Howard Murad's Blog, page 22

Meet the Murad International Team – Part 3

When Dr. Murad first founded Murad, LLC over 25 years ago, he had no idea his skincare products would be sold in over 40 countries around the world. A lot goes into growing a successful international brand, not the least of which is a dedicated team of professionals. In part 3 of our series, we introduce you to 3 more members of the Murad International Team.

Alex Martinez, Assistant, Regulatory Affairs

I support the Senior Manager in regulatory affairs and execute the registration of our products overseas.

What’s your favorite thing about working for Murad International?

Getting to learn about different countries and being able to support our distributors.

What languages besides English do you speak?

Spanish

What countries have you traveled to, and what is your favorite and why?

Mexico has been the only country I have traveled to so far. More than anything, I enjoy both the physical and cultural atmosphere of the country.

If you could recommend one place to eat in Mexico, what would it be?

I would recommend taking advantage of the seafood in Baja California.

If you could recommend one MUST-SEE attraction in Mexico, what would it be?

I would recommend seeing the pyramids in Oaxaca.

 

Anh Nguyen, Senior Manager, Regulatory

My role is to ensure that Murad products are in compliance with U.S. and international regulations.

What’s your favorite thing about working for Murad International?

My favorite thing would be working with different countries and understanding the different restrictions.

What languages besides English do you speak?

Vietnamese

What countries have you traveled to, and what is your favorite and why?

I have visited Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada and Vietnam. My favorite would be Rome for its architecture and history. The people are friendly, and the food is amazing!

If you could recommend one place to eat in Italy, what would it be?

I recommend the gelato from Italy.

If you could recommend one MUST-SEE attraction in Italy, what would it be?

A must-see would be the Vatican.

 

Kristine Kretz, International Marketing Coordinator

I am responsible for managing creative assets, product translations, coordinating visits from international guests and distributors, coordinating conferences and event planning, and monitoring our international social media platforms.

What’s your favorite thing about working for Murad International?

I just recently joined Murad International, but I’ve already enjoyed cultivating relationships with the team as well as expanding my knowledge of international marketing.

What languages besides English do you speak?

Italian

What countries have you traveled to, and what is your favorite and why?

I’ve traveled to Italy, England and Northern Ireland. My favorite country that I have visited would have to be Italy. As I am Italian, I loved learning more about Italy’s history, seeing the beautiful sites and eating the delicious food!

If you could recommend one place to eat in Italy, what would it be?

Il Grottino in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre. They make the most amazing pesto pasta dish.

If you could recommend one MUST-SEE attraction in Italy, what would it be?

This is more of a must do! If you visit Cinque Terre, you must go hike the Cinque Terre trail and see all 5 villages that encompass Cinque Terre.

Thank you Alex, Anh and Kristine for sharing your experiences with us.  If you missed Part 1 or Part 2 of our “Meet the Murad International Team” series, we hope you’ll check it out.

And a big thank you to our entire International Team for all your hard work and dedication, and for helping to communicate Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® philosophy to all corners of the world!

The post Meet the Murad International Team – Part 3 appeared first on Face Forward.

Murad in the Media

We’re always thrilled to discover that our products have been featured in major health and beauty publications as must-haves, favorites, or recommended by the beauty editors. This summer, quite a few magazines gave a variety of Murad products shout-outs. We’re honored to be recognized in such esteemed publications and wanted to share the love with our blog readers.

Both Cosmopolitan and Shape had amazing things to say about Murad Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator. In Cosmo’s July 2015 issue, beauty editors called it an “innovative cleanser” that will give you a “killer complexion.” Get ready to wash and glow!

Shape’s June 2015 issue declared Murad Transforming Powder to be a “miracle product” to treat and heal blemishes. Beauty editors said, “The sudsy scrub dissolves grime and sloughs pore-clogging dead surface cells without irritating break-out prone skin.”

New Beauty’s Summer 2015 issue called Murad Rejuvenating AHA Hand Cream a must-have product for healing dry hands. “We love the delicate, citrusy scent. Plus, it’s not the least bit greasy.”

In the July-August 2015 issue of Dr. Oz The Good Life, beauty editors recommend Murad Acne Body Wash as one of the best body washes for people who exercise frequently and tend to break out.

In the August 2015 issue of Cooking Light, beauty editors highlighted our bestselling Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in “The Beauty Habit” section because it uses natural ingredients like cucumber extract. “This skin-blurring primer contains SPF 30 and cucumber extract to help skin retain moisture and protect against environmental harms.”

The post Murad in the Media appeared first on Face Forward.

Get the Look — Berry Lips Tutorial

Every woman should rock a bold, glossy lip now and then. It gives you confidence, and it makes a statement—not just about your makeup or your outfit, but about you. We know this look might be out of your cosmetic comfort zone, but it’s really much easier than you may think! Follow these 6 easy steps to achieve perfect #BerryLips.

Step 1: Plump the Pout

Apply a thin layer of Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips and let it absorb for 2 minutes. This will keep your lips soft and supple longer and give a plumper, fuller look.

Step 2: Line the Lips

Apply your favorite red lip liner.

Pro Tip: Fill in your entire lip with your lip liner underneath lipstick for long-lasting color.

Step 3: Show Your True Colors

Smooth on your favorite creamy, bold-colored lipstick.

Step 4: Give it a Good Gloss Over

With a lip brush, apply Soothing Skin and Lip Care over your color for a subtle sheen. This will make that bold lip pop and keep your lips hydrated longer.

Step 5: Touch it Up

With a small angle brush and your favorite powder, gently clean up the edges of your lips.

Pro Tip: A powder foundation will keep your glossy, bold lip from spreading off your lips.

Step 6: When the Party is Over

Before bed, use Renewing Cleansing Oil on a cotton pad to clean your lips. Apply Soothing Skin and Lip Care to keep your lips hydrated all night.

Our Murad beauty team put together this handy infographic to help you achieve the perfect bold, glossy lip. Pin it to your Pinterest profile to save for future reference.

Be sure to check out the benefits of Murad’s products to help you pull off a stunning bold, glossy lip, while also keeping your lips soft and supple.

SHOP THE STORY

Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips

$24.00

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Soothing Skin and Lip Care

$22.00

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The post Get the Look — Berry Lips Tutorial appeared first on Face Forward.

Look, Live and Feel Amazing This Labor Day Weekend

Summer is winding down, and it’s back-to-school time already. Labor Day weekend is our last chance to kick back, relax and enjoy summertime with friends and family. Using Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® philosophy as a guide, here are a few of our suggestions to help you Look, Live and Feel Better.

Look Better

One of the best ways to keep your skin looking as youthful as possible is to protect it with sunscreen. And since you’ll most likely be spending time outdoors this weekend, why not mix up your own custom CC cream with SPF? Skip the heavy foundation and create your own CC cream using our bestselling Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++. It’s an excellent protector, primer and treatment, and when mixed with your favorite liquid foundation, you get the blurring perfection from Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield with a hint of color to achieve a flawless, fresh-faced look. Our team put together a helpful Murad Makeup Mixology infographic, which you can pin to your Pinterest profile to save for future reference.

Live Better

The transformative power of the Inclusive Health™ lifestyle is rooted in Dr. Murad’s Principle of Cellular Water™. Dr. Murad reminds us that “eating your water” is one of the best ways to keep your cells strong, healthy and hydrated. This means incorporating 4-8 servings of raw, water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet each day.

Dr. Murad’s Avocado Salsa is a refreshing way to eat your water, and it’s the perfect dish to bring to any Labor Day party. The recipe is quick and easy, and it will help you achieve glowing skin from the inside out.

For more healthy and delicious Labor Day recipe ideas, check out the recipes submitted by Murad employees. They’ve shared some of their faves, including brownies made with spinach and a watermelon salad that is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Feel Better

This holiday weekend may be your last chance to relax and have fun with the family before everyone’s schedules start getting hectic. Head to the beach, go for a bike ride or enjoy a yoga class. If you can, try to squeeze in some “me time” by booking a massage or a facial. And be mindful during your long weekend, too, by practicing meditation, deep breathing, unplugging, and simply enjoying the present moment.

Be safe and have fun this weekend! You deserve it. And remember, if you’re going to be outdoors, wear protective clothing, including a hat, and lots of sunscreen. And be sure to take plenty of water with you wherever you go.

The post Look, Live and Feel Amazing This Labor Day Weekend appeared first on Face Forward.

Murad Fans Share Their Support for #ShadeAmerica

Our Shade America campaign is heating up, and we’re excited to be gaining new Murad fans. We’ve teamed up with the American Academy of Dermatology to shade 1 million children over the next 5 years by building shade structures in parks and playgrounds across America.

By providing shade and sun-safety education programs, Shade America™ will help protect a new sun-smart generation from sun damage and skin cancer. Following the #ShadeAmerica hashtag, we’ve read some amazing stories and seen some great pictures from fans all across the country.

“In addition to being one of the most effective skincare companies I get to work with, @muradskincare is also one of the nicest. They’re sponsoring #ShadeAmerica which will add shade structures to playgrounds across the country with a goal to protect 1 million kids from sun damage and skin cancer over the next 5 years. Shown is their bestselling Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30, Advanced Active Radiance Serum & the sunnies they sent that my girls fight over wearing constantly.” – hookedonbeauty

“Special summer delivery from @MuradSkincare! #shadeamerica” – @ryancharch

“Don’t forget the Sunscreen! #ShadeAmerica: Sun Safety w/ @MuradSkincare. It’s no secret that sun safety is essential, and far too often we neglect to use the proper sunscreen for everyday use. I’m thrilled that Murad has partnered with the American Academy of Dermatology to “shade” 1 million children within the next 5 years! This initiative will help build shade structures in parks and playgrounds across the country, keeping our kiddies safe from the harmful rays of the sun.” – @CreativelyYours

“FYI…. skin cancer is still on the rise. Lotion is not #sunscreen, you need the real stuff! @muradskincare partnered with #shadeamerica to help install more shade canopies around the country. #browngirlfriendly #blogger #bblogger #murad #skincancer #skincare #ulta” – Krissy90220

“Beautiful groundbreaking ceremony in Lafayette Park. @MuradSkincare @HeartofLA @LACityParks #shadeamerica” – Anthony Brown

For additional photos from the groundbreaking ceremony click here.

Want to get involved? Through sales of our Sun Safety Set, Murad will donate $125,000 to the American Academy of Dermatology to build shade structures across America.

This protect-and-correct Sun Safety Set pairs our bestselling SPF 30 moisturizer with our top sun-damage and radiance-restoration treatment in an exclusive, full-size cosmetic bag featuring an original painting by Dr. Murad reproduced on fabric and printed on the inside.

3-piece set: $68 (a $105 value)

Share your story with us by tagging @MuradCares and using the hashtag #ShadeAmerica, and we may repost it!

SHOP THE STORY

Shade America Sun Safety Set

$68.00

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Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

$60.00

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The post Murad Fans Share Their Support for #ShadeAmerica appeared first on Face Forward.

Introducing Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer and Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30

Here at Murad, being #BetterEveryDay is in our blood. That’s why our team is always looking for ways to improve products to bring you the best results possible for healthier, more beautiful skin. We’re excited to share that we’ve updated two of our Anti-Aging Acne products, which are formulated to fight acne, fine lines and wrinkles without over-drying skin.

Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer

Now with stronger acne and wrinkle fighters, Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer contains both Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid). Glycolic Acid is water-soluble, so it helps slough dead skin cells at the skin’s surface. Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, so it dissolves into the pore to exfoliate and help clear the pore. Together, these two ingredients are a great combination for acne fighting, helping to clear and brighten the skin. Retinol and Glycolic Acid also help to accelerate cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, we improved the texture and feel of Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer, so it absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling smooth.

Check it out here.

Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

Just in time for summer, we’ve increased the sun protection in Anti-Aging Moisturizer from SPF 20 to SPF 30. This lightweight moisturizer is a great introduction to anti-aging formulas, with Kombucha Collagen Defense®, derived from a nutrient-rich Black Tea Ferment, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What is also unique about Anti-Aging Moisturizer is that it hydrates and protects skin without feeling sticky or heavy like many sunscreen formulas tend to. Most importantly, this product is formulated to hydrate the skin without causing blemishes.

Check it out here.

 

SHOP THE STORY

Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer

$44.00

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Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

$48.00

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The post Introducing Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer and Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 appeared first on Face Forward.

Strobing with Skincare

Get the Look: Murad’s Strobing Hack

By Jen Harmatz, Murad Director of National Retail Education

Strobing is the hottest new makeup technique sweeping the beauty nation, and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

In a nutshell, strobing is an effortless way to highlight your best features. It puts the fun and simplicity back into makeup. No longer do you have to labor over intensive contouring; you can mix a couple of products together and dab them on for a quick, glowing look. Did you know you can use your skincare products to help you become a strobing goddess? Use your most hydrating moisturizer or serum underneath or on top of your makeup. Or you can customize it by mixing it into a glimmering powder. The new perfect is imperfection!

Grab your favorite glowing moisturizer or serum.
Mix 1 part of that with a pearlescent loose powder.
Apply the mixture to the high planes of your face where natural light hits.

 

Jen Harmatz is a seasoned makeup artist and skin specialist who has worked on the GRAMMY Awards and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She knows from experience that perfecting the “canvas” lets you put your best face forward. She has created education initiatives to empower people across multiple channels to improve their skin, life and overall well-being.

The post Strobing with Skincare appeared first on Face Forward.

The New Way to Contour: What is Strobing?

In addition to contouring, there’s now an easier technique to bring out your fantastic facial features. It’s called strobing, and it’s the newest trend in beauty.

Strobing is actually the opposite of contouring. It’s all about light. No dark shades are used. Strobing gives you a dewy, more youthful glow.

A “strobed” face is achieved by applying highlighter where the light would naturally hit your face, including the bridge of the nose, tip of the chin, center of the forehead, cupid’s bow, and cheekbones.

Dabbing on light, luminescent shades to these areas of the face will make your complexion look radiant, fresh, and healthy while giving you an ethereal glow. Unlike contouring, which requires more precision and time, strobing is a lot simpler and has a smaller margin of error. Plus, your skin won’t feel suffocated by layers of makeup in the summer heat.

The strobing process can even begin under your foundation with a radiance-boosting primer or an emollient moisturizer. Liquid and cream highlighters are the most popular formulas for strobing since they create a super-dewy effect. Another way to create that subtle look is to mix a shimmery pigment with your favorite hydrating serum or moisturizer.

Highlights of Strobing vs. Contouring

Contouring focuses on altering your features, strobing is all about focusing on your natural beauty.
While contouring adds lowlights and shadows in the contours of your face, strobing focuses on the high planes of your face to bring out your features with a subtle glow.
Strobing gives you a youthful and dewy look that’s far less dramatic than the contouring technique.
Strobing is easier to master than contouring (it’s less labor-intensive, too), and there’s a smaller margin of error during application.

The concept and application are so simple. So if you want a radiant complexion, that doesn’t feel heavy with makeup, give strobing a shot. It’s great for busy gals on the go who want to maintain a natural, healthy glow in the summer months.

The post The New Way to Contour: What is Strobing? appeared first on Face Forward.

Managing Rosacea and Redness

One of the most emotionally challenging skin conditions I see as a dermatologist is rosacea. With redness and bumps that can be mistaken for acne, it can lead to the same kind of feelings of embarrassment and isolation in middle-aged people as acne does in teens. Because it is a chronic skin condition with no known cause or cure, lifestyle modification and targeted, consistent, gentle skincare are essential to managing the condition.

Symptoms of rosacea typically include persistent redness on the nose, chin, cheeks or forehead and may also include small bumps or pimples; spider veins; and watery, irritated eyes. While anyone can experience rosacea, it’s a condition that most often afflicts middle-aged women with fair complexions, and it tends to run in families. A key component to managing the condition is avoiding these known triggers for rosacea flare ups:

Extreme temperatures; strenuous exercise; hot baths; saunas. Through dilation and contraction of blood vessels, the skin plays a big role in helping the body to regulate temperature. Both extreme heat and cold can cause a rapid flow of blood to the skin’s surface that causes it to flush red. In extreme heat, the body tries to dissipate heat from its core, and in extreme cold, the body tries to defend the skin and extremities from the damaging effects of cold, such as frost bite.
Hot foods; hot beverages; spicy foods; alcohol. These can all trigger dilation of the blood vessels, just like the body’s response to extreme heat.
Sunlight. UV light from the sun damages the skin both in the short term, by gradually raising the skin’s surface temperature as it burns, and in the long term, by damaging collagen, DNA, immune cells and vascular structures within in the skin. That’s why it is essential to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. An ideal choice is a gentle sunscreen with a corrective green tint to help skin look less red.
Stress, anger or embarrassment. All can cause us to flush red or go pale. Just as with extreme temperatures, the body uses the skin as a buffer to regulate spikes and drops in blood pressure that can be associated with extreme emotional states.
Topical skincare products with irritants. Rosacea-prone skin is sensitive and easily irritated. To avoid triggering flare ups, I recommend a gentle daily face wash that has been specifically formulated to be extra gentle and to help calm the skin. I also recommend treatment products with azelaic acid and soothing goji berry extract.

Even if you don’t suffer from all the symptoms of rosacea, you may find that following these general recommendations for redness management can help you with occasional episodes of tight, red or dry skin. Topical products formulated to calm rosacea-prone skin are also great for calming skin that’s been over-exposed to sun or cold weather and after cosmetic procedures that can irritate your skin, such as hair removal.

Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world renowned skincare expert and founder of the Inclusive Health movement. Click here to learn more about Dr. Murad.

 

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Redness Therapy Regimen

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Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum

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4 Recipes to Help Fight Acne

In advising us on our quest for health, Dr. Murad often advocates looking to the pantry before looking to the medicine cabinet. His observation that, “before there was medicine, there was food,” inspired us to share some recipes made with foods that can help to support your body in its fight against breakouts. If you’re struggling with an acne breakout, or trying to stay one step ahead of your next breakout, try these “inside-out” recipes for clear, healthy, hydrated skin.

Goji Berry Smoothie

A complexion composed of healthy cells can heal faster and is more resistant to infection. Goji berries are a great source of cellular building blocks, and for antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can help reduce cell damage.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 fresh or frozen medium banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.)
1/4 cup goji berries
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)

Add-ons:
1/2 tablespoon cacao powder or nibs (chocolate goes great with goji berries)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel

Directions:

Place the ingredients into your high speed blender and blend for 30-45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Recipe from HealthySmoothieHQ.com

Strawberry Pistachio Summer Salad

The pistachios and pumpkin seeds in this recipe are high in zinc, which helps alleviate inflammation and scarring caused by an acne infection.

Ingredients:

8 cups baby arugula
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
½ large avocado, diced
½ large cucumber, diced
½ cup cooked black quinoa
¼ cup raw shelled pistachios
¼ raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
dressing of choice or lemon juice & olive oil

Directions:

In a large serving bowl, gently toss all salad ingredients until well combined.
Dress with your favorite dressing or the juice of one lemon + 2 tablespoons olive oil.Serves 2.

Recipe from InMyBowl.com

Kale Chips Baked with Parmesan Cheese

Dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach help normalize the turnover of dead skin cells to help avoid blocked pores, a key factor in acne breakouts.

Ingredients:

1 bunch curly kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.
Cut kale leaves into large pieces off of their thick stems. Wash leaves and dry thoroughly.
In a large bowl, toss kale leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and salt.
Spread kale leaves out on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until leaves are crisp when shaken in pan.

Recipe from SheKnows.com

Salmon Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Don’t be afraid of oil! All skin types need healthy oils (like the salmon, eggs and avocado in this recipe) to keep complexions well-nourished and prevent skin from drying out and breaking out.

Ingredients:

For the salmon: 

4 (6 oz.) salmon fillets, deboned
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
For the dressing: 
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. low fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp. honey
1½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the salad: 

Mixed salad greens and/or lettuce (about 16 oz.)
4 hardboiled eggs, peeled
1-2 ripe avocados
Thinly sliced red onion
Sliced or quartered grape or cherry tomatoes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet skin side down. Brush top lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
For the salad dressing, combine oil, vinegar, yogurt, honey, and mustard in a small bowl. Whisk rapidly until well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice the hardboiled eggs and the avocados. Plate portions of salad greens on salad plates and top with egg, avocado, tomatoes and red onion. Remove the salmon fillets from the skin and place on top of salads. Flake or slice gently. Drizzle lightly with the mustard vinaigrette. Serves 4.

Recipe from Annies-eats.com

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