As Vice President of Product Development, Jeff Murad is responsible for product formulation, testing, regulatory compliance and packaging compatibility. He is on the board of directors for Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors (ICMAD), a group of some of the most experienced executives in the cosmetics industry. He has an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to cosmetics and skincare and we were lucky enough to ask him a few questions.
A few weeks ago, we asked our lovely Latest in Beauty members to put forward their ultimate summer skincare questions, here’s what Jeff had to say…
1) What should I put on my face before foundation to eliminate shine?
“The best product I can recommend is Murad’s Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 (£37). This will not only absorb the excess sebum throughout the day, but will also provide protection from the sun.”
2) What can you do to prepare your skin for a sunshine holiday, especially if you are coming from a colder climate?
“Infusing your body with nutritional antioxidants from raw fruits and vegetables will offer dramatic protection from the environment and in particular, free radicals caused by sun exposure. Consider taking supplements with pomegranate extract, like our Pomphenol Sunguard Dietary Supplement (£47). Taking one pomegranate extract supplement daily will increase your internal sunscreen protection by over 20% in just 2 months, helping ward off free radical damage and the increase chances of burning. Also make sure you arrive on vacation armed with a good sunscreen.”
3) How can you minimise redness after a wax?
“Following a waxing procedure with a soothing product that is infused with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Vitamin E and Chamomile Extract will greatly minimise the redness. Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum (£49) is a great product for calming stressed skin.”
4) Is there anything you can do to prevent heat rash?
“A combination of topical and nutritional antioxidants and anti-inflammatories is the best protection from heat rash. Also make sure to use a sunscreen.”
5) My spots get a lot worse when the weather is warm, why does this happen and is there anything I can do to prevent this?
“Hotter temperatures cause a greater build-up of sebum and sweat which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Make sure to clean and exfoliate your skin daily to prevent this. It’s also important to note that dehydration can trigger overproduction of sebum so ensure you are using a good moisturiser, even if your skin feels oily – and try to eat hydrating foods.”
6) I always get a shaving rash a day after I’ve shaved, what am I doing wrong?
“It is helpful to prepare the skin before shaving using exfoliating products such as Murad’s Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask (£25), or even just a hot towel or steam. This will help remove dead skin that is trapping the hairs to allow them to be shaved off more easily. Additionally a good shave cream such as Murad’s Cleansing Shave (£25) will not only exfoliate skin with enzymes but will also provide a cushion to prevent irritation from too close of contact of the razor to the skin. Following up with a soothing balm infused with anti-inflammatories will also help.”
7) My skin is very dry all year round which makes me look a lot older, I moisturise regularly so what else can I do to make sure my skin stays hydrated?
“In addition to applying a moisturiser you also want to make sure you are exfoliating your skin. If there is too much of a build-up of dead cells on the surface your skin will not only appear more dry, but any topical products you use will be less able to penetrate and hydrate the skin. Eating hydrating foods such as essential fatty acids and taking supplements that include glucosamine will also help infuse your skin with necessary hydration and stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in your skin.”
8) I am really nervous about going on holiday as I know I will have to wear a bathing suit. Is there anything I can do get rid of cellulite?
“Absolutely. Cellulite is the result of dehydration and damage to the skin’s dermis. By eating nutrients that can rebuild this tissue such as Glucosamine for collagen production; antioxidants that will prevent further damage; and hydrating agents such as essential fatty acids, your body can rebuild the dermis and prevent the subcutaneous fat from showing through as cellulite. If you combine this with a topical product that stimulates blood flow to the area of concern you will dramatically speed up these results.”
9) Do I have to wear sunscreen all the time or just when I plan on spending time in the sun?
“It is important to wear a sunscreen daily. The most damaging rays from the sun are in the UVA spectrum. These rays can penetrate through clouds and through windows and contribute to collagen degradation and skin cancer.”
10) If I accidentally get sun burnt, what can I do to minimise the effects and to soothe it?
“After you’ve been burnt it is important to use products that contain soothing anti-inflammatories such as Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum (£49), this will reduce the redness and irritation. You should also look for products high in antioxidants such as Pomegranate Extract to defuse the free radical damage caused by the sun’s rays within your skin.”
11) Is there anything I can do to reverse sun damage?
“Sun damage primarily manifests as dull skin tone, hyperpigmentation and a loss of elasticity caused by a breakdown of collagen fibres. Products that contain Vitamin C such as the new Intensive-C Radiance Peel (£49.50) can address all three of these visible signs of environmental aging at once.”
Love Murad? Don’t forget to enter Murad’s Ultimate Summer Skincare competition for your chance to WIN Murad’s Age Proof Sun Care range worth over £100! Enter HERE.
Murad products and treatments are available from leading salons and spas nationwide. For stockist enquiries and mail order call 0844 472 7050 or visit www.murad.co.uk
