Howard Murad's Blog, page 33
March 1, 2015
What are AHAs and BHAs?
We know how important it is to understand what you are putting on your skin. By now, you may have heard about alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and how essential they are for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Next to using sunscreen every day, a well-formulated AHA- or BHA-based treatment is critical to maintaining a healthy, hydrated, more even-toned complexion. Dr. Murad was one of the pioneers of using AHAs in topical skincare, helping modernize skin science. Let’s look at the difference between AHAs and BHAs to see which is right for you.
What are AHAs?
AHAs are naturally occurring substances found in various fruits, sugar cane and sour milk. Glycolic acid, the AHA found in sugar cane, is used in many Murad products because it is especially well suited for use in skincare.
How do AHAs work?
The main benefit of AHAs is their ability to exfoliate the skin to repair dry, aging and sun-damaged skin. Glycolic acid works by loosening the bond that holds together the top layers of dead skin cells. By removing the excess build-up on the surface of the skin, AHAs allow newer, softer, healthier-looking skin to emerge. An additional benefit to clearing excess buildup is that moisturizers and treatments can penetrate better.
AHAs also help with age spots and skin discoloration, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Using AHAs does, however, make your skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun—a concern with any kind of exfoliating treatment. So always use a moisturizer containing SPF 15 or higher.
What are BHAs?
BHAs are more commonly known as salicylic acid. The main difference between AHAs and BHAs is oil solubility. AHAs are water soluble only, while BHAs are oil soluble. This means BHAs get down into the pores to cut through the oil that’s clogging them. They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so BHAs are perfect for treating acne-prone skin and blackheads. The most common BHA in skincare products is salicylic acid, which occurs naturally in willow bark and sweet birch. Like AHAs, BHAs make your skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun, so always use a moisturizer containing SPF 15 or higher when you treat your skin with BHAs.
Bestselling Murad Products Containing AHAs
Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightning Serum
Advanced Active Radiance Serum
Bestselling Murad Products Containing BHAs
Bestselling Murad Products Containing both AHAs and BHAs
February 27, 2015
Murad Flagship Store Hosts Fitness Event + At-Home Interval Training Super Sets
Our flagship store was transformed into a workout studio, and it was an invigorating whole-body experience when Bryna Carracino, founder of B Fit Los Angeles, led our enthusiastic group through a challenging round of high-intensity metabolic circuit sets on February 8.
It was the first time we’d ever hosted a fitness event at our flagship store, and we’re grateful that Bryna volunteered to make our first event an unforgettable experience. “I started doing these events for people to become more aware of what it really means to live a healthy lifestyle,” Bryna told us. “I think a lot of people don’t actually understand what it is to really workout. They just go through the motions. So when we offer these events, people realize they’re supposed to sweat, to feel challenged, and to feel uncomfortable.”
And that’s exactly what they did!
First, Bryna encouraged everyone to set an intention for their workout, and to choose a short mantra to repeat throughout the session: “I choose to be ______________________.”
And she offered this powerful reminder, “This is a moving meditation. Stay in the present moment and stay connected to your breath.” Then it was time to get started. Everybody got warmed up doing downward dog to plank and back – 100 times!
Then things got REALLY intense.
Bryna led the group through 3 super sets of 2 exercises back-to-back.
Super Set 1:
Alternating Intervals – Jumping Jacks + Side Plank with Downward Dog (5 minutes, no stopping).
Super Set 2:
Alternating Intervals – Mountain Climbers + Bridge (5 minutes, no stopping).
Super Set 3:
Alternating Intervals – Squat Thrusters + Warrior 3 (5 minutes, no stopping).
After this non-stop, high-intensity interval training, everyone was breathing hard, sipping water and giving each other high-fives. They were sweating and red-faced and having a blast! Our flagship store was buzzing with a real sense of accomplishment.
Participants also got to enjoy some special flagship store perks: Murad mini facials, free YouthCam skin analysis and special offers on products. Thanks to everyone who participated. We can’t wait to do it again!
February 25, 2015
The Benefits of Positive Thinking
Serious clinical research is starting to reveal that seeing the glass as half full, instead of half empty, can have an impact on your work, your health and your life.
We know that negative emotions (often brought on by the prevalent day-to-day stress I refer to as Cultural Stress) trigger certain emotional reactions that can limit your ability to see options and can shut you off from the outside world.
