Murad has been at the forefront of dermatologist-developed skincare since 1989.
Bringing a scientific approach to beauty that considers not just how our skin looks, but how we care for it. And with wedding season, summer celebrations and a calendar full of occasions approaching, we’re taking a closer look at what the brand has to offer.
Good skin preparation is about so much more than the final few days before an event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, preparing for a milestone celebration or simply looking to give your skincare routine a little more attention, the months leading up to an occasion are an opportunity to establish healthy habits and discover products that genuinely work for you. Retinol has long been a favourite among skincare enthusiasts, and with good reason. Its ability to improve skin texture, support collagen production and soften the appearance of fine lines makes it an interesting ingredient for those thinking about their skin’s long-term health.
Founded by dermatologist Dr Howard Murad, the American brand was built on a philosophy that remains particularly relevant today: skincare is healthcare. Long before wellness became an industry of its own, Dr Murad was exploring the relationship between skin health, nutrition, movement, hydration and the stresses of modern life. His approach recognises that what happens beneath the skin, and in our everyday lives, matters just as much as what we apply to its surface.
It’s a philosophy that resonates with us at Together Journal, particularly when it comes to preparing for life’s special occasions. We love the idea of approaching beauty preparations as an enjoyable part of the experience, rather than another task on an already lengthy wedding checklist.
Our editor, Greta, has recently begun trialling a selection of Murad’s skincare products, and while it’s still early days, her first impressions have been very positive. She’s particularly interested in the brand’s retinoid formulations and the opportunity to incorporate a little more targeted care into her regular beauty routine.
At the heart of the collection is the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, one of Murad’s bestselling products and a particularly interesting option for anyone considering a more focused evening skincare routine.
Its latest formulation features four retinoid components, including encapsulated retinol and a bio-retinoid booster designed to help minimise potential irritation. The combination targets concerns including uneven texture, fine lines, dullness and loss of firmness, while supporting the skin barrier. Murad reports visible improvements across ten signs of skin ageing in its clinical testing, although individual results will naturally vary.
For brides, grooms and anyone preparing for an important occasion, the key is to start early and be consistent. Retinol is not an ingredient to introduce for the first time the week before your wedding. Giving your skin time to adjust, and gradually building up usage, is a much more considered approach.
The Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream offers another way to incorporate retinol into an evening routine. Combining retinol with hydrating ingredients, including niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, it’s designed to address visible signs of ageing while helping maintain moisture. For those who appreciate a simple but effective skincare ritual, it’s an appealing addition, although there’s no need to introduce multiple retinol products at once.
And then there’s the body, something we’re particularly interested in as we head towards summer.
Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment feels especially relevant with warmer weather, weddings and celebrations on the horizon. Formulated with encapsulated retinal, a vitamin A derivative, alongside milk thistle and bearberry extracts, it targets the appearance of crepey skin, uneven texture, stretch marks and cellulite.
It’s a product that makes sense for anyone who enjoys giving their body the same attention they give their face. Think bare shoulders, open-backed dresses, sleeveless eveningwear and all those lovely summer occasions when our wardrobes become a little lighter. Of course, it’s not about achieving perfect skin, but about feeling comfortable, confident and beautifully cared for.
There’s also something to be said for the pleasure of a slower beauty ritual. Greta has received Murad’s gua sha tool to use alongside an eye cream, adding a gentle facial massage element to her routine. It’s a lovely way to introduce a few quiet minutes into the day, particularly during the sometimes hectic lead-up to a wedding or major event. While gua sha isn’t a substitute for active skincare, the ritual itself can be wonderfully restorative.
One important consideration, particularly as summer approaches, is that retinoids require a little care. Gradual introduction, evening application and consistent daytime SPF are essential. Anyone preparing for a wedding or significant event should allow plenty of time to see how their skin responds rather than experimenting with new active ingredients close to the date.
What we’re enjoying about discovering Murad is the brand’s broader perspective on beauty. Its emphasis on skin health, hydration, resilience and overall wellbeing feels particularly relevant to the way we approach beauty today. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a summer of celebrations or simply investing a little more time in yourself, there’s something appealing about a skincare routine that combines good science with the pleasure of looking after yourself.
We’ll be following Greta’s experience with the products over the coming weeks and sharing more as she gets to know the collection.
