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The Murad Method - Healthy Skin Book Information and Review



  • Hardcover - 202 pages
  • ISBN 0-312-30414-5
  • ISBN 0312304145
  • Text Copyright 2003 Howard Murad, M.D.

    Check the Murad Page for more information on Murad Sun Protection products.

    The Murad Method - Wrinkle-Proof, Repair, and Renew Your Skin with the Proven 5-Week Program - Inside Book Cover


    Since 1972, Dr. Howard Murad has been studying the effects of the environment, nutrition and lifestyle on skin and creating a skin-care program to slow the aging process. The Murad Method is the result of three decades of clinical experience treating more than 40,000 men and women as well as independent research proving the effectiveness of the program. His unique approach to skin care combines external products and internal supplements in a simple regimen that will improve the texture and look of anyone's skin.

    This book clarifies the science behind what Dr. Murad believes is the next generation of skin care, an approach based on what he calls The Water Principle. Rather than relying on a single "miracle" ingredient, this breakthrough program includes a combination of exfoliants, polyphenols and other antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory agents that enhance skin hydration.

    The Water Principle is the foundation of Dr. Murad's unique system for repairing and rejuvenating your skin. The skin is your body's largest organ, and The Murad Method is the first book to show you how its appearance directly reflects your overall health.

    The Murad Method has been clinically proven to:
  • boost hydration
  • reduce wrinkles
  • increase elasticity
  • improve sun protection


    • By following a regimen that suits your skin type and requires just five minutes, morning and night, for five weeks, you will not only counter the damage that causes aging, but actually reverse the visible signs of aging and reduce wrinkles.

    Simple, clear charts show you how to customize an anti-aging regimen for your skin type and special concerns. You can assemble your own program, using either Murad or other name-brand products. The book contains an extensive listing of products that contain the key ingredients Dr. Murad recommends in his anti-aging prescription to guide you.

    The information in this book will change the way you think about your skin - and give you the tools you need to make your skin look younger in five weeks.

    Howard Murad, M.D., is a pharmacist and board-certified dermatologist. He is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles(UCLA) and was named one of the top four dermatologists in the county by Vogue.

    Dr. Murad pioneered many of the advances widely used in skin care and dermatology. In the late 1980s he founded Murad Skin Research Laboratory and introduced the skin-care industry to over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid products. At that time, he also opened one of the country's first medically supervised day spas. Since 1992, all Murad products have contained antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Dr. Murad's discoveries that specific supplement formulas could have dramatic effects on the skin led to the introduction of Internal Skincare in 1996. Dr. Murad also continues to maintain a private practice in Los Angeles.

    Dianne Partie Lange is an award-winning health writer who is currently a health news columnist for the Los Angeles Times. A registered nurse, she is the co-author of the American Cancer Society's Informed Decisions. For ten years she wrote the "Body News" column for Allure magazine.

    		• Having worked at Murad for over 2 years, I was very excited when The Murad Method book came out because it gives other people the chance to learn more about skin care from the Murad point of view. The book is a nice opportunity for Dr. Murad( who has been practicing dermatology for over 30 years) to share his research.

    The book begins by emphasizing the importance of treating skin from the inside out. In other words, there are many internal issues that can have a negative impact on skin. The point is made early on that stress is bad for skin. [7] Since the 1980s Dr. Murad has been using his spa as a method of treating stress in patients. "I opened A Sense of Self skin care spa in 1987 in Brentwood, a Los Angeles community. It was one of the first spas to integrate health and beauty into what I called an Optimal Health Care program." [8]

    It is no secret that water is an important part of the skin. The book discusses methods of supplying the skin with water and actions that can be taken to prevent the skin from losing water. [12]

    The reciprocal relationship between the body and the skin is repeated throughout the book. "Which brings us back to my basic premise for healthy skin care. Whatever you do for the health of your skin will improve the health of your body. Whatever you do for the health of your body will improve the health - and appearance - or your skin." [14]

    The reasons for skin aging are discussed thoroughly. "It's been estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the visible signs of aging are caused by environmental injury, and that the remaining 20 percent are due to internal aging factors that we once thought to be beyond our influence." [15]

    The book reveals that smoking can cause tremendous damage to the skin. "Studies have shown that heavy smokers are nearly five times more likely to be wrinkled than nonsmokers are." [31]

    Dr. Murad reveals that besides oxygen, water is the most important substance we need. Dr. Murad's book approaches the water issue from a different angle. We have all been told that we need to drink 8 glasses of water every day. The book points out that we need to hold onto the water we consume. In other words, we need to make sure our cells keep the water by taking fatty acids and glucosamine in a supplement. [48]

