Howard Murad's Blog, page 27

Shining Light on Sun Safety

May is national Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As someone who reads up on news related to skincare and skin health, you’re doubtless practicing good sun safety. It’s likely that you’re the sort of person who books an annual skin physical with her dermatologist and gives herself a monthly skin check. But one thing about sun safety that you might not know is that as an expert on sun safety, you are in an amazing position to really spread the word in your community. Any kind of recommendation has more power to influence when it comes from someone you know and respect. So how do you create an opportunity to help friends, family and neighbors to understand the need to show their skin, and the sun, a little more respect? Try one of these “did-you-know” sound bites to start a conversation.

No single factor does more to visibly and structurally age the skin than unprotected sun exposure.
Skin cancers are the most common, most preventable and, with prompt attention, some of the most easily treated cancers.
UVA radiation, the radiation that penetrates deepest, doesn’t peak each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and each year from May to September the way that burning UVB radiation does. UVA radiation remains fairly constant all through the day and all through the year.
Just because you don’t sunburn easily doesn’t mean you can ignore the dangers of exposure to UV radiation. Skin cancers are more common in fair-skinned people, but often more deadly in people with deeper pigment. Why? Melanoma, the most lethal skin cancer, often presents itself as a dark spot that can be missed on darker skin or mistaken for hyperpigmentation.
Getting serious about sun protection is easy as 1, 2, 3.

1) Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with extra antioxidants for added protection early and often;

2) Do your best to stay out of direct sun during peak hours; and

3) Keep a hat handy for times when you need to be outside and no shade is available.
You can eat your sunscreen. There are many antioxidant rich foods that have actually been shown to improve the protective performance of topic sunscreen products. Foods in this category include pomegranates, broccoli and citrus fruits.

Sunshine is a beautiful gift and an essential element of life on our planet. Let’s help those we love to understand how to treat that beautiful gift with respect so that they can enjoy long, happy lives with good health and great skin.

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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Dr. Murad Answers Your Summer Skincare Questions on Sephora BeautyTalk

Do you have sunscreen and SPF questions? Mark your calendars, now is your chance to ask the expert. World-renowned skin health expert, Dr. Howard Murad, is teaming up with Sephora on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (PDT).

Ask Dr. Murad any sun safety related question exclusively on Sephora’s BeautyTalk. Visit this thread on June 2nd between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. PDT and he will answer you in real time.

We hope to see you there!

 

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Joan Lunden Breaks Away From Cancer

By Joan Lunden, TV Personality & Health Advocate

Ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer last June, I have been catapulted into a world of advocacy. Because of my career, I have a unique opportunity to get involved in a way that can reach many, and I decided that I HAD to do something to help others. I began to speak to women’s groups about early detection and self-advocacy. I started to participate in events to try to help raise awareness and thus fundraising for various organizations. I even recently went to Capitol Hill to fight for legislative changes in our breast cancer-related federal policies. But it was my recent involvement with a program called Breakaway From Cancer, an organization put together by Amgen, that has given me new insight into what it really means to give back.

In connection with the 10th edition of the Amgen Tour of California professional bike race, the organization searched nationwide for 10 Breakaway from Cancer Champions who have made positive impacts in their communities and acted as inspirations for those affected by cancer. The nominations poured in and they included everyone from patients to advocates to family members and professionals. The deserving 10 picked will win a trip to California to attend and be recognized at the 2015 Amgen Tour of California, America’s largest and most prestigious professional cycling race.

I got the opportunity to read submissions and help pick the winners and let me tell you, I was Absolutely. Blown. Away. I read a story of a cancer survivor who was a writer and, after surviving, quit his job and went back to school to become a nurse to help others. I read stories of selfless family members who drove their family and friends over an hour each way to chemo treatments. I read stories of tireless fundraising for research. I read stories of advocates who helped perfect strangers get through the side effects of treatment. And I read stories of survivors who beat the odds and persevered, inspiring many along the way.

