Howard Murad's Blog, page 32

Murad on the Red Carpet

Awards season in Hollywood is all about looking your absolute best from head to toe. To really rock the red carpet, celebrities need a glamorous gown, show-stopping jewels and flawless, glowing skin. So how do the stars achieve the look of pure perfection? For many A-listers this year, Murad was a red carpet must-have. Even if you’re not stepping out onto the red carpet, check out these professional skincare tips to make sure you’re always camera-ready.

Reality star and TV host Audrina Patridge looked fresh and flawless at OK! Magazine’s pre-Oscars party. Celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown used Murad’s Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to help create Audrina’s effortless glow.

Image from TheFashionReporter.com

Best Supporting Actress Nominee Laura Dern lit up the red carpet with her metallic gown and gorgeous glow. Before applying Laura’s makeup, celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan prepped her skin with a thin layer of Murad Hydro Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture, followed by Murad Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to smooth the appearance of fine lines and creases.

Radiating youth and innocence, actress Carlson Young looked stunning at Vanity Fair’s Girl Rising benefit. Celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown used Murad’s Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to help achieve this lustrous look.

E! News correspondent Jason Kennedy covered the Oscar red carpet arrivals in style. E! News makeup artist Kat Connelly used Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 to reduce shine and create a perfect camera-ready matte surface.

British actress and “Grey’s Anatomy” star Camilla Luddington looked sexy yet sweet at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards party. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg used Murad products to prep Camilla’s skin before applying makeup.

Maria Vargas, makeup artist to E! News host Catt Sadler, carries Murad products with her whenever she’s working. Her makeup station for the Academy Awards included Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and Renewing Eye Cream.

“How to Get Away with Murder” star Viola Davis was a vision of strength and loveliness at the Oscars. Her personal makeup artist, Autumn Moultrie, says she always preps Viola’s skin with Murad products before every awards event.

With dewy skin that exudes youthfulness and good health, actress and model Brooklyn Decker looked like royalty at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Her makeup artist, Patrick de Fontbrune, used a variety of Murad skincare products to prep her skin before applying makeup.

We love actress Katie Cassidy’s luminous look at the Academy Awards. Her makeup artist, Ashleigh Louer, thanked Murad for the various skincare products she used to prep Katie’s face before makeup.

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3 Quick Workouts to Recharge and Reboot

By Darren Becket, Health and Fitness Expert

Are you ever surprised when it’s only noon and you feel as if you need a nap? For most of us, the answer is to dig into lunch or a caffeinated pick-me-up. Before you grab that second cup of java or the chocolate bar stashed at your desk, there’s a healthier option.

New studies highlight the benefits of doing short bursts of exercise before you eat. As few as 90 seconds of exercise before a meal can help you to reduce stress, boost alertness and shed fat.

I find that fitting in a mini workout before lunch not only helps me stay lean, but it is a great way to keep my energy up all afternoon. Even better, all three workouts require no equipment and can be done indoors or outdoors.

Whole Body Workout

A great way to stretch and move the entire body, especially if you’ve been stuck for hours seated at a desk. Perform the set of exercises three times with minimal rest between sets.

10 x Single Leg Butt Squeeze


10 x Back Kick


10 x Back Extension


10 x Open Chest March

 

 

Get Up and Move Workout

A surefire method to combat the effects of fatigue from hours spent staring at a computer screen. Perform the set of exercises five times, resting when needed.

2 Minutes – Fast Walk or Jog
10 x Lunge With Reach


Plank Hold (do not exceed 90 seconds)

I’ve-Only-Got-90-Seconds Workout

A quick workout to get your heart pumping. Perform each exercise once for 30 seconds each.

30 Seconds – Hip Reach


30 Seconds – Trunk Rotation


30 Seconds – Run in Place

 

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 Sleep Helps to Renew Your Mind and Body

I have long told my patients that getting consistent, restful sleep every night is one of the best ways to improve their health. In fact, research now suggests that weight gain can be tied to poor sleep. Research shows that depriving people of sleep for one night creates pronounced changes in the way their brains responded to high-calorie junk foods. On days when the subjects did not get good sleep, unhealthy, dehydrating and fattening foods like potato chips and candies stimulated stronger responses in a part of the brain that helps govern the motivation to eat. The sleep deprived subjects also experienced a sharp reduction in activity in the frontal cortex, the part of the brain where consequences are weighed and rational decisions are made.

The bottom-line: A sleep-deprived brain not only responds more strongly to junk food, but also has less ability to resist the temptation.

This interesting connection between sleep loss and unhealthy eating habits adds to a huge volume of studies indicating that people are more likely to have health problems ranging from high blood pressure to obesity when they do not get adequate sleep—and that the less sleep they get, the more profound the negative consequences.

