Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser is my holy grail product. While my skin type has substantially changed over the past year, this product has helped keep my skin exfoliated, smooth, even toned and clear. Breakouts in eyebrows. Gone. Blackheads. Gone. Pores. Barely noticeable...and my pores are normally HUGE.
For those wanting to save money, this cleanser is $36 well spent. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic dissolve (doesn't scratch with abrasive beads/shells) dull dead skin cells and is suitable for all skin types. I combine the cleanser every other day with my Clarisonic Mia. I have also found it great for body acne, at the gym after a strenuous workout to prevent breakouts, fade acne scarring and for ingrown hairs. I have recommended this cleanser to male friends who have found it to be helpful in prevents and treating ingrown hairs.  Used along with Murad serums and moisturizing, this cleanser can also facilitate in plumping up aging skin, increasing hydration and improving efficiency of products in your skin regime.

10/10
$36 6.75 oz
Available at Murad.com, Massage Envy, Ulta & Sephora.

Lady J Approved Exfoliants

'What is exfoliation?  How often should I exfoliate?  I'm using the St. Ives Scrub.'  I hear these questions and statements often at work and online.  Exoliation is a must in every skin care regime.  It removes dead, dull skin cells on the surface of the skin revealing new, fresh, brighter skin cells underneath!  It also reduces the occurrence of clogged pores by sweeping out the accumulation of dead skin cells, debri, and oil.

Here are my top picks for exfoliating dead skin cells.  Sensitive skin exfoliate 1-2x a week.  Normal/Dry/Combo/Mature skin exfoliate 2x a week.  Oily and acne prone skin exfoliate 3x a week.  I let all my clients know that gritty/abrasive scrubs do more damage to their skin then good.  For example, St.Ives Scrub or it's generic sister.  I do not suggest using this product or anything similar-the 'grit', apricot shells cause micro tears in the skin and irritates skin.  Beware of any scrub with crushed shells or scratchy particles.  Here are safe, gentle, effective exfoliants.  AHA's and BHA's can reach down into the follicle, exfoliating deeper then just the surface. Typically a scrub cannot do this, which is the reason I don't favor scrubs.  Scrubs can also dehydrate skin.  DO NOT USE A EXFOLIANT OR SCRUB AS A CLEANSER.  It's not meant for cleansing the skin, even if it says for 'daily' use.  Scrubs and exfoliants are also not meant for removing makeup.

1) Clarisonic Mia: The amazing cleansing brush uses sonic technology to deep clean pores as well as exfoliate!  Buy it sooner then later, you won't regret it! $119 @ Ulta & Sephora

2) Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Super gentle but effective enzyme exfoliant dissolves dead skin cells for a brighter and even skin tone.  Activated by water, a little goes a long way. Contains papain enzyme, rice bran, rice extract, salicylic acid, licorice extract & bearberry (for brighter skin).  Excellent for ultra sensitive skin!  Tip: Use in warm shower when skin is moist and pores are more open.  Leave on skin for a couple minutes to dissolve dead skin cells.  $50 @ Ulta or Dermalogica.com

3) Murad Vitalic Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask: Natural fruit enzymes & AHA's dissolve dead skin cells for brighter, clear and smooth skin.  1 pack can be used 2x.  A Murad favorite-see the reviews!  $22.50 @ Ulta, Sephora & Massage Envy.

4)  Origins Modern Friction:  Microdermabrasion without the crystals or expensive bill!  Avoid eyes and make sure your eyes are sealed shut when using this scrub.  A little goes a long way, just a dime size is enough for your face.  May not be suitable for sensitive skin & active acne (add a pea size amount to cleanser for sensitive skin or first time users).  $37.50 @ Origins

5) Murad Intensive C Peel: Instant radiance for sun damaged skin and hyper pigmentation.  Evens the skin tone and exfoliates!  Contains stable Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, myrtle extract and Indian Fig.  My family and clients noticed a immediate glow and even skin tone when I use this miracle peel! $49.50

6) Murad Pomegranate T-Zone Pore Refining Gel-: For normal, combo, dry, acne prone skin.  Clears pores, balances dry/oily areas, dissolves dull/dead skin cells, treats/prevents breakouts.  Apply to skin after cleansing and toning and do not rinse.  This gel remains on the skin. Contains Glycolic acid, Retinol, Salicylic acid & Pomegranate extract.  $40

7) Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel: Wipes out breakouts and acne bacteria!  Exfoliates and penetrates skin effectively.  Contains 1% Salicylic, hydrogen peroxide, retinol, glycolic.  Only for very oily skin.  Gel remains on skin, do not rinse off.  I use this on my face, neck, chest and back!  $54

*Exfoliants listed are safe for all skin types & conditions unless otherwise noted.

Use the Mia with your exfoliant for amazing results!


Look for:
-Fragrance free
-Enzymes
-AHA's & BHA's (acne prone skin)
-Creamy or gel consistency rather then gritty
-Powder formulations activated with water
-Read reviews!

Tips for Healthy Skin

This post is for all skin types & conditions.

