Howard Murad's Blog, page 25

Acne Awareness Month

Since June is Acne Awareness Month, we rounded up all of our best acne-related blog posts and videos to share with you in one convenient spot. Here you will find information on what causes acne, the most effective ways to treat it, and great advice on how to prevent new breakouts from the expert himself: Dr. Murad.

Acne Q & A with Dr. Murad. In five fun, informative videos, Dr. Murad answers the most common acne questions.

Exercise and Acne. Learn why exercise is great for your skin and the important steps to take to protect it before, during, and after working out.

Back to Basics: Understanding the Different Types of Acne.  In this post, you will learn that there are 11 different types of acne. Remember, the best treatment plans for acne take into consideration the specific type of acne you have.

Tips and Tricks to Help Reduce the Chances of Acne Breakouts.  From what you eat and drink, to stress management, to clean pillowcases, this post offers eight great tips to help keep your skin looking its best.

What to Do About Acne Spots and Scarring. In this post’s video interview, Dr. Murad explains what types of ingredients and treatments work best to diminish acne dark spots and scarring.

The Acne-Fighting Power of Salicylic Acid.  This post explains the power of Salicylic Acid, and why it’s Dr. Murad’s choice for treating acne.

Overcoming Acne, A Personal Story. In this video, Murad’s Director of New Product Development, Kristen Robinson, shares her experiences with her battle with acne, and how after countless trips to dermatologists and dozens of prescriptions that didn’t work, she found a solution.

The post Acne Awareness Month appeared first on Face Forward.

Meet the Murad International Team

Our products are sold in more than 40 countries around the world, so that means we have a lot of globetrotters on our International Team. They help grow the Murad brand and communicate Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® philosophy in all corners of the world. And along the way, they get to experience new cultures, enjoy delicious cuisines, and take in magnificent sites. Here, we introduce you to three members of the team, the first part in the three part series.

Olia Botchev, Vice President, Murad International

I am responsible for the development of our international strategy, capturing opportunity around the world, strengthening brand equity and market share, and ensuring sustainable growth.

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

I love to travel, build lasting relationships with our partners, and share Dr. Murad’s vision across the globe. Whether I am in Malaysia, Mexico or Denmark, it is always amazing to see the passion for the brand and the Inclusive Health® philosophy, which transcends any culture and border, connecting us in a deeper, authentic way to Murad. I am also continuously inspired by our International Team. They are true Murad ambassadors who work long hours to support over 42 countries in virtually every time zone!

What languages besides English do you speak?

Bulgarian and Russian

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

I have traveled to 32 countries. My favorite country to visit is Italy. The combination of rich cultural heritage, unique scenery and superb cuisine make Italy simply irresistible.

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

I would recommend Enoteca Pinchiorri, which is a Michelin 3-Star restaurant in Florence serving my favorite Italian dish, black truffle risotto, which, in the summer, I like to pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio.

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

From the Coliseum, to the Venice Canals and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are so many iconic attractions in Italy that it is hard to recommend one. If I must pick, I would say scenic Lake Como.

[Bulgarian translation]
От Колизеума, дo Венецианскuтe канали и Наклонената кула в Пиза, има толкова много емблематични забележителности в Италия, че е трудно да се препоръча една. Ако аз трябва да избeра, бих казалa живописното езеро Комо.

Thomas Smith, Director, International Marketing

I am responsible for marketing Murad and our skincare brands, and communicating Dr. Murad’s message of Inclusive Health® to over 40 countries around the globe.

[French translation]
Je suis responsable du marketing internationale et de communiquer le message de Docteur Murad et son concept de “Inclusive Health” à plus de 40 pays autour du globe .

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

As a skin cancer survivor, to me, skincare is personal. Or as Dr. Murad says, “Skincare is healthcare.” So to be able to spend my life’s work promoting something that is so near and dear to my heart is a real blessing.

What languages besides English do you speak?

French

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

For Murad, I am greeted with such enthusiasm and hospitality across the globe that it is really hard to choose. That would be like choosing a favorite child! Every market presents such unique opportunities and excitement. I tend to get bored easily so working with so many different cultures keeps me satisfied. When I travel personally, I like to go to places where my cell phone doesn’t get good reception! Recently, Cambodia, Iceland and Morocco.

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

Oh, that’s easy. Go to the restaurants where the locals eat. My best place of 2015 is Genevieve’s in Siem Reap, Cambodia. That simple, local meal was pure exaltation. Stuffed; positively stuffed.