It has, in fact, become increasingly clear from medical literature that every tissue in the body benefits from sleep. This means sleep is one of the most effective things people can do every day to restore brain and body health.

Since sleep is a major factor in improving and maintaining health and wellness, I recommend the following “sleep hygiene” tips to my patients to help them get a good night’s sleep:

Turn off the TV and other electronics one hour prior to going to sleep
Do not sleep with your cell phone or computer in your room
Take a warm bath or a hot shower prior to going to bed
Listen to calming, soothing music to help put you to sleep
Write down three things that were part of your day for which you are grateful

 

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.

The post How Sleep Helps to Renew Your Mind and Body appeared first on Face Forward.

Renew Your Skin Instantly

“Treat yourself to a transformation.” ~ Dr. Howard Murad

Want to revitalize your skin fast? These five bestselling Murad products will give you virtually “instant” results—transforming your skin from tired to beautiful in a matter of minutes.

Intensive-C® Radiance Peel. This at-home peel treatment brightens, smooths, and hydrates skin. It’s designed to boost luminosity and reveal a noticeably brighter complexion. At-home peels are great for shrinking the appearance of pores, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, and improving skin texture.

Renewing Eye Cream. This anti-aging treatment for the eye area firms, brightens and hydrates to minimize the appearance of aging and dark circles. Renewing Eye Cream also reduces the appearance of crow’s feet and puffiness for a more refreshed appearance.

Rapid Collagen Infusion. This fast-acting anti-aging treatment boosts skin’s resilience, and plumps and smooths dehydrated skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 2 hours (based on a Murad sponsored study).

Oil-Control Mattifier. This shine-reducing moisturizer immediately mattifies and controls oil for up to 8 hours (based on a Murad sponsored study). It protects blemish-prone skin and supports natural oil balance throughout the day.

Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield. This breakthrough formula treats the visible signs of aging, blurs imperfections, and protects against UV damage with 100% invisible sunscreen. In a Murad sponsored study, 94% of users saw improved smoothness and texture, and 71% of users saw fewer lines and wrinkles. Not only do you get sun protection, a makeup primer, and an anti-aging treatment—it’s also an instant mattifier!

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How to Turn Any Negative Into A Positive

So much of our life experience is shaped by how we view the world. Whether you see the glass as half full or half empty can actually make an impact on your health, your friendships, your family and your career. Numerous studies have shown that positive thinkers are physically and psychologically healthier than pessimists. And in a study of salespeople, those with a positive attitude and outlook sold 37% more than the pessimists.

Here are a few ways to help you turn a negative into a positive.

Separate fact from fiction.

What we think of as an “objective” perception of events in our lives is actually just our subjective perception—and that perception is profoundly shaped by our mood and worldview. When you are feeling negative, take a step back and look for external validation for a truly objectively view of the situation. What are the verifiable facts? What are the emotions? Be aware of words like “always” or “never” which can indicate when your brain is escalating a situation with emotion.
Flip your thoughts.

When you are feeling negative, flip your thought. For example, if you are feeling, “This will not work for me.” Turn it into a question, “How can I make this work for me?” This change in perspective opens up your mind to new ideas and allows you to see things in a very different light.
Focus on the positive.

Sometimes it seems like there isn’t anything good about a situation. And many times horrible things happen to good people. But when you feel like there isn’t anything good about your day, focus on the things that we often take for granted – a roof over your head, food on your table, that you are alive to see another day.
Smile.

The act of smiling actually triggers your brain to release endorphins, relieving stress and helping you to have a more positive outlook.
List what you are grateful for.

I like to list three to five things I’m grateful for every night before I go to bed. It helps me remember how fortunate I am and helps me to remain focused on all the wonderful things, people and situations that I have in my life—which keeps my mind from going to thoughts of loss or want.
Take a breather and reset.

When a negative situation overwhelms you, sometimes the best thing to do is take a step back, take a deep breath and relax. Focusing your attention on your breathing takes your thoughts away from the negative situation and helps to neutralize your perception.
Channel your frustrations into art.

Many great songs, poems and pieces of art were created out of a time of challenge. Channel your negative thoughts into your art to help dissipate them and move on. You might be surprised and create something beautiful while unlocking your hidden talents.

Remember, life always throws you curveballs. You just need to learn to hit them out of the park! Stay positive and your loved ones and every cell in your body will thank you for it.

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.

The post How to Turn Any Negative Into A Positive appeared first on Face Forward.

5 Tips to Staying Positive, Healthy and Fit

Recently here on the Face Forward blog, we introduced you to Bryna Carracino, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Founder of B Fit Los Angeles. Bryna is known for her high intensity training sessions, but she also has a gift for helping people tap into their inner strength. Here, Bryna shares her top 5 tips for staying positive, healthy and fit.