I was sincerely touched and inspired by these submissions and wanted to pick each and every one of them to be highlighted. Most of all though – I felt inspired to do more. How can I help MORE? How can I impact MORE change? How can I truly touch others MORE? Nobody wants to get diagnosed with cancer, but to walk away from it with the ability to give back is the ultimate takeaway. I promise to follow in the footsteps of these Breakaway From Cancer Champions, because there are far more than just the 10 who will fly to California; there are millions right here in our country who selflessly give back each and every day, and my goal is to be just like them.

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Before Medicine There Was Food

In today’s society, we are led to believe that the solution to virtually every problem in our lives—from health to happiness—is a pill. While many of those pills contain life-saving medicines that are evidence of the true power of science, many aspects of our lives can actually be improved by following the wisdom of our ancestors and taking advantage of health-boosting fruits and vegetables. That’s why I often tell my patients to remember, “Before there was medicine there was food.”

Since May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to try to add foods to your diet that help boost your skin’s natural ability to protect itself from sun damage. Foods like broccoli and pomegranate are rich in compounds that have been shown to improve the protective performance of topical sunscreens. I call this approach eating your sunscreen.

Our digestive health is an area where good food choices can provide benefits that medicine simply can’t. A diet that is high in both soluble and insoluble plant fiber will help to absorb cholesterol and help to create the kind of environment that allows your gut flora to flourish. Your gut flora is made up of the good bacteria that help you digest your food and avoid irregularity. It also contributes to your overall immune system health. And, of course, treating yourself to a wonderful salad for lunch or dinner is a much nicer option than a daily dose of Milk of Magnesia.

Even the traditional practice of marinating meats in cooking herbs and spices—like garlic, pepper, thyme, rosemary and sage—helps to eliminate certain potentially harmful pathogens. And let’s not forget chocolate. The antioxidants in this sweet treat are now being investigated as agents to help stave off heart, brain and vascular diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s.

I encourage you to spend some time getting to know the “medicines” available in the produce aisle of your local market. Your body, spirit and bank account may all be the better for it.

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Happy Memorial Day from Our Family to Yours

Memorial Day is  a day to pause and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great nation. We are immensely grateful, and we honor their legacy. And to the troops all over the world who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our freedom, thank you.

Memorial Day has also come to represent the official start of summer: barbecues, vacations and lazy days at the beach. We hope you all enjoy your long Memorial Day weekend, and get a chance to spend some special time with the ones you love.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Have fun, be safe and enjoy your long weekend.

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Bridal Beauty 101

Wedding season is upon us, and we know you want to look flawless on your big day. Having great skin is just as important as wearing the perfect bridal gown, so start your pre-wedding skincare countdown now. Our Murad skincare experts put together this helpful six-month timeline to follow for glowing, gorgeous skin on your big day.

Pre-Wedding Skincare Countdown

6 months to go

Take daily dietary supplements to give your body the building blocks it needs to help every cell in every system.
Now that you’re engaged, everyone will be paying extra attention to your hands! Rejuvenate them with a monthly manicure (A Vitamic C Infusion Manicure is available at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa in Los Angeles) and moisturize daily (We recommend our Youth Builder Rejuvenating AHA Hand Cream) to keep them looking and feeling soft and lovely.

3 months to go

Stick to your workouts to reduce skin-damaging stress and wedding-planning anxiety.
Commit to a monthly facial routine to keep your complexion healthy and rejuvenated.

1 month to go

Keep your skin smooth and glowing by exfoliating 1-2 times a week (We recommend trying our Skin Smoothing Polish).
Get your last facial 2-3 weeks before your big day to allow redness from extractions to resolve.

Week of the wedding

Get a stress-relieving massage.
Keep your diet heavy on fruits and veggies and light on salty, processed foods, which can make your eyes look puffy and your body feel bloated.

The Big Day

Remember that it’s likely something won’t go as planned or turn out the way you imagined it, but don’t let that ruin your day. As Dr. Murad says, “When you learn to be imperfect, your life will be more perfect.”