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

Angkor Wat is a bucket list item. It is one of the most extensive religious ruins in the world, and despite the throngs of tourists, it is still a wondrous and magical place to behold.

Miranda Koepke, Senior Manager, International Marketing

I am a brand ambassador for Murad and its international accounts, with a focus on professional and perfumery businesses.

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

I get to experience many different areas of sales and marketing. I help provide insight and feedback for new product launches and marketing calendars, new product forecasting, and product sales analyses. Every day is different and challenges me both personally and professionally. You have to be able to understand the diversity of each market. We develop programs, support as resource tools and understand that one size does not fit all for everyone.

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

I’ve traveled to Belgium, Canada, Croatia, France, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand. Italy has captured my heart with its food, wine and hospitality. As a self-proclaimed “foodie” and wine aficionado, I love the variation as you travel through the different regions. The Amalfi Coast was always my number-one place to visit, and it far exceeded my expectations. The small town charm, hospitable locals and breathtaking vistas have yet to be topped.

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

Anywhere; it’s Italy! If you are in Rome, the side streets off the Piazza Navona are charming, quaint and authentic. Any place you pick, you can’t go wrong. If visiting Positano in Amalfi, Music on the Rocks is a lively, chic place for drinks.

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

The Coliseum. The history and preservation of this landmark is captivating.

 

Coming up on the blog, meet more members of our Murad International Team (including one who’s traveled to 33 countries). From fashion in Hong Kong to the best soufflé in Paris, find out about their unique adventures as they explore new cultures and expand the Murad brand.

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ALIVE with Joan Lunden

We are so thrilled to report that after a year-long battle with triple negative breast cancer, Joan Lunden, a dear friend of the entire Murad family, is cancer-free. Now, she’s enjoying her new role as an advocate for other women with cancer. And there’s more great news. Joan has started a new online television channel called “ALIVE with Joan.” This new channel will focus entirely on programming related to breast cancer and women’s wellness. Here’s a little bit about it.

ALIVE is the first online TV channel of its kind: a channel focused specifically on women surviving from and living with breast cancer, and their circles of support. This channel is also for every woman who wants to prevent cancer and live a healthy life. ALIVE is a welcoming community providing a constant sense of connection for millions of women who might have felt they were going through the journey alone.

ALIVE is produced by TAPP Media, the subscription video platform operated by Jeff Gaspin, former Chairman of NBCU Television and Jon Klein, former President of CNN/U.S. As one of the most trusted and admired women in America, Joan combines her skills as a renowned journalist with the insights of a patient and survivor. She serves as an informed, approachable guide through the often-bewildering world in which newly diagnosed patients find themselves.

ALIVE launched on June 3, during the week of Joan’s first anniversary of her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer.

The channel is available on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It streams over the Internet like Netflix. Subscribers get new content daily, delivered over-the-top to any device and available on-demand. Content like:

The newest and most cutting-edge research, emerging therapies, and technology
Inspirational Stories of survivors, caregivers, and clinicians
Celebrity interviews
“Ask Me Anything” – ask Joan anything and she’ll hunt down the answer
Interactive video chats with Joan and experts in the breast cancer field
Behind the scenes access as Joan crisscrosses the country going to cancer events
The basics of breast cancer
Coaching sessions on fitness, nutrition, and beauty
And more!

Plus, ALIVE’S charter partners- Susan G. Komen and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation – facilitate access to leaders in the field and inspiring survivors, and contribute compelling content from their vast libraries. Ford Motor Company’s #MoreGoodDays Campaign has also joined as a partner celebrating their Warriors in Pink.

You can join the ALIVE community for free for two weeks. After that, Joan will donate fifteen percent of subscription fees ($9.95/month or $99.95/year) to breast cancer research.

We know ALIVE will be a huge success. Joan is also preparing for the publication of her new book, “Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival,” which comes out in September.

 

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Join Us for a Murad/Massage Envy Twitter Party

Do you have any summer skincare questions? Murad’s Senior Manager of Esthetics, Hyang Joo, is teaming up with Massage Envy on Tuesday, June 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (PDT). Tweet your summer skincare questions using #SummerGlowQA to get answers.  Click here for more information and to RSVP.

As an extra incentive to join, several prizes will be given away to participants who tweet questions with the hashtag #SummerGlowQA.

Be sure to RSVP!

The post Join Us for a Murad/Massage Envy Twitter Party appeared first on Face Forward.