• Maintain a consistent AM/PM skincare regime.  Changing products results in flare ups, irritation and little to no beneficial results.  A simple regime may consist of  A) Cleanser B) Treatment ( serum, Vitamin C, acne treatment, retinol, glycol, ect)  C) Moisturize (AM and PM) +SPF (AM).  There are plenty of moisturizers with spf 15+, but I recommend spf 30 everyday regardless if its cloudy or you are indoors.  
• Choose a cleanser for your skin type/condition.  Unless you are oily within a hour of cleansing, you won't need a foam cleanser (already foam when you pump the bottle).  It will be too drying for your skin, stripping it of vital moisture.  Excess oil and natural moisture barrier are too different things.
• Always cleanse 1-2 minutes with TEPID (lukewarm) water, never hot.  It strips skin, dries and irritates.
• Apply skincare products in order 1) Cleanse & Tone 3) Treat/Repair 4) Hydrate/Protect (SPF for day time) 5) Primer & Foundation
• Most drugstore skin products are too harsh on skin (contain excess alcohol, chemicals, irritating ingredients, no anti-inflammatory's, or hydrators.)  Neutragena is the worst thing you can use.  I trust CeraVe products though.
• Toner's purpose is to remove cleanser residue, debris and bring skin back to its pH.  Do not use 100% alcohol or witch hazel to tone-it's too stripping on skin.
• Use a gentle exfoliant, not a gritty St. Ives type scrub.  It creates micro tears, damages and irritates skin.  Use a Beta hydroxy acid: salicylic acid (for acne or oily skin) or alpha hydroxy acid: glycolic, lactic citric, mandalic acids.  Enzyme exfoliants are gentle and effective. The Clarisonic also exfoliates!
• Exfoliate 2x week and 3x week for oily/acne skin.  Normal/Combo skin: Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel  (amazing on blackheads).  Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask can be used on all skin types. Oily/Acne prone: Murad Acne Exfoliating Treatment Gel. Adult acne: Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer. Aging Skin: Murad Age Reform at home peel, Complete Reform and Intensive Wrinkle Reducer. As you can see I love Murad.  I also work with these products on a daily basis with amazing results =)
• Make sure to cleanse skin in the evening.  Remove makeup-don't sleep in it.  Makeup wipes are not sufficient cleaning, so use your wipes to remove makeup, then wash your face.
• EVERYONE needs to moisturize, especially oily & acne prone skin.  Without moisture your skin will try to overcompensate for needed moisture and produce even MORE oil.  Skin may not heal as fast either.  Try a oil-free moisturizer.  I love Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (the ONLY moisturizer that doesn't break me out & has done wonders for my oily/acne prone skin.)
• Steer clear of products with bright colors i.e. Neutragena (not the box, but the actual product).  They have overly irritating ingredients..dyes, synthetic fragrance that can wreak havoc on your skin.
• Higher percentage of skin treatments does not equal better results.  Starting with a higher % can irritate your skin, putting your skin in shock.  Adjust slowly to products.  Take baby steps to avoid irritation.  
• Don't try and dry your oily skin out or over scrub/over cleanse acne prone skin.  Your skin will produce more oily and your skin will become irritated.  I know this from personal experience (I am acne prone AND oily) & as a Professional Skincare Therapist
• Don't over use cleanser, it can dehydrate skin.
• Thoroughly rinse cleanser off skin, including hairline and sides of the face.  Rinse up to 4x if  necessary to remove all impurities and cleanser residue.
• Apply serums, lotions, creams to still moist/damp skin.  Products will absorb better and lock in vital moisture. 
• When using lightening/brightening products, apply product to entire face, neck and chest.  Do no spot treat, you will have light and dark spots if you do.  
• Invest in a Clarisonic Mia!  It deep cleans skin with sonic micro massage brush, exfoliates, allows products to work faster & more effectively, refines pores.  Think your skin can't get any better?  Buy the Clarisonic Mia $119-it's worth it, believe me.
• Avoid dimethicone or "cones" especially in primers-they don't allow your skin to breathe.  There are dimethicone & cone free primers out there!
• Steer clear of skincare products by cosmetic company's (Mac for example).  Most have skin conditioning ingredients  to make skin look soft and smooth but with no real benefits.  Also they have the tendency to clog pores with synthetic ingredients, dimethicone, silicones, 'cones'.
• Pick a great everyday SPF unlike greasy traditional SPF.  Murad has fantastic spf's: Acne/Oily-Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizing SPF 20. Aging skin: Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30. Sun Damage: Essential C Day Moisture SPF 30.  
• A balanced diet can truly change your skin.  Eliminate fast food, fried food, processed food.  Juicing does wonders for the skin as well as fresh fruits and fish (omega fats great for anti aging).  Acne prone folks: follow the above statement and try and eliminate dairy, it has been shown to clear skin up.  I worked at a frozen yogurt ship for 3 years-after I left my skin cleared up (sugar too.)
• Give your skin a nice boost with supplements.  A multi-vitamin and Green tea for everyone. Aging skin: Fish Oil,antioxidants: Pomegranate extract.  Acne prone skin: Zinc, B vitamins, yellow dock, burdock, antioxidants..Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Supplement hits all the marks.  L-lysine promotes healthy skin, heals skin (acne) and promotes collagen production.