We wish all the brides-to-be out there a joyful, stress-free, beautiful wedding day; one filled with moments you will cherish forever.

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11 Things Our Pets Can Teach Us About Life

Pet owners will happily share with you all the ways their animal companion enriches their life. In fact, there is solid research concluding that having pets lowers stress, improves mood and boosts immunity. Since May is National Pet Month, here is a list of 11 things pets can teach us about what matters most in life.

Live in the moment. Dogs and cats don’t care about what happened last week or what may go down tomorrow. They are all about “right now.” For them, joy is living in the present moment.
Love unconditionally. Our pets love us unconditionally no matter what. It doesn’t matter how cranky we are, how much we weigh, or how dirty our house is.
Play every day. Dogs and cats love to play. Whether it’s running, chasing or jumping, movement is key.
Naps rule. All that playing and loving can be exhausting. When it’s time to rest, pets stretch out wherever is comfortable and take a nice long nap.
Be loyal and dependable. Our pets are always there for us. They will always defend us and be by our side. They do this without us ever asking.
Trust your intuition. Animals are led by their instincts and rely on their gut. Humans tend to react to what they see or hear, neglecting what their bodies may be telling them.
Accept yourself. No Chihuahua ever wished it were a collie. A tabby cat doesn’t look at a Siamese with envy. We humans need to love and embrace all of our perfect and not-so-perfect parts.
Don’t hold grudges. Our dog will not hold it against us that last night’s walk didn’t happen. Holding a grudge weighs us down emotionally. Let it go.
Enjoy the journey. We’ve all seen dogs with their heads out the window, enjoying a glorious ride in the car. They couldn’t care less where they’re going — they’re just loving the adventure.
Embrace the power of touch. Pets love being petted, scratched and rubbed. Humans need this, too. From massages to hugs to holding hands, physical touch has been shown to have many healing properties.
Yoga, anyone? Where do you think the term “downward dog” came from? Dogs and cats stretch and twist their bodies without even thinking about it. No yoga mat required. It just feels good.

We can learn a lot from our pets. Their companionship, loyalty and unconditional love are unmatched by any human standard. We should strive to be the person our dog or cat thinks we are. Even on our worst day, know that we are loved.

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Murad Employee Shares His Skin Cancer Survivor Story

By Thomas Smith, Director of International Marketing

Like so many in Generation X, I didn’t understand the harmful effects of sun worship and incidental sun exposure. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, children were encouraged to spend all day outdoors. The prevailing wisdom was that sunshine was good for us, and a little color on our cheeks looked healthy.

In my youth, we had a pool at our house, so all summer long that’s where you’d find us. We rarely used sunscreen. If this was not enough, we ALL used tanning beds, and in some twisted logic, I thought that keeping my face sunburned was a way to keep acne at bay. As well, I was in a Drum and Bugle Corps that toured during the summer months. We would rehearse for eight to 10 hours in the sun wearing just our shorts and tennis shoes. Of course, the pièce de résistance was that I grew up in Colorado — a mile closer to the sun and with over 300 days of sunshine a year. These circumstances were the perfect recipe for melanoma.

In 2007, my partner at the time discovered an anomaly on my back: a large dark spot had begun to split into three separate spots. It was located in an area on my back that I couldn’t see, so I was fortunate he noticed the spot’s change in color and size. Even still, I thought it was nothing, but Lance insisted that I go have it checked. Sure enough, it was Clark’s II melanoma, and I have a five-inch scar on my back from where it was removed to prove it. In effect, Lance saved my life because melanoma, if left undetected, can be one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. When it gets to Clark’s IV, it’s usually in your lymphatic system, and that’s usually fatal.

I have worked in the skincare industry for nearly 20 years, so it’s ironic that I end up getting sick in the one organ that I have sworn to defend: my skin. For me, skin protection — a main mission at Murad — is personal. I know firsthand the effects and dangers of sunscreen negligence. I am now vigilant about using sun protection, and you should be, too. Here are some tips to follow:

Always wear sunscreen. The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate when we least expect it. Even on a hazy day, incidental exposure can be present. So wear it, even when you think you don’t need it.
See the dermatologist. Make sure to get annual checkups for what I call “mole patrol.” Dermatologists are trained to look for the slightest anomalies and can access those areas on our bodies that we can’t see, such as our backs. Between checkups, enlist the help of loved ones to be watchful of anything that changes or looks suspicious.
Take supplements. Murad’s Pomphenol® Sunguard Dietary Supplement boosts the skin’s defenses against those harmful rays.

Thankfully, these days, the world is much more educated about the benefits of using SPF. I hope my cautionary tale encourages folks to be more careful and observant. That said, I am a Colorado boy, so I will always encourage people to get out and enjoy the sunshine — just do it with broad-spectrum protection. Safety first!

Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your story with us. As Thomas points out, it’s all about protection when it comes to sun exposure. Murad’s Shade America™ initiative is working to protect a new sun-smart generation from sun damage and skin cancer by shading one million children over the next five years. Find out more about Shade America™ and see what you can do to get involved here.

 

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10 Habits of Happy People

“Happiness means finding beauty every day.” ~ Dr. Howard Murad

Positive psychology experts say while 60% of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40% is up to us. Similarly, Dr. Murad says, “Give yourself permission to be happy.” In fact, he argues that happiness and tapping into the unbridled joy we all felt as children, keeps us young. So what can we learn from those who embrace happiness 24/7, no matter how stressful life can get? Here are 10 habits of happy people.

They appreciate simple pleasures.

An ice cream cone, the perfect parking spot, warm sand between their toes. Happy people take the time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
They surround themselves with positive people.

Joy is contagious. Dump the Debbie Downers and spend more time with uplifting people.
They devote time to giving.

Positive people do good deeds for others, give back to their community and perform random acts of kindness. It feels good to give.
They look on the bright side.

As Dr. Murad says, “Life is good, bad and indifferent. Focus on the good.” Optimism results in plenty of health benefits, including less stress, lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy. When we choose to see the silver lining, we’re also choosing health and happiness.
They go outside.

Get a buzz from Mother Nature. Human beings weren’t meant to stay glued to a computer. We need sunshine and fresh air — and vitamin D is a must.
They make exercise a priority.

Exercise has been shown to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Plus, working out makes us appreciate our bodies more and increases our self-confidence.
They get creative and lose track of time.

Dr. Murad discovered a new kind of joy when he started painting. “Developing our passions is a major step in the journey to happiness,” he counsels.
They practice appreciation.

Gratitude has been linked to a whole host of health benefits and can quickly change the way we feel about our lives. Dr. Murad suggests starting a gratitude journal.
They rewire their minds.

Changing our thoughts is one of the most important paths to long-term happiness. The key is to turn off the constant stream of negative thoughts rushing through our brains and focus on the positive.
They let go of things they can’t control.

When stuff doesn’t go our way, we should take a deep breath and let it go. Don’t allow external events steal our inner joy.

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Recipe: Mango Chili Smoothie

As temperatures heat up, one of our favorite treats to enjoy here at Murad is a delicious, nutritious smoothie. Superfood Chef Julie Morris created this refreshing smoothie that we highly recommend.

Sweet and tropical with a hint of spice, this smoothie’s secret is using a chili powder made exclusively from red chilies — not one that is a blend of other spices like oregano and garlic, which are too savory for smoothie purposes. If you can’t find a pure chili powder, use a fresh, de-seeded red jalapeño pepper instead.

Mango Chili Smoothie

Makes two 16-ounce servings

2 ½ cups frozen mango chunks
3 tablespoons hemp seeds
2 tablespoons dried goji berries
1 teaspoon chili powder (see note above)
1 ½ cups apple juice
1 cup water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
sweetener of your choice, to taste (optional)

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Add sweetener, if desired.

 Superfood Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber.

Excerpt from Superfood Smoothies: 100 Delicious, Energizing & Nutrient-Dense Recipes by Julie Morris.

 

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