Enjoy the official start of summer

June 21st is this year’s summer solstice, marking the official first day of the season and the longest day of the year.

Summertime means freedom from school obligations for both children and parents, which makes it an ideal time to plan activities for the whole family to enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle, renew and refresh our minds and bodies. Here are four things that almost everyone can do to make the most of summer.

Take Time Off.

Getting out of your daily routine is one of the best things about summer. Vacations are a great way to rechargeour spirits, bodies and minds. Even a short trip – like an extended weekend – can reduce stress and give you a fresh perspective on life.
Enjoy Nature.

Grab a hat, some sunblock, some water rich foods and head to one of your favorite summer spots. Don’t forget to use plenty of sunscreen and reapply every few hours.
Summer produce.

Produce is at its peak in the summertime. So don’t miss out on the most delicious selection of fresh fruits and vegetables of the entire year! Take advantage of the bountiful sweet corn, juicy peaches, fresh tomatoes and cool slices of watermelon. Check out what your local farmers market has to offer.
“Me time.”

You know that pile of books on your nightstand? Read one. Summer is the perfect time to lose an entire day simply reading a book. And while you’re at it, unplug. Step away from your cell phone, laptop and social media accounts and go enjoy the sunshine. Go on a yoga retreat or book a spa treatment. Set aside some time this summer to take care of the most important person in your life: you.

We hope you enjoy the bright days and warm nights of summer. From all of us here at Murad, have a happy, healthy and safe summer.

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Hydrating Avocado Salsa

This recipe is specially developed to keep your skin hydrated and supple. It will encourage you to Live Better by providing your body with high-quality nutrition without needlessly stressing about food choices.

Serve with hydrating vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, celery, radishes, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, carrots, sweet bell peppers and apples. (Serve chilled)

1 medium avocado, chopped into medium-sized chunks
½ bunch cilantro, chopped finely
3 to 4 tomatoes, chopped into small cubes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Pinch of reduced-sodium sea salt to taste.

For more healthy recipes visit: http://www.murad.com/eathealthy

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Happy Father’s Day

Fathers play so many important roles in our lives. They protect us and provide for us; they teach us; they share their strength, wisdom and kindness.

From all of us at Murad to father’s everywhere, we wish you a happy, healthy Father’s Day.

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That Dirty Little Secret – Cellulite

By Jen Harmatz, Murad Director of National Retail Education

You are sitting with a few of your closest girlfriends having an intense, whispered conversation. Someone walks by, talking immediately stops and then one of you changes the subject.

It seems like whenever people have a conversation about cellulite, it’s often hidden in back rooms. Cellulite is one of those things that women desperately want to understand but don’t want to talk about out in the open. It’s time to put it right out there for all to see, dimples and all.

Today we will discuss the truth about cellulite and address some of women’s most commonly asked questions about it.

What is cellulite?

There are 2 types of body fat: normal fat and subdermal fat. There are many layers within the skin before you get to the muscle underneath. Normal fat lives closest to the muscle and is the fat that is burned when you increase your exercise and change your eating habits. This type of fat does not contribute to cellulite. Subdermal fat consists of buoyant fat cells that have been pushed closest to the dermis. They live in a different layer within the skin and cannot be burned as fuel. We have control over the normal fat, but we have almost no control over the subdermal fat. When the outermost layers of our skin, the dermis and epidermis, are weakened, then that subdermal fat presses against the outer layer of skin, becoming visible cellulite.

Cellulite has nothing to do with whether or not you need to shed a few pounds. The truth of the matter is we cannot affect cellulite with diet or exercise. I know, I know; I was upset when I first learned this, too. But stick with me, because pretty soon I will give you some tips on what we can do about it.

Why do we get cellulite?

Hormones play a big factor in why we get cellulite. We know the cases of men having cellulite are rare. This is due to the lower levels of estrogen in men. Women who have estrogen levels that flux significantly can have a greater tendency to cellulite. It can also be because, not only do men generally have a thicker dermis than women, but also their connective tissue forms bands that crisscross. Women’s connective tissue forms bands that are vertical. These vertical bands make women’s skin more susceptible to damage caused by the environment and aging.

When the outer layer of our skin starts to weaken, we start to see cellulite appear. Imagine a tightly woven basket; see all the different bands of fibers interlaced with no gaps between them. This is what healthy skin looks like; with the fibers being the connective tissue and skin cells woven together tightly to protect your body from the outside elements. Now imagine that same basket with several of those bands of fibers missing. We see gaps and holes where things can slip in or out. This is unhealthy, damaged skin. When you have those gaps in the skin, the buoyant cells that make up cellulite start to push up against that outer layer of skin. So instead of smooth, firm skin, we see texture and dimples.