Stay hydrated. It’s the easiest way to keep your body healthy and it’s often the most forgotten. And it’s not the standard 8 glasses of water a day that we’ve heard all our lives. A person with a sedentary lifestyle needs 96 ounces a day. Someone with a more active lifestyle needs at least 120 ounces per day. (And as Dr. Murad says, remember to “eat your water” in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables).
Get your rest. In a time when sleep is the last thing anyone has time to do, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your overall well-being. You need 7-8 hours a night of sleep.
Get your body moving. You need to make this happen for at least 30 minutes a day; 4, 5, or 6 days a week. It’s best to do this at the start of your day; it sets the tone for the rest of your day – mentally, spiritually, and physically – and will help you make better food choices all day long.
Fill your life with people who love and support you. People that want you to be a healthy and happy person. People that will support your eating healthy and exercising daily. People that only want positive things for you. Being around these people will, in turn, make you a better, more well-adjusted human.
Work HARD in whatever form of exercise you choose for yourself. Show up and give it all you’ve got. If you’re just going through the motions, then that’s what you may be doing in other aspects of your life too, and that is no way to live! So, put all of yourself into it! At B fit Los Angeles, we start each session by setting an intention; something positive that will keep us in the moment and help us work harder, remain focused, and stay strong throughout the session, and throughout the day. We not only do it for ourselves but for the entire group. Put all you have into every workout you commit to doing, because if you Think Fit, you will B Fit!

In February, Bryna and her team led a high-intensity workout at the Murad Flagship Store in Los Angeles. We’ve included three super-set workouts that you can do at home.

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5 Ways Laughter Benefits Your Health

“Laughter is the best medicine” may sound a bit cliché, but there is quite a bit of truth underlying this old saying. In fact, research, including our own here at Murad, has unveiled that laughter actually is a powerful “prescription” that helps both mental and physical health.

Here are a few great reasons why you should allow yourself to indulge in a full-blown belly laugh:

Laughter can be relaxing. After a hearty belly laugh, some people can be heard sighing as they come down from the convulsions of laughter. The relaxation that follows a good laugh can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
Laugher reduces stress hormones. That overload of mental tension really melts away from the forefront of your consciousness when you just laughed so hard you cried. Laughter can be a great mood regulator in a stressful situation. Make the most of opportunities to change a dark or fraught emotional tone with some laughter.
Laughter increases blood flow. Increased blood flow is good for the heart, blood vessels and the cardiovascular system overall. Laughter is a mini workout and we should take advantage of that fun way to experience some light exercise.
Laughter boosts endorphins. Laughing gets our endorphins flowing. These natural feel-good chemicals give our brains a boost and help to give us a more positive outlook on the day.
Laughter as a coping skill. “Frantic.” “Out of control.” “Overwhelming.” These words are sometimes used to describe our feelings about trying to cope with life, work, kids, marriage and the myriad responsibilities on our plates. We cannot always predict the stresses of life but our reactions to them can dictate how much negative impact they can have on our day. Sometimes, the healthiest option in the face of stress overload is to stop and laugh.

In short, laughter can help you change your perspective — and change your life for the better.

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.

The post 5 Ways Laughter Benefits Your Health appeared first on Face Forward.

Meet Emily Dowe, Aesthetic Physician Assistant at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®

We are excited to introduce you to a new addition at our Murad Inclusive Health Spa. Emily Dowe is a licensed and board-certified physician assistant (PA-C). She has expertise in all aspects of cosmetic and medical dermatology, and her primary focus is helping clients restore and maintain their natural and youthful appearance. One of Emily’s strengths is her ability to design treatment plans that are tailored to each unique individual.

What brought you into the field of aesthetics, and what is most rewarding about what you do?

I have always been passionate about this field. I have always been fascinated with skin and the aging process, even as a young child. I started in dermatology, seeing both general and cosmetic patients and wanted to focus more on cosmetic since it is more like an art.

What’s your favorite part about working at Murad?

The people, atmosphere and ambiance.

Where is your hometown?

New York City.

How do you embrace the Murad Inclusive Health® vision and strive to Look, Live and Feel #BetterEveryDay?

How do you LOOK BETTER?

I believe that looking your best requires maintenance. The key is to start when you first notice things changing and to stay with it. The whole anti-aging field is different than it used to be. Back in the 80s and 90s, and even in early 2000, people waited to have a facelift done, perhaps around 50-60 years old. Now, with non-invasive procedures, the key is to start younger, when things first start to appear, in attempt to avoid invasive procedures like facelifts. And, of course, using the right skincare products is a must. My favorite Murad products are the Acne Treatment Concealer and the new Youth Builder® Rejuvenating AHA Hand Cream.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

By being active—going to the gym and exercising regularly—and trying to eat healthy. I avoid foods with trans fats that are high in cholesterol. I also avoid unnecessary carbs.

