Skin experts say the worst thing you can do for your complexion is to change up your skincare regimen when you go on vacation. Which is why, of course, I took a whole new set of products on my recent whirlwind road trip through California and Nevada. I like to live on the edge (and drive through Death Valley with an engine light on – but that’s another story).
So yes, instead of lugging along my usual bottles and jars, I packed Murad’s Anti-Aging Acne lineup because, well, I’d been wanting to test it out and the tubes fit neatly in my cosmetic bag. The line claims to fight acne while minimizing lines for mature Spa Girls like me who battle the double-headed monster of hormonal breakouts and wrinkles. (What is up with that anyway? Urgh!)
Given that I came out of my six-day adventure relatively unscathed and blemish-free, I’d say the claims are spot on.
The four-piece Murad Acne & Aging Regimen includes:
Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser, $30. This thick and creamy, lightly foaming gel contains encapsulated salicylic acid that continues to treat acne throughout the day, even after you rinse it off. The formula also contains amino acids, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and protected. The cleanser rinses squeaky clean but still leaves skin soft.
Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer, $58. This truly unique little wonder is dosed with salicylic acid along with an arsenal of restorative ingredients including a “Kombucha Collagen Defense” complex to stimulate collagen. My skin drank this up. The cloudy gel dries quickly without a shiny sheen.
Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 | PA++, $46. More than just a daily sunscreen, this freshly scented lotion helps control oil production while amplifying collagen levels. The SPF 20 and PA++ ratings ensure that the formula guards against both damaging UVB and UVA rays. Most mornings, I mixed one pump of Murad’s Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 PA++ (which I love) along with a dab of the Anti-Aging Moisturizer for a dash of daily color. Used alone, the formula gives skin a sheer glow.
Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $18. Just a tiny dab is all you need of this gel at the first sign of a blemish. A complex of sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide and licorice extract work together to control the breakout while reducing redness. Yes, the treatment does have an ever so slight sulfur smell but it’s not overwhelming and lets you know it’s working.
The collection is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates and petrochemicals. Products are available individually or you can buy a 90-day supply on murad.com for $119 (a $134 value).
Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and if you’re traveling, don’t forget the sunscreen and pimple cream!
Totally digging this? Do tell by commenting below.