Murad Acne and Anti-Aging Solutions Kit review

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What can I say about skin? It’s something you definitely take for granted until it’s marred. If you’re blessed with clear, smooth, unblemished skin, you probably don’t think about it much. But for some of us, it’s something that’s always in the back of your mind.

Even though I know they’re Photoshopped, I always stare enviously at the girls in the magazines with their beautifully smooth skin. The hyperpigmentation and icepick scars that I have from facial acne make me want to put a paper bag over my head.

I’ve been struggling with acne for over a decade now. I have to admit, it’s a pretty depressing realization. The struggle against my skin has had milestones that stand out in my memory as much as the memories of the first boy who had a crush on me in 5th grade and the day I graduated from college. I didn’t realize until I was in my twenties that I was actually warm toned–for years I’d thought my chronically acne prone skin was cool toned because of the redness. I’ve tried so many treatments I’ve lost count, so I was a little nervous when I received the four piece Murad Acne and Aging Skin Solution Kit ($45) to test.

My skin is quite temperamental and I was in the midst of massive stress-induced breakouts, but I also figured that this would be the best time to try it out. The set comes with four larger than average trial-sized products:
• Time Release Acne Cleanser
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer
• Anti-Aging Acne Moisturizer SPF 20
• Acne Spot Treatment (the kit we found for sale replaces this with Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control)

These products use a combination of active ingredients to treat acne and signs of aging. The Time Release Acne Cleanser and Anti-Aging Acne Moisturizer contain salicylic acid to treat blemishes. The Acne & Wrinkle Reducer contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. The Acne Spot Treatment contains sulfur to clear up current breakouts.

After a month of using Murad’s Acne Anti-Aging Skin Solutions Kit, I did notice an improvement in my skin. I had fewer breakouts and my skin was less inflamed. The cleanser was refreshing and the Acne & Wrinkle reducer did seem to help my skin look better.

PROS:
-Good way to try out all four products.
-Convenient travel sizes.

CONS:
-Three of the four products have added fragrance, and the fourth smells like eggs due to the sulfur.
-Moisturizer leaves a slightly heavy feel on the skin.
-Price seems a bit high for the quantity of product.

If you have minor signs of aging and acne, this is a great set. It’s gentle enough to avoid irritation, but potent enough to effectively treat blemishes and wrinkles.

we heartsters, do you have a favorite Murad product? Let us know!

Marilyn is a makeup maniac and slow but stubborn runner. She loves color coding her day planner, reading celebrity gossip and drinking good wine. Marilyn blogs about makeup and fitness over at her blog, Lipgloss and Spandex.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also may contain an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.