How do you FEEL BETTER?

I try to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, attend church, pray, meditate, and strive to be a better person every day.

What would surprise others that they may not know about you?

I have a great sense of humor and I can be very silly.

Which Dr. Murad insight is your favorite?

“Why have a bad day when you can have a good day.”

Here at Murad, we believe in being kind to each other and paying it forward so we can make the world #BetterEveryDay. How do you pay it forward?

By staying positive and always trying to improve myself.

Who is your beauty icon and why do you admire her?

I cannot think of anyone in particular, but I admire those who encompass all aspects of health. I admire those women who strive to look their best and live a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, exercise, and who are also spiritually healthy.

What is your favorite medical aesthetic service and why?

Sculptra® is my favorite because it looks natural, replaces lost collagen, and is long lasting.

Thanks, Emily, for taking time to chat with us, and welcome to Murad! Emily is skilled in administering Botox® and injectable fillers, and regularly attends cosmetic conferences, so she’s up-to-date on providing the latest cutting-edge, effective, non-invasive treatments. If you are in the Los Angeles area call 310.726.0470 to book your medical aesthetic service and meet Emily.

The post Meet Emily Dowe, Aesthetic Physician Assistant at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa® appeared first on Face Forward.

Murad Employees Share Favorite Books

If your daily reading habits center around reading social media updates instead of a book or substantial newspaper article, you may be missing out on the many benefits that reading brings you. In an age where micro-blogging and video are preferred over lengthy books and articles, more time for reading should be carved out in our schedules. Some benefits of reading include vocabulary expansion, mental stimulation, stress reduction, memory improvement and stronger analytical-thinking skills.

We asked some Murad employees what their favorite books are and here is what they said:

“Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Ashely Davis, Education

Jan Sandys-Renton, Operations

“Creating a Healthy Life” by Dr. Howard Murad

Kelly Gibson, Administrative Affairs

“The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Souljah

Ninjer Rochette, Customer Care

“Before Night Falls” by Reinaldo Arenas

Sebastian Brant, Creative

“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

Amy Turman, Social Media

“The Impact Equation” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

Melissa Sidebottom, eCommerce

Have you checked out Dr. Murad’s new book “Conquering Cultural Stress”?

What is your favorite book?

The post Murad Employees Share Favorite Books appeared first on Face Forward.

3 Healthy and Sustainable Recipes to Incorporate into Your Diet

Whether it’s healthy dinner recipes or snacks for the kids, what we eat should support our health AND the environment. A sustainable diet is all about using the freshest, natural ingredients you can easily find at your local farmers market, at a local farm stand, or in your own garden. Cooking “in season” and eating organic and mostly plant-based foods ensures you are getting the best nutrition, while leaving the smallest environmental footprint.

Almost any recipe can be made sustainable by using the right ingredients, and since March is National Nutrition Month, we’re sharing with you three easy, sustainable recipes that align with Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® philosophy. Enjoy!

Mac ‘N Squeeze (Pasta and Butternut Squash Recipe)

Ingredients

1 pound whole wheat pasta (or other favorite pasta)

1 medium butternut squash

1 cup milk or coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh ground pepper

Directions

Bake the squash whole or cut in half until soft. Scoop the seeds out, then puree the flesh until smooth. Cook the pasta to desired firmness. On the stovetop, combine squash, milk and spices. Simmer until smooth and hot. Mix the pasta and squash. Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

(Recipe from SustainableBabySteps.com)

Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad

Photo from EatingWell.com

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. Microwave on high until tender all the way to the center, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place in a baking dish and bake at 425 degrees until tender all the way to the center, about 1 hour.)

Meanwhile, in a medium microwaveable bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, oil, cumin, coriander and salt. Microwave on high until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat.)

When just cool enough to handle, slash each sweet potato lengthwise, press open to make a well in the center and spoon the bean mixture into the well. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.

(Recipe from EatingWell.com)

Wild Salmon with Lentils and Arugula

Ingredients

Photo from www.WholeLiving.com

1 medium red onion, diced

1 carrot, peeled and diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 bay leaf

1 cup green lentils

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

3 cups baby arugula (1 1/2 oz.)

4 6-oz. wild salmon fillets, skinless

Directions

In a medium pot, bring onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and lentils to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain. Season with salt and pepper. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Stir in arugula and cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange fillets in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake until cooked through, about 16 to 18 minutes. Serve with lentils and drizzle with lemon juice.

(Recipe from WholeLiving.com)