We don’t know 100% why some women get cellulite and others don’t. Genetics certainly plays a role. We all love our moms, but we don’t need EVERYTHING passed down from them. Chances are if your mom and grandmother have cellulite, then you could too.

What can we do about cellulite?

First things first. You need the outer layer of skin to be stronger. We can do this through nutrition with a powerful multivitamin. You want it to be bursting with amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin B and trace minerals. Try Murad’s Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack to get all the essential vitamins you need to keep skin looking its best.

Another way to strengthen the skin is to add foods like pomegranates, lecithin, ginger, flax seed, lean meats, goji berries, cabbage, green beans, arugula, grapefruit and avocados to your diet.

Try dry brushing. Make sure to get a long-handled brush made out of vegetable fibers so you can reach everywhere. Do this on clean, dry skin in the morning before you shower. Start at your feet, moving the brush in circular motions and work your way up the body. Remember to do your back, too (hence the long handle). Doing this will stimulate the blood, remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth, ultimately helping the skin to be healthy and strong.

Deep-tissue massage can be beneficial in helping tissue to be longer and smoother. You can massage areas that have cellulite yourself once or twice a day to minimize the appearance of lumps and dimples. This will improve blood flow and encourage water drainage.

Try body creams with ingredients like oat and algae extracts, goji berry, guarana, caffeine, grapefruit and mandarin orange oils, and horse chestnut. These ingredients help to firm, tone and tighten the appearance of skin.

Every body is different, so try a combination of several of the above tips to find what works best for you. To see the most significant difference, attack cellulite from several different angles.

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 That Dirty Little Secret – Cellulite appeared first on Face Forward.

How Jeremy Casebeer Helped Stop Oil Drilling in His Community

Pro Beach Volleyball player Jeremy Casebeer is a big supporter of the Murad brand and embraces Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy. He’s also very passionate about giving back to his community. Jeremy became involved with an environmental movement that helped defeat a proposed oil drilling operation in Hermosa Beach, California. We asked him to tell us a little bit about it.

“I became involved with Keep Hermosa Hermosa (KHH) almost three years ago,” Jeremy explains. “KHH is a non-profit started by a group of local residents who were concerned about a proposed oil drilling operation in the heart of Hermosa Beach, just blocks from the ocean, schools, homes and businesses.”

A large oil company, E&B Natural Resources, was seeking to put more than 30 oil wells on just over one acre of land in Hermosa Beach, and drill out into the Santa Monica Bay. Jeremy says he knew he had to get involved.

“When I met the founders of KHH and heard what was happening, I wanted to help in any way possible,” Jeremy tells us. “I studied Environmental Science at UCLA and had been living in Hermosa since graduating. I couldn’t fathom a drilling operation literally 100 yards from where I was living! I was keen to help out in any way possible. I helped raise awareness through social media, speaking to members of our community about the project, and representing KHH on the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals).”

On March 3rd of this year, the measure went before voters and was overwhelmingly defeated. Jeremy says it was a really good feeling to know his community banded together to make a difference.

“’It was impressive to see KHH begin as a few concerned neighbors, progress into a community wide movement that successfully defeated an oil company spending millions on their campaign.”

What a great story, thank you for sharing it with us Jeremy. It’s amazing what can happen when neighbors unite and dedicate themselves to the greater good. To everyone out there devoted to making a difference, thank you for making it #BetterEveryDay.

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Skincare and Shaving: Pro Tips for Men

Men’s skincare is totally different than women’s skincare. The daily need to combat razor burn and ingrown hairs from shaving requires a specific regimen. Our Murad Man products keep things simple. Follow these four easy steps to achieve the perfect shave:

Use a pre-shave exfoliator.
Apply Cleansing Shave, a cleanser/shaving cream.
Apply Razor Burn Rescue®, a post-shave razor burn treatment.
Follow up with Face Defense®, a moisturizer with SPF.

Our team put together this helpful infographic to explain the benefits. Pin it to your Pinterest account to save for future reference!

This daily regimen is a soothing and effective combination suitable for all skin types. And it will ensure that your next shave is nice and smooth! Check out our Murad Man skincare products for healthy, bump-free skin.

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