    Exfoliation is an important theme in the book. One of the benefits of the exfoliation process is that circulation is improved. [70] There are many options when it comes to exfoliation. The book explicitly states that hydroxy acids have advantages over other exfoliation methods. [77]

    Free radicals are created by smog, sun, stress, poor diet, smoking and pollution. [79] These free radicals cause aging. There is a helpful diagram in the book that explains how the cells are damaged, "free radicals and inflammation damage the cell wall, allowing water and other vital contents to escape prematurely." [80] Free radicals are treated by applying antioxidants to the skin. [81] There are limits to the effectiveness of vitamin C when taken orally. Vitamin C can also be fed to the skin from the outside to help with free radicals. [83] Another topical treatment for free radicals is vitamin E. "Countless studies have been published documenting the effect of topical vitamin E in reducing free radical damage." [85]

    Excess inflammation can cause damage to the skin. The book reveals that taking aspirin and eating fish can cut down on inflammation. [94] Pomegranates can be effective in treating inflammation. "The anti-inflammatory powers of pomegranate have been well known for eons." [114]

    Dr. Murad's book reminds us that too much sun can damage skin quickly. We are reminded to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 11am and 3pm. [112] Practicing in Southern California, the doctor has treated many people who have had too much exposure to the sun. Often times people get a false sense of security from sunscreen. "Years ago I noticed that sunscreen didn't seem to be enough." [113] Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and people should make sure their diet, vitamins and supplements are up to par as well. "Using a sunscreen every day and taking a pomegranate supplement to boost its power are the critical steps of your daily regimen." [152] Tips are given for sunscreen selection. "Does it contain an antioxidant? An anti-inflammatory? A moisturizer? These ingredients do increase the cost of a product, but by using them you are also curtailing other harmful effects of sun exposure, such as inflammation, free radicals and dehydration." [153]

    The book comes full circle by reminding readers of the relationship between the mind, body and skin before closing. "In the Murad Spa, clients may have a facial not just to treat their skin but also to help them relax and benefit from being touched. A massage is another popular stress fighter." [191] The spa is repeatedly mentioned as an important part of Murad. "Eventually, I designed the Murad Spa in Los Angeles in order to fully develop my concept of inclusive skin care." [194]

    Overall the book is extremely educational. Complex scientific concepts are explained in plain English and the reader is guided through facts on a step by step basis. I would recommend the book to anyone concerned about the health, well being and appearance of their skin.

    The Murad Method - Wrinkle-Proof, Repair, and Renew Yous Skin with the Proven 5-Week Program - Praise for Dr. Howard Murad From the Back Cover

    "One of the country's best dermatologists." --Vogue

    "Dr. Murad is a true visionary and an amazing risk taker. I am always intrigued by and very impressed with his developments in skin care. He leads, others follow." --Felicia Rogawska Milewicz, Beauty Director, Glamour

    "Dr. Murad is the Deepak Chopra of skin care." --Los Angeles Magazine

    "Once you know Dr. Howard Murad, you inevitably realize he has a much deeper understanding of complete health and how it is the synergy of the whole body that creates outer beauty. I deeply respect his research, his inclusive health philosophy, and his committment to staying on the horizon of skin-care treatments. For a long time I have hoped Dr. Murad would write a book. His insight, his practice and his peacefull nature are too wonderful not so share with the world." --Cheryl Tiegs

    "Dr. Murad has literally changed the face of professional skin care. His integration of science-based concepts with the reorganization of holistic care of the skin is a true innovation. Dr. Murad's philosophy of 'not treating skin problems, but treating people with skin problems' supports his believe that 'skin care is health care.'" --Mark Lees, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Board, the Esthetics Manufacturers and Distributors Alliance of the American Beauty Association

    Murad Products

    The Appendix of the book has a Product List. The list in the book has the product category as well as descriptions. The list below just shows the products:
    Murad Refreshing Cleanser
    Murad Moisture Rich Cleanser
    Murad Clarifying Cleanser
    Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
    Murad Hydrating Toner
    Murad Clarifying Toner
    Murad Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex
    Murad Combination Skin Treatment
    Murad Skin Smoothing Treatment SPF 8
    Murad Moisturizing Acne Treatment Gel
    Murad Night Reform Treatment
    Murad Brightening Treatment SPF 15
    Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel
    Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15
    Murad Eye Treatment Complex SPF 8
    Murad Vitamin C Infusion System
    Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask
    Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum
    Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
    Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF 15
    Murad Perfecting Night Cream
    Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
    Murad Acne Spot Treatment
    Murad Perfecting Serum
    Murad Age-Balancing Night Cream
    Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15
    Murad Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 15
    Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30
    [215-232]

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