Today I was invited to try a Murad facial at its treatment room located in House Of Fraser, Intu Metro Centre, Gateshead.

Murad is an American skincare brand that was founded in 1989 by dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. The products are all based on using the best of science to get measurable results and there are prescriptive ranges designed for anti-ageing, blemish control, environmental protection, deeper wrinkles, discolouration and dark spots and a range specifically for men. I was particularly excited by the anti-aging blemish range because now at 35 I realise how important it is to look after your skin (better late than never I suppose).

I arrived at the Murad counter and was greeted by Sarah who asked me to fill in a medical form. I already knew I was having the AHA Rapid Exfoliator Anti-Ageing Facial which is a glycolic peel which gives incredible anti-ageing results, for healthier and younger-looking skin.

Sarah led me to the treatment room which presents itself with dark walls and dim lighting, giving me an instant relaxed feel. I removed my top, took down my bra straps and got comfy under the thick quilt on the bed.

After cleansing my skin, Sarah then prepped my skin with salicylic acid and then applied a glycolic peel along with a lip balm to protect the lips. She warned me that it may tingle and checked to make sure my skin felt OK while the active ingredients started work. Different people’s skin reacts in different ways; on a scale of 1 to 10 from normal to painful I was at a 1, there was virtually no tingle even. While the peel was working I was treated to a arm and hand massage.

After removing the peel, next up was the clarifying mask. It was very cool and calming. The mask was left for around 5 minutes. After Sarah removed the mask she applied a top layer of cream and my treatment was complete.

Murad is a prescription facial prescribed to treat a number of different skin problems. Please don’t book in with Murad if you are wanting a full on relaxing facial. Murad facials are done with the consultant wearing gloves to protect their hands as they do numerous facials per day and the acid would not be kind to their skin if they were to expose their hands to every treatment. Murad also don’t use the hot towels etc you would come to expect from a relaxing facial either. Do not let this put you off, I was actually relaxed and the thought of having prescription skincare working on my skin to help claw back the years filled me with glee.

Check out the other facial treatments Murad offer also!!!

My first visit to Murad, where I discovered the youth cam can be found here

To book this facial call 0191 4938869

Facial Cost : £55