On the other side of the coin, studies have shown that positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind up to new options. In turn, this helps you develop socially and creatively. Positive emotions allow you to build new skills and provide value in all areas of your life far beyond that moment of positive thinking. We’ve found in our own research at Murad that the majority of happier people who exude positive energy also exhibit higher levels of cellular hydration – a marker for good health and longevity.
Here are some suggestions on how we can use positive thinking throughout the day to help us lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives:
In your personal life
MEDITATE
People who meditate regularly have been shown to experience more positive emotions than those who don’t meditate. However, if meditating is not for you, find some other calming and relaxing activity to experience a similar effect. The simple act of clearing the clutter from your mind relaxes you and helps you focus on the positives in your life.
In the workplace
HAVE FUN
If positive emotions create broader thinking and improved skills, then it goes without saying that a happy team will come up with creative solutions and be more productive. Instead of isolating yourself and struggling in a negative space at work, build a fun and creative work environment by incorporating bright colors and entertaining decor that brings you and your colleagues joy. Bring fun desk games, motivational books and other positive thinking tools into the office. Organize team-building activities to help your colleagues bond and be a model employee for a fun work environment by smiling, staying positive and being playful.
In your relationships
PLAY MORE
With a calendar full of daily responsibilities, it’s important to make time to just play! Take your significant other or close friend out to explore, experiment and find adventure. Give yourself permission to be a kid again. Channel your inner toddler by letting go of limits and recapturing that wide-eyed-wonder that once motivated you.
Yes, it’s great to “be positive,” but science is showing it’s also essential to your health. So the next time you find your mind narrowing with negativity, stop, smile and laugh. It may be the most important thing you can do for yourself.
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.
February 23, 2015
Dr. Murad Reminds Us: “You are worthy”
Whenever I see a patient, I share with them my collection of insights and ask them to select one that makes the most sense for them. Of all the insights I’ve written, one that seems to be selected most often and have the most profound impact on people is the simple statement: “You are worthy.”
It’s just three words, but it’s something that can be meaningful to anyone.
A strong sense of personal worthiness is the key to health, happiness, and success. Unless you feel worthy of love, for example, you are unlikely to receive it.
In times of struggle or when you find yourself dragged down by fears and doubts, remember: you are worthy and you should remind yourself of that continually.
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.
February 20, 2015
Market Educator Heather Lantz Shares Her Rapid Collagen Infusion Experience
Heather Lantz trains and educates other skincare professionals about our products. This working mom has been with Murad for almost four years and is based in St. Louis. We asked her to share her personal experience with one of our bestselling products, Rapid Collagen Infusion, and our newest product, Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips. Take it away Heather…
Rapid Collagen Infusion from our Age Reform line is one of my favorite treatments. The formula contains Murad’s proprietary Collagen Support Complex along with Winged Kelp to boost skin’s resilience, and plump and smooth dehydrated skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth. The results after just one treatment are amazing.
I use Rapid Collagen Infusion every morning all over my face and neck. To my surprise and excitement, Dr. Murad has created Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips.
I purchased this lip product to receive the hydration benefits that I experience from using Rapid Collagen Infusion on my face. I travel every week on planes to different cities in my six-state region. I live in St. Louis and travel to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Omaha—so hydration is a must.
I was worried about the plumping ingredient being too “hot” for my lips. I’ve experienced a burning sensation from other plumpers in the past and couldn’t get the horrible taste out of my mouth. The Mustard Sprout in Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips is great at plumping without the unpleasant “hot lips” effect.
Another benefit is a noticeable decrease in the fine lines around my lips. When I finally got a date night with my husband recently, my lipstick stayed on all night and did not feather. Lipstick has always been a disaster for me, but with Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips, I was able to feel more confident.
I apply Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips and let it “treat” for several minutes. Then I apply a small amount of our Soothing Skin and Lip Care product on top. I highly recommend Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching. Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and you want your lips to be hydrated and plump. Thank you, Dr. Murad, for helping this much-needed area on my skin!
Heather poses with son, Wyatt
Thank you, Heather, for your expert analysis. So what inspires Heather to be #BetterEveryDay? She says it’s her 15-month-old son, who she refers to as “the love of my life.” And Heather tells us her motto is, “Magic only happens when you create your own,” which also happens to be one of our favorite quotes from Dr. Murad. Try out