Howard Murad's Blog, page 23

Free to Be Happy and Healthy

Summer is traditionally a time to celebrate freedom. Here in the U.S., we honor our tradition of political freedom on July 4 with a national holiday for Independence Day, but people all throughout the Northern Hemisphere feel a spirit of freedom in the air throughout the summer months. The combination of warmer temperatures, extra hours of daylight, lighter work schedules and a recess for most schools gives us freedom to explore new places and new possibilities for personal growth. And it’s not surprising if you feel healthier and happier in this season of freedom—most people do.

What you may not realize is that there are real and tangible psychological and physiological factors which feed the summer boost to our mood. Extra summer daylight and the brighter quality of that summer light both have a direct effect on the production of hormones that regulate our moods and our waking and sleeping cycles. This hormonal effect may be part of the reason people report fewer episodes of depression during the summer months. The free time that comes with extra daylight hours and lighter summer schedules also gives us an opportunity to relax and have some “me time” to try and recover from the chronic Cultural Stress® that can burden us and erode our health and sense of well-being.

I strongly encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to unwind by truly unplugging, at home and on vacation. I also encourage you to heal your spirit and body by behaving like a child during your free time by letting go of unreasonable expectations and negative thinking. And if you are planning to take a family vacation, please take to heart the following advice “be imperfect; live longer.” Don’t fall into the trap of pressuring yourself to deliver an ultimate vacation experience for the whole family. Try not to over-plan and try to let everyone have an age-appropriate amount of input—it will be less stressful for all concerned if the agenda represents a family collaboration instead of a parental imposition. I hope you have a wonderful summer with many memorable moments and that the health and happiness you rediscover this summer will stay with you throughout the year.

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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Clear Skin Boot Camp

Your 7-Day Guide to Clearer, Beautiful Skin

Using the right products for your skin type is essential, but as Dr. Murad says, a total-body approach is the best way to achieve clearer, beautiful, glowing skin. This means combining the most effective Murad treatment products with eating right, exercising, and carving out “me time” to reduce stress.

If you have a big day coming up or just want to start fresh, try our 7-day Clear Skin Boot Camp. Our team put together this fun and informative infographic that is aligned with Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® philosophy to help you with your daily health and skincare regimen.

Pin it to your Pinterest profile to save for future reference! #itsallclear

If you follow our 7-day Clear Skin Boot Camp regimen, you will see a difference in how clear your skin looks and how good you feel. Murad Acne treatment products help clear existing blemishes while also fighting future breakouts. And be sure to let us know what you think about Dr. Murad’s Clear Skin Smoothie! Because clear skin is beautiful. #itsallclear

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How to Get Past Five Common Weight-Loss Roadblocks

By Darren Becket, Health and Fitness Expert, Personally Tailored Fitness

You’ve started working out. You’re eating right. You’re losing weight and feeling good. Then . . . something happens. You’ve hit a roadblock, and it feels impossible to regain momentum. Here are five common roadblocks I’ve seen clients face time and time again — and five ways to overcome them.

You’re in a Constant State of Stress

Studies show that the body holds onto weight if it is stuck in a frequent state of stress. It may seem counterintuitive, but rest after long spurts of exercise can help the body burn fat. In addition to your regular workout routine, make time for a restful massage, a stroll in nature, a restorative yoga class or pursuits that help you relax and replenish.
Your Eating Habits are Inconsistent

For most of us, exercise alone can’t compensate for a poor diet. If you set an intention to workout three days a week, be sure to make a similar commitment to your diet. Shop ahead. Plan meals. Do you best to avoid mindless or unconscious eating. Our digestive system craves continuity and our full attention. This requires discipline. Whether you’re eating alone or with others, make consistency the focus of your attention.
You’re Bored

Have you ever made it to the gym only to lack focus and wander aimlessly from machine to machine or become so distracted by the TV show on the treadmill that you’re hardly moving? Yes, a workout plan or trainer can help. But it’s also important to choose activities that you enjoy. If treadmills don’t interest you, try a dance class. If you hate gyms, go for a hike. If working out bores you, do what the guys do: find a gym buddy and make a plan to train together.
You Don’t Have Time to Work Out Every Day

If you know that work and kids make it a major struggle to get to the gym, find ways to exercise that fit your lifestyle and routine. Turn everyday moments into mini workouts. While waiting for the coffee machine, do a set of lunges and counter push-ups. Or, before you jump in the shower, complete a set of squats and torso rotations. Movement every day is the key.
You Set the Bar Too High

Often, we start our weight loss journey by committing to short-term goals that are beyond the scope of our fitness experience. Most of our weight loss role models are paid actors who spend hours at the gym building and maintaining their chiseled bodies. Have patience. Commit to consistently and reasonably working at achieving your goals, and this too will all be yours.

Darren Becket is a health and fitness expert who loves helping people step into their potential for greatness. He works closely with clients to create unique programs to meet each individual’s needs.  Personally Tailored Fitness includes personal training, massage therapy, stress management and nutritional services.

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How is Teen Acne Different from Adult Acne?

Patients with adult acne often ask Dr. Murad if their breakouts are just new incarnations of the acne that they struggled with as teens. To help explain the key differences between these two types of acne, and the two distinct approaches to treatment, our education team put together this helpful infographic. Pin it to your Pinterest account to save for future reference!

We have a variety of adult acne products that fight blemishes and wrinkles simultaneously. Check out our line of Anti-Aging Acne products for clear, younger-looking skin.

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Adventures in Good Health

Summer is high season for vacation travel, which can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures.

We’ve all heard the ancient maxim, “travel is broadening.” New places, faces and foods certainly stimulate our senses, and there is nothing like looking at the local newspaper while you visiting a new city to help shake off that home-centric perspective.

But I believe the benefits of travel are more than just intellectual. I think there can be emotional benefits as well. For example, while there may be certain stressful challenges involved in travel, it’s a healthy stress that actually energizes you to help you focus on overcoming obstacles. Each little challenge you meet, from finding your way to your hotel to ordering off the menu in a foreign language, gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It’s why travel stress is really the opposite of unhealthy, chronic Cultural Stress®, which keeps you constantly overstimulated, taxes every system in your body, robs you of productive energy and makes it hard to focus.

To make sure that you get the most out of your travels, remember that a vacation from your ordinary work, school or home duties shouldn’t mean a vacation from healthy habits you practice as part of an Inclusive Health® lifestyle. Plan for your travels with TSA-approved sizes of your favorite skincare products, including a strong SPF for your day tours, to make sure you look your healthy best. Be mindful of your food choices so that your body has high-quality nutrition, which is the key to living well. Last but not least, try not to over-plan so that you have enough time to take care of yourself and get the sleep you need to feel better and see the world with fresh eyes every day.

One last tip—keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. The same simple protocols that can help keep you safe at home during cold and flu season can help you on the road. Airplanes, airports, trains, cabs, elevator and ATM buttons, even restaurant menus are common collection points for the sorts of organisms that can ruin your trip.

I hope your summer gives you a chance to be well-traveled and to travel well.

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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Meet the Murad International Team – Part 2

We’re proud that our products are now sold in over 40 countries and proud of the hard work and dedication of the Murad International Team that has made our world-wide expansion possible. Let’s meet three more members of this talented and passionate team. They’ve got some great tips on what to see and where to eat in Paris, Hong Kong and Vancouver.

Susan Cheng, Senior Manager, International Analytics

I do analysis, forecasting, and planning for our International business, as well as order management to ensure that our countries are equipped with the inventory they need to run their businesses.

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

I love our International team! Not only is it diverse, but all of our personalities are different so we keep each other on our toes. There is never a boring day in International; we always have fun!

What languages besides English do you speak?

I speak Cantonese fluently. I can also carry on a Spanish conversation if necessary since I studied it for 4 years.

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

I have traveled to China (Guangzhou and Hong Kong), Canada (Vancouver), Jamaica, Mexico (Cancun), Turkey (Istanbul), and Italy (Sardinia). Hong Kong is my favorite so far because it is very easy to get around and the shopping is great! You can find one-of-a-kind fashionable pieces at bargain prices.

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

If you love hot dogs like I do (I prefer hot dogs over hamburgers), I recommend trying Japadog in Vancouver, Canada. This is a street food truck located in downtown. I’m an American born Chinese, so growing up my palate consisted mainly of Asian flavors. Hot dogs are popular in the US, but Japadogs (stems from Japan) beef up your traditional hot dog with Asian flavors like teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, special soy sauce, rice, tempura, just to name a few. My ultimate favorite is the Kurobata Terimayo hotdog. The juicy kurobata sausage elevates the flavors of the terimayo sauce and is topped off with shredded seaweed. Definitely a must try!

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

I recommend seeing The Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China at night. It is a beautiful and colorful, twisted freestanding structure that is the third tallest tower in the world. It’s known to locals as a lady with its cinched waist in the middle and dazzling display of multi-colored rainbow lights that change nightly. There are many activities you can do inside the tower. You can climb the tower, enjoy the 360 view of the city, do a glass skywalk if you’re not afraid of heights (just don’t look down!), dine in one of their restaurants, get on the world’s highest Ferris wheel; AND, if you’re DARING enough, go on a mega drop to experience a 30 meter fall in a few seconds. Just brace yourself and be sure to go prepared with courage, a smile, and of course your camera!

Ada Yan, Retail Project Manager

I manage the openings and retail operations of all MuradSpace counters.

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

Exploring other cultures, which allows me to better understand international business.

What languages besides English do you speak?

Cantonese.

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

Italy, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia. My favorite place is Hong Kong because I love the face-paced, fashion forward lifestyle. Not to mention, the food is amazing!

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

The outdoor alleyway restaurants on Mong Konk Street.

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

Sai Kung is great place to catch live seafood and the chefs cook it right on the premises.

Denise Shamlian, Director International Education

I do curriculum development and in-field retail for training our International Murad Trainers.

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

Being part of the Murad International Team is the most rewarding part for me. We are a melting pot of talent with a healthy supply of travel size Murad skincare products.

What languages besides English do you speak?

I can speak about cleansers, treatments and moisturizers in more than a few different languages, however Armenian, French and Spanish are my strongest.

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

I have traveled to 33 countries and 5 continents. All of them have their own beauty and it is really hard to pick just one. However, out of all of them, France remains one of the most beautiful I have visited.

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

Le Soufflé. A little French restaurant in Paris where every course is a soufflé. It’s heaven!

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

The Eiffel Tower.

Thank you Ada, Denise and Susan for sharing your travel stories with us. In the next segment in this series, we’ll meet more members from the International Team. We’ll follow them from Mexico’s Oaxacan pyramids to Italy’s Cinque Terre as as they bring the Murad brand to the world. In case you missed it, read more about the team in Part 1 of the series.

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Allow Yourself to Have a Transformation

“Give yourself an opportunity to have a transformation.”

For many, this is not as simple as it sounds.

Most of the key positive changes in our lives come about as the result of personal transformations. These transformations don’t just happen by themselves. We have to be open to them and to all the possibilities that they represent.

Virtually every aspect of my own personal and business success has been based on the fact that I was open to significant change. For things to get better in your life, you have to be willing to allow yourself to take a chance.

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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Which Murad SPF Product is Right for You?

Just like there are different moisturizers for different skin types (dry, oily and combination), the same goes for SPF products. There are a few easy questions you can ask yourself to figure out which Murad suncare product is right for you.

Is your skin shiny?
Is your skin dry?
Do you have sunspots?
Do you want to protect your skin and prime it for makeup?

How you answer these questions will determine which products will work best for you. Our team put together this handy flow chart to help you. Pin it to your Pinterest profile to save for future reference!

So which of our 5 bestselling suncare products is right for you? And remember, the key to anti-aging skincare is prevention. Our Murad sun protection products, as part of an Inclusive Health® lifestyle, will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin that’s #BetterEveryDay.

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July is UV Safety Month

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared July UV Safety Month. The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., but there are other complications from overexposure to the sun as well. These include eye problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles and leathery skin.

Summer is here—and it’s HOT—so the key is protection. This is a great time to remind you about Murad’s “5 S’s of Sun Sense.”

Slip on clothing to keep your body protected.
Slop on sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body.
Slap on a hat to keep your scalp, neck and top of your head protected.
Seek the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.
Slide on protective eyewear to keep your eyes sun-safe.

Something else we’re doing here at Murad to raise awareness about sun protection is our Shade America™ campaign. 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, #ShadeAmerica will help protect a new sun-smart generation from sun damage and skin cancer. Through sales of our Sun Safety Set, Murad will donate $125,000 to the American Academy of Dermatology to build the shade structures.

Our protect-and-correct Sun Safety Set pairs our bestselling Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 with our top sun-damage and radiance-restoration treatment, Advanced Active Radiance® Serum, in a full-size cosmetic bag featuring an original painting by Dr. Murad reproduced on fabric and printed on the inside.

The 3-piece set is $68 (a $105 value).

Two other products we want to tell you about to keep you safe from sun damage this summer are our Age-Proof Suncare products:

– Water Resistant Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

– Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

And one last bright idea: our Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum fades sun spots to restore bright, smooth skin and helps prevent environmental damage.

Hydrate, protect, and prevent aging skin as part of an Inclusive Health® lifestyle all year round, so you can have healthy, glowing skin that’s #BetterEveryDay.

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Summer Beauty Tips

Summer, like winter, requires its own special beauty and skincare tricks. Because warmer weather brings different skin concerns and inspires our desires for different looks, we’ve rounded up 8 beauty tips for radiant, healthy skin this summer.

Exfoliate. Since we’re showing off so much more skin in the summer months, we want it to be soft and smooth. Keep in mind that exfoliation reveals new skin that is more prone to sunburn. Reserve your exfoliation for the evening or for days when you aren’t heading straight from the shower to the beach.

Fight body acne. Many people are prone to acne in the summertime. If you’ve got some on your face, arms and/or back, consider an acne-fighting body wash to help clear it up.

Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors. If you’re outside all day, reapply at least every two hours; and every 80 minutes if you’re sweating or swimming. Remember, the number-one cause of premature aging is sun damage.

Stay moisturized. Moisturizing in the summer is just as important as moisturizing in the winter. Apply a light moisturizer to protect your skin from summertime drying agents like sunburns, salt and chlorine.

Fake it. There are so many sunless tanning products available now that will give you that perfect sun-kissed look—without ever being exposed to harmful UV rays. Self-tanning options include: lotions, sprays, gels, foams and bronzer powders. You can also visit a spray tan salon.

Hat head. Wearing a hat is a fun and functional way to protect your head and face from the sun’s harmful rays, and they can really ramp up your summer style. Think of your hat as an umbrella for your head! Make sure you choose something with a brim that’s large enough to keep the sun off of your face and neck.

Bold lip. The au natural lip is very popular in the summer. But we suggest mixing things up this season with a bold lip. A vivid shade, like tangerine, might sound like extra work, but a bright dash of color lets you tone down the rest of your makeup.

Hydrate. Drinking water is so important during the summer. Not only will it help clear out acne, but it will also keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. And remember, as Dr. Murad says, “eat your water” in the form of water-rich fruits and vegetables.

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