin tone and fights free radical damage. To nourish your health inside and out, incorporate this fruit into your diet and your skin care regimen.

Recommended Product: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask
This weekly treatment frees skin of dull, dry surface cells to restore brightness and smooth texture while Pomegranate Extract provides powerful antioxidant protection.

Customer Review: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask
"I started using this mask a few years ago and every time I have the same reaction—amazing! I love the way it makes my face feel, so refreshed and clean. It clears away the small blackheads around my nose as well. I highly recommend giving this product a try; you won’t be sorry!" all4murad, New York, NY

Via: Pomegranate and Your Skin: Beauty Through Nature

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Sleep and Your Skin: Get Healthy Skin While You Dream

It's no secret that sleep is important for your health. And since your skin is a reflection of your overall health, getting enough sleep will also help your skin look its best. Unfortunately, most Americans don't sleep as much as they should. According to the 2011 Sleep in America® poll, 43% of respondents said that they rarely or never get enough sleep during the week. In addition to having a huge impact on your health, getting too little sleep can counteract the benefits of your daily skin care routine. But the good news is you can leverage your nighttime slumber to improve your skin health!

Not Getting Enough Sleep Can Cause Acne Breakouts and Premature Aging
If you have acne-prone skin, not getting enough sleep can trigger a response from your adrenal gland that causes an overproduction of hormones. That leads to the overproduction of skin cells and sebum (oil), clogging pores and causing blemishes. The response is similar to the way in which stress can cause acne. But there's another way in which a lack of sleep can cause acne breakouts. When you don't get enough sleep, you feel tired. And when you feel tired, you probably rely on caffeine to pick you up. But just as with a lack of sleep, too much caffeine can trigger an adrenal response that leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts. No matter how effective your acne treatment products are, not sleeping enough will counteract your efforts to get healthy and clear skin.

Stress also accelerates the signs of aging, and when you're not getting enough sleep your body feels stressed. In addition to contributing to the development of lines and wrinkles, not sleeping enough interferes with your body's ability to repair the environmental damage that's done during the day. Sleep keeps you young in general, but it definitely keeps your skin young.

Too Little Sleep Leads to Older-Looking Eyes
How many times have you looked in the mirror after not getting enough sleep and been frustrated with dark circles or puffiness underneath your eyes? When you don't sleep properly, it shows on the skin beneath your eyes. While the best way to reduce under-eye circles and puffiness is to give your body the rest it craves, using an eye cream or concealer can temporarily improve the appearance of under-eye dark circles and puffiness. But the best way to keep the skin around your eyes youthful-looking is to keep them closed for a full night of rest.

Recommended Product: Murad Eye Lift Illuminator
Part of Murad's Hybrids® line, this neutral-tinted eye treatment hydrates, firms and instantly brightens the area around the eyes.

Customer Review: Murad Eye Lift Illuminator
"The Eye Lift Illuminator is a great product, especially when used as a top layer to your normal eye product. The texture is silky and refreshing, and I found a noticeable reduction in the appearance of darkness and fine lines." bwat, Washington, DC

Treat Your Skin While You Sleep
During sleep, your body goes through a natural repair cycle, and using skin care products that are designed to hydrate and treat your skin during the night can enhance this effect. Skin treatments and moisturizers that may be too intense or thick for daytime use are perfect for use at night. From anti aging treatments to acne treatments to intensely hydrating facial moisturizers, Murad offers a complete line of skin care products to treat, restore and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. While more lightweight skin care products tend to work best during the day, more intense treatments are best for nighttime skin care and work alongside your body's natural rest and repair cycle.

Recommended Product: Age Reform^® Anti-Aging Night Regimen
From Murad's Age Reform line, this regimen includes a cleanser, skin serum and night cream that work throughout the night to improve skin's texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer Review: Age Reform Anti-Aging Night Regimen
"This regimen is great for PM use! I have been using Murad products for almost a year and a half, and people began asking me after 6 months what was different . . . did I have work done? A facelift? They noticed a difference and so did I!" Kimmyb, Longview, TX

If you don't get enough sleep, you're harming both your body and your skin. Find ways to reduce stress in the hours before you go to bed (experts recommend turning off the television, radio and computer at least an hour before bedtime), make your bedroom dark and cool, and then get a full night of sleep in order to have a healthy body…and glowing skin.

Via: Sleep and Your Skin: Get Healthy Skin While You Dream

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Viva Las Vegas! Skin Care Tips for Trips to Sin City

It's summer vacation time, and the number one vacation destination in America is Las Vegas. Perhaps your travel plans for the year don't include a trip to "Sin City," but if you're among the millions who will hit the casinos, pools, spas and shows of Vegas, here are some skin care tips to keep in mind while you're there. While we've all heard that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, that's not true for skin damage. Here are some tips for a winning Vegas skin care regimen.

Vegas Is Dry, but Your Skin Doesn't Have to Be
People who have never been to Vegas before are often surprised at how much the dry weather affects their skin. Remember, Las Vegas is a desert. And most buildings in Vegas are heavily air conditioned, which can also dry out your skin. Whether you're going for a weekend or a week, here are two steps you can take to help avoid drying your skin out while you're in Vegas. First, "eat your water" each day in the form of fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated from the inside out will help keep your skin looking its best. (And if you drink alcohol, you need extra hydration to replace the water that drinking depletes.)

Second, be sure to use a topical moisturizer. And if you're spending time in the sun while in Vegas, be sure that your moisturizer contains sunscreen. Murad Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15 delivers oil-free, soothing moisture to your skin and contains a color-correcting tint to decrease redness.

Customer Review: Murad Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15
"I very much like this moisturizer. It is light but works well. It has a tint to it that helps fade the redness in my complexion. I would recommend this moisturizer to anyone who has redness or dry skin." KimU, Springfield, PA

Sun Block, Sun Block, Sun Block
It should go without saying that any time you're going to be exposed to UV rays, you need to protect yourself with sun block or sunscreen. The desert sun is intense and can cause a skin-damaging sunburn more quickly than you might expect. Not only can sun damage increase your chances of skin cancer later, but it can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles. Too much sun exposure can also mean that, in the future, you'll need to worry about how to fade age spots and sun spots. You'll obviously want to ensure that you've got full protection sun block on whenever you're poolside (or enjoying your VIP cabana!). But be sure that you're also using a makeup or moisturizer that includes sun protection even if you're just heading down the street to the next casino. The sun can damage your skin quickly, particularly in a desert environment.

Hitting the Clubs? Be Sure to Remove Your Makeup Afterward.
If you've ever been to Vegas and headed out for an evening in the clubs, then you know that the last thing you feel like doing when you come home that night (or the next morning) is removing your makeup. But it's important that you take the time to wash your face before you sleep. Even if your skin care concerns don't include breakouts and acne treatment, leaving your makeup on overnight can clog pores and dull your complexion. Still not convinced that it's critically important to cleanse your face each night? Dr. Murad recently answered a customer-submitted Q&A on the importance of washing off your makeup. After you listen to his answer, you'll definitely be motivated to take off your makeup at the end of the night.

Las Vegas can be a great vacation spot full of pampering, fun and excitement. But like any "full throttle" vacation, it can take a toll on your skin. Follow these tips to stay hydrated, healthy and glowing even when you're not underneath the neon lights of The Strip!

Via: Viva Las Vegas! Skin Care Tips for Trips to Sin City

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Tips for Great-Looking Summer Vacation Photos

Summer is here, and with it comes vacations. Whether you're planning a wholesome family vacation or a Sex and the City–style girls' getaway, you're sure to return with dozens (if not hundreds) of vacation photos. Making smart skin care decisions, choosing your makeup wisely and practicing your poses in the mirror will help ensure that you look your best in all of your pictures.

Vacation Photo Makeup Tip: Be Wary of Matte Foundations
Matte or flat makeup foundations are designed to reduce oil production and minimize shine. But they can actually control oil too well and end up making your face look flat, pale and overly bright in photos—particularly if you're using a flash or taking pictures in low light. Instead, use a skin care product with an oil mattifier followed by makeup that highlights your skin's natural glow. While nobody wants their skin to look shiny in photos, having it look unnaturally flat is just as unflattering. If you're unsure if your matte makeup foundation has this effect, try it out in a sample photo before your vacation.

Recommended Product: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
Looking for a product that eliminates shine for up to eight hours while also hydrating skin for a healthy appearance? That's what Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 delivers!

Customer Review: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
"I have EXTREMELY oily skin and this product has helped dramatically reduce oil throughout the day. I can tell a total difference if I miss a day of wearing this. This is by far the best product on the market for oily skin." AZ2AK, Alaska

Vacation Photo Skin Care Tip: Perfect Your Complexion Before You Go
Trying to fade age spots or clear acne breakouts? Whatever your skin care concern is, begin a skin care regimen to address it at least a month prior to your trip. Whether you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or clear up blemishes and breakouts, allow at least a month for your skin to adjust to your new skin care regimen before you break out the camera. That's particularly important if you have acne-prone skin and are trying to clear up breakouts and blemishes. When you use most acne treatment products and regimens for the first time, your skin goes through a brief "purging" period, during which it gets rid of the toxins and oil beneath the skin. Since this causes the skin to break out before it clears up, you'll definitely want to get through this purging phase before you start taking tons of vacation photos!

Vacation Photo Tip: Practice Your Angles
Even the most beautiful models in the world have "better" angles for their face. Not knowing your best angles can give you a double chin or make your nose look bigger. On the flip side, the right angle can highlight your bone structure or make your eyes seem bigger. To get to know your best angles, practice in a mirror or take a series of sample shots. Once you determine which angles are the most flattering for your face, you can replicate that in all of your vacation photos. It's better to learn your best and worst angles before you take a lot of photos rather than after!

Vacation memories last forever. With the right makeup, good skin care habits and a little practice, you'll be just as happy with your vacation photos as you were with the trip itself!

Via: Tips for Great-Looking Summer Vacation Photos

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How to Do a Home Acne Facial in Three Steps

If you have acne-prone skin or use an acne treatment regimen, then using an acne face mask or home acne facial is most likely part of your skin care routine. However, if you're not using a face mask or home facial to help control your acne breakouts, you're missing out. While a home acne facial isn't a daily or sometimes even a weekly treatment, enhancing your anti-acne regimen with a facial or face mask can help to unclog pores, draw impurities from the skin and even improve skin's overall health. A daily, three-step acne regimen is the best solution for consistently clear skin—and when combined with occasional acne facials can leave you with healthy, glowing blemish-free skin. Here's how to do a home facial for acne-prone skin.

Step One: Prepare Your Skin (and Your Environment)
While you can do a facial while multitasking, your home facial is a great time to relax and de-stress. Cultural Stress™, the constant and pervasive stress of being connected 24/7, weakens every cell in your body, making it more difficult for it to repair and regenerate—and that has a direct effect on your skin. Use your facial as a time to relax and let go of the daily stresses of life. Find a quiet space, put on some relaxing music and make yourself a cup of green tea (which is rich in antioxidants that support skin health). Prep your skin by using a gentle skin cleanser to remove surface dirt and makeup residue. You may also want to heat up some water and steam your face to open your pores, which will help your face mask or skin care serum to work more effectively.

Step Two: Apply Your Acne Face Mask
The second step of any acne home facial is to apply your acne face mask. Murad Clarifying Mask for acne-prone skin contains the rare earth clays Kaolin and Bentonite to deep clean and draw out impurities. Sulfur dries and heals acne while Zinc and Licorice Extract comfort and calm irritated skin. Simply apply the mask evenly across your face and then sit back and relax for ten minutes while the soothing and healing ingredients do their job. At the end of the ten minutes, rinse the mask off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

Step Three: Moisturize and Hydrate Your Skin
It's important to hydrate and moisturize your skin after any skin treatment. Apply a soothing, hydrating moisturizer that's rich in antioxidants, such as Murad Essential-C Night Moisture or Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15. Another great way to hydrate your skin (and your whole body) is to "eat your water" in the form of fruits or vegetables.

At the end of your home acne facial, your skin should feel smooth and healthy, and you should feel relaxed and de-stressed. While doing a home acne facial daily or every few days can be too harsh on your skin, weekly acne facials can improve your skin's health while boosting the clarity of your complexion.

Visit the Murad Acne Treatment & Resource Center for more information on acne, healthy skin and the best acne treatment solutions.

Murad Clarifying Mask Customer Reviews

MIRACLE MASK
"I have tried several products to get rid of blackheads around my nose but they never worked. I tried this mask for the first time and was SHOCKED with the results. ALL my blackheads were gone around my nose and that was after the first use. This mask tightens your skin and makes it feel so soft, and it appears more radiant. This is a must-have in anyone's bathroom!!" Maddie07, Northern CA

Great for Oily Skin!
"This product is GREAT especially if you have oily skin. It does make your skin smoother and gets rid of oil very well. The best time to use it is the day you’re going out. For example, if you have school on Monday, use the mask Monday morning instead of Sunday night. I’ve noticed that using it [in the] morning controls the oil better throughout the whole day. I suffer from a very oily nose, and this does help a lot. (I also use mattifying powder during the day.) You should definitely buy this if you have oily skin and add it to your oil control regimen! I’m sure you’ll love it." Adalissia, Houston, TX

Best Mask Ever
"No need to ever try another mask; the solution to my acne has been found. This mask has the amazing ability to dry out the junk from my pores without making my skin flaky or irritated. In the summer I can use this mask up to 3x per week and my skin looks clear and fresh. Also is a great spot treatment for stubborn cystic acne that never seems to go away fast enough." seabee, Philadelphia, PA

Via: How to Do a Home Acne Facial in Three Steps

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The Acne Purge: Why a Big Breakout Can Be a Good Thing

If you've been researching acne treatment solutions, then you've certainly heard people mention "the purge." What exactly is an acne purge? It's the period of time after you begin using new acne products when your skin breaks out more intensely than it did before you started using them. But why would you use an acne treatment or other acne-fighting products that actually cause you to break out? Isn't the point to get clear skin, not more blemishes? While clear skin is the ultimate goal, purging is one of the most important steps to getting clear skin for the long term.

What Exactly Is an Acne Purge?
Acne blemishes occur when sebum (oil) and dead skin cells clog pores and trap acne-causing bacteria. Most of this process happens below the surface of your skin, and you only see the end result when a blemish surfaces in the form of a whitehead, blackhead or inflamed acne blemish. Since new skin cells take weeks to migrate to the surface, the breakouts you see now may be weeks old. Many acne treatments that claim to "get rid of" acne address the symptom instead of the cause, drying up oil and sebum as blemishes form. However, if you want clear skin for the long term, you need to purge these buried breakouts and get rid of the oil, skin cells and acne-causing bacteria below the skin's surface. This purging process brings blemishes to the surface more rapidly (and often more intensely). During this time, it may seem like your skin isn't getting any better, but don't worry. Purging is a natural part of getting clear.

Dr. Murad recently answered a customer-submitted question on acne purging. See his full explanation in the video below.

Which Acne Medication Helps to Unclog Pores and Purge Skin?
As noted above, some topical acne medications treat acne by drying blemishes as they form. These products may reduce the symptoms of acne (the actual blemishes), but they won't prevent clogged pores. Murad's Acne Complex® products contain Salicylic Acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that works to exfoliate away dead skin cells beneath the surface of the skin to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. When choosing an acne product, look for one that contains Salicylic Acid. When your skin starts to purge, you'll know that it's working!

Recommended Product: Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel’s patented Hydrogen Peroxide delivery system enables Retinol, Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to penetrate deeply for maximum effectiveness. Cell turnover is stimulated, breakouts are controlled, pore-clogging impurities are eliminated and clarity is restored.

Customer Review: Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
"This product made my skin so soft and clear! I think it even helped lighten some of the brown spots on my face. I have used SEVERAL acne products and this surpasses them all by far! It doesn’t stink or dry out your skin like other products!" Maddie07, NorthernCA

How Long Will an Acne Purge Last?
The amount of time that it takes your skin to purge will vary. However, many people report that purging takes between three and six weeks. No matter how long the purging period takes, just keep in mind that it means that your product is working properly. You need to clear your pores before your skin can become breakout-free!

The acne purge is one of the hardest parts of getting rid of acne, but don't get discouraged. Like many things in life, your acne will need to get worse before it gets better.

Via: The Acne Purge: Why a Big Breakout Can Be a Good Thing

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Three Tips for Smooth Summer Legs

Summer is approaching. That means that in addition to your skin care regimen for your face, you also need to take some time to think about body care. With shorts, shorter skirts and bathing suits about to become daily wear for many of us, smooth legs can be one of your best fashion accessories. Here are three tips for ensuring that you have smooth summer legs, no matter what your summer attire may be.

Use a Firming Cream or Anti-Cellulite Treatment
No matter what size you are, you can develop cellulite and loose skin on your legs and even your arms. Cellulite isn't a "fat problem," as many people believe. It's actually a skin health problem where the skin becomes too weak to hold back the fatty lipids right beneath the surface. If you have extensive cellulite, try a complete anti-cellulite treatment solution such as Murad Cellulite Solution Regimen, which includes internal supplements, a firming cream and Murad Firm and Tone Serum to restore skin's smoothness. If your cellulite problem is more minimal, try Murad Body Firming Cream, which firms skin by up to 40% in just fifteen minutes.

Use a Body Lotion With a Subtle Shine
Much like a light bronzing powder gives your face a subtle glow, body lotions with a hint of shine give your legs a smooth, summer-kissed appearance. Don't look for a lotion that's full of actual glitter, but do search for a summer lotion that provides a subtle shimmer or contains ingredients that reflect light. You'll look a starlet that just stepped off of a movie set.

Begin Exercising Now!
Nothing makes legs look healthier than keeping them in good physical shape. You don't need to begin running ten miles a day or taking a step aerobics class to get good, toned legs. Opting to take the stairs instead of the elevator, simply walking for 30 minutes per day or doing calf raises while you're waiting in line at the coffee shop or at the copier at work can all help improve the look of your calves and thighs. Exercise in any form improves your overall health and makes you a happier, less stressed person. And you'll also get the benefit of great-looking summer legs!

Of course, choosing flattering lengths on dresses and shorts, wearing shoes with heels and not exposing the skin on your legs to harmful UV rays without proper sun protection will also help give you the sultry summer legs that you want. Summer is a time to get out and show off what you've got, so use these tips to get your legs in summer-ready form.

Murad Body Firming Cream Customer Reviews

Worth the Price!
"I balked at the price of this at first, but once I used it I WAS HOOKED! I love this cream. It works! It actually really works! I watch my skin go from so-so to va-va-va-voom in about 10 minutes, and it boosts my confidence and makes me feel like I can do anything. It also smells really good, but doesn’t compete with other fragrances. Oh, and it has lasted me forever. A little goes a long way. This cream works in the short term by giving you firm and really soft skin in the time stated, and it works in the long term by motivating you to eat right and exercise so that your skin can stay that way! I love it, my husband loves it, and I will use it until Dr. Murad makes something even better…though I don’t think that’s possible." Lorak, Keaau, HI

Can’t Live Without
"This is one product I make sure I never run out of. It only takes 3 days without it to see why I keep it on hand." Hollace, Denver, CO

It Does What It Says
"This cream easily absorbs, leaving your skin feeling renewed, soft and hydrated. I highly recommend using it with the [Firm and Tone Serum] for maximum benefits. I am almost 60 and though I am conscious of what I eat and exercise regularly, I was still seeing some loss of skin firmness. Finding these two products has shown me there is a solution. Thank you!" yogamap, Issaquah, WA

Via: Three Tips for Smooth Summer Legs

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Does Stress Show on Your Skin?

Because stress can damage your health at the cellular level, managing stress is a critical part of an Inclusive approach to optimizing health. In his book The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger (Wiley, September 2010), Dr. Murad explains how developing a Sense of Self is the key to mental and physical well-being. Take a look at some of Dr. Murad's tips on how to manage stress:

1. Get a Hobby: When you have a hobby, it forces you to take time out for yourself and do something enjoyable, while providing you time to reflect.

2. Get Connected: One of the easiest ways to reduce your isolation is to join a group that shares similar hobbies, philosophies and interests. Get involved in community events, exercise classes, professional groups or associations, book clubs, potluck dinner nights with your friends, charity events at your children's schools, or volunteer at a nearby nonprofit or take a class at a local community college.

3. Disconnect: There's an odd duality to being attached to machines that allow us to connect with others around the world in an instant. From cell phones to social networks that can transmit what you're doing right now in seconds, communication these days is quick, easy and can be isolating. When you're constantly communicating with someone by electronic transmission rather than in person or even over the phone, you can lose touch with the experience. You also have a tendency to lose focus, as those transmissions become rapid-fire, frequent, distracting and intrusive. In a nutshell: Put down your phone! Take time at least twice a week to not check your phone or email. It's a healthy mental break.

4. Get Touched: Dr. Murad recommends that everyone visit a spa or massage therapist as frequently as possible. Massage not only benefits the muscles and tissues being kneaded and stretched, but also has been found to lower stress levels significantly. It can help alleviate depression, reduce pain in cancer patients, improve sleep patterns and positively alter the immune system.

5. Start Your Day Off Right: Deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium stress out your body and trigger an increase in cortisol levels, not to mention food cravings. Many people can easily find themselves lacking these critical nutrients by skipping breakfast and relying on caffeine to stay alert and productive throughout the day. Try eating a handful of berries (vitamin C), six to eight ounces of low-fat yogurt (calcium and magnesium) and a slice of whole grain toast with natural peanut butter. Whole grains are loaded with B vitamins, while peanut butter contains fatty acids that can decrease the production of stress hormones. Peanut butter will also keep you satisfied longer.

6. Eat "Brain Food": About two-thirds of our brains are composed of fat, and the protective sheath around communicating neurons is 70 percent fat. In essence, we need fat to think and to maintain healthy brain function, as well as for normal growth and development.

The omega-3 fats in salmon (often called "brain food") and other cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and olives have numerous proven health benefits, including help in protecting your heart. It's also important to limit your intake of processed foods!

7. Exercise: Exercising regularly nourishes the skin with oxygen while sweating flushes out toxins. It also improves digestion and increases your metabolism and endocrine functions so that the entire body is functioning at an optimal level.

8. Get to Bed: Almost every system in the body is affected by the quality and amount of sleep you get at night. Sleep can dictate how much you eat, how fat you get, whether you can fight off infections, and how well you can cope with stress. Turn off the TV one hour prior to sleeping and refrain from stressful activities and conversations two hours prior to retiring to the bedroom. Dr. Murad advises, "Try to get a minimum of eight hours a night because sleep is an ideal time for cellular renewal and overall repair for the skin."

According to Dr. Murad, "Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness." When the body is at optimal health, the skin will follow suit. Regulate stress and get healthy, glowing skin by following the Inclusive Health® philosophy.

Via: Does Stress Show on Your Skin?

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Refresh Summer Skin: Five Ways to Glow All Summer Long

Summer takes a lot out of your skin. The sun, pool chemicals and environmental pollutants can dry out your skin and dull your complexion. And when the weather heats up, you probably crank up the air conditioning, which can further dry out your skin. So what can you do to help keep your skin hydrated this summer? Here are five tips.

"Eat Your Water" Through Seasonal Summer Fruits and Veggies
As Dr. Murad writes in his best-selling book The Water Secret, the water contained in fruits and vegetables is more easily absorbed and retained by your body. And in the summer, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables makes this even easier. Take advantage of all the fresh summer produce to find new and delicious ways to eat your water, which will keep your skin and your whole body hydrated.

Hydrate Instantly With Skin Toners
Toners are a skin care must-have for summer! When your skin feels dry, a quick spray of skin toner is a great way to hydrate and refresh. Just keep your favorite Murad skin toner in your beach bag, purse or backpack and use it to refresh and rehydrate anytime your skin feels dry or looks dull.

Customer Review: Murad Essential-C Toner
"This product is extremely refreshing in the middle of a trying day or at the end of a workout. I love the way it ‘perks up’ my complexion without disturbing my makeup. It’s a wonderful product, and you certainly will get your money's worth. One bottle has lasted me around three months." kay1023, Michigan

Use a Moisturizer With Sunscreen
Keeping your skin protected from sun damage is especially important during the summer months, when you probably spend more time outdoors. When you're outside all day hanging out at the beach, lounging by the pool, hiking, camping or doing other high-exposure activities, you should use a full body sun block. But even if you're just running to the grocery store, it's still important to keep your skin hydrated and protected with a facial moisturizer that includes sun protection. And if your moisturizer is packed with antioxidants to guard against free radical damage, such as Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 | PA+++ or Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15, you'll be taking another powerful step to protect your skin.

Customer Review:
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 | PA +++
"This moisturizer is wonderful. I have sun-damaged skin and had to have some areas removed. This has protected those areas and leaves my face softer. This product is light on the skin and works better than the sunscreens I used to buy. The fragrance is wonderful." cherrykee, Metcalf, IL

Be Aware of What You're Eating and Drinking
Even though summer's abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables should make it easier for all of us to eat healthier and stay hydrated, it's easy to overindulge with all the barbeques, pool parties and other events. And while you might not like cooking when it's hot out, fast food isn't a good substitute for healthy, homemade food. Try making fresh summer salads, which are simple to make and don't require a lot of time in the kitchen. Just stick with fresh ingredients and avoid high-fat dressings and other unhealthy toppings.

Don't Tan
Tanning damages your skin and can make it dull, dry and dehydrated. Keep your skin protected when you're outdoors with skin care products that contain sunscreen and antioxidants to help prevent and undo sun damage. If you really want to have that "summer glow," try a bronzer like Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 | PA++.

Customer Review:
Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 | PA++
"I was apprehensive when I first received this product, as many bronzers make my skin look a little silly, especially as I have so many freckles! This one, however, went on smooth, was not sticky or oily—in fact, I forgot I even had it on! The color was subtle and blended right in. A great product." gracieuk, HI

For a healthy summer glow without the damage, keep your skin protected from the damaging, drying weather—with hydrating fruits and vegetables, refreshing toners and skin care that moisturizes and protects.

Via: Refresh Summer Skin: Five Ways to Glow All Summer Long

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How Deep Is Your Wrinkle? How to Select a Wrinkle Treatment

You're never too young to begin using anti wrinkle and anti aging treatments! Even before they're visible, wrinkles begin to form beneath the skin's surface. But how do you select a wrinkle treatment or other anti aging product? The first step is to ask yourself, "How deep is my wrinkle?"

Stage 1: I don't have any wrinkles yet!
Even if you don't have any visible wrinkles yet, it's never too early to prevent wrinkles with a skin care regimen that's rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators. Every day, exposure to environmental elements like UV rays, toxins and air pollution breaks down the collagen that firms and smoothes skin. Incorporating free radical–fighting antioxidants into both your diet and your skin care regimen can slow down and even help prevent this process, meaning fewer wrinkles later in life. Murad Environmental Shield® products are designed to combat Environmental Aging at any age.

Customer Review: Environmental Shield Introductory Kit
"I am very concerned with my age spots and 'freckles,' which seem to have gotten larger, not smaller, as my sun exposure gets smaller. With this product I find this reversing, and not only that but my wrinkles are less noticeable and my skin just feels better, not just looks better. It doesn’t get much better than that." mel2jane, Huntsville, AL

Stage 2: I've started seeing fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes.
More often than not, the first place that you'll begin to see fine lines and wrinkles is around your eyes. That's because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, and it doesn't produce its own moisture. When you begin to see the first fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, use an eye cream to hydrate, firm and reduce the appearance of crow's feet and under-eye wrinkles. If you have deeper wrinkles around your eyes, consider a Retinol-based eye cream, such as Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer® for eyes.

Customer Review: Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for eyes
"This product is great; I have been using it now for about a year-and-a-half and will probably use it forever because I love it so much. It definitely makes a difference in my crow's feet and fine wrinkles under the eye. It makes the area around my eyes very smooth and I love the feel and look. You will notice it working!" dmax, Cleveland, OH

Stage 3: I'm experiencing fine lines and wrinkles on my face.
If you've started to see fine lines and wrinkles forming on your face, perhaps in the form of laugh lines or forehead wrinkles, make sure that your skin care regimen includes a treatment with a firming anti wrinkle ingredient. Look for products that contain Retinol and antioxidants to combat the aging process. If your wrinkles are caused by the natural process of Genetic Aging, try products from the Murad Age Reform® skin care line. If you're a woman who is experiencing or who has recently experienced menopause, try the Murad Resurgence® line of skin care products, which are specifically formulated to combat the loss of collagen that occurs as a result of Hormonal Aging.

Stage 4: I have visible medium–to-deep wrinkles.
If your wrinkles have officially "settled in," look for more intensive wrinkle treatments that contain a strong base of Retinol to restore and replenish collagen and elastin. With the right anti wrinkle or anti aging treatment, you can minimize even the deepest wrinkles and get smoother, younger-looking skin.

Customer Review: Murad Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles
"I’ve tried many products to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the 'smile' and forehead and this one works! I’ve used the product every night before bed and I'm seeing a reduction in these lines. I highly recommend this product." WinnieDP, Los Angeles, CA

Wrinkle Treatment Tip #1: Don't Forget Your Neck!
Many of us overlook the wrinkles on our neck. However, loose skin and gravity take their toll on the neck as well, and rings and wrinkles that form on your neck can reveal your age just as much as wrinkles on your face can. Be sure to treat and minimize neck wrinkles and loose skin on your neck, either with your normal daily anti wrinkle and anti aging treatment or with a product specifically for neck wrinkles.

Customer Review: Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté
"I started using this product for the first time about 2 months ago and I have noticed a tighter neck and fewer wrinkles. The larger wrinkles are a lot less visible. I love this product and will continue to use it! I would recommend this to anyone." Tiana, Los Angeles, CA

Wrinkle Treatment Tip #2: Have Realistic Expectations
No anti aging serum, treatment or moisturizer designed to treat and minimize wrinkles can give you permanently smooth skin after just a few days. It takes time for a skin care regimen to improve collagen strength and production and enable the healthier, firmer skin to work its way to the surface. All good things in life are worth waiting for, and that includes firmer, smoother skin.

So how deep is your wrinkle? Whether your wrinkles are barely visible or deep and pronounced, Murad has a solution to give you firmer, younger-looking skin.

Learn more about anti aging wrinkle treatments and aging skin in the Murad Anti Aging Treatment and Resource Center.

Via: How Deep Is Your Wrinkle? How to Select a Wrinkle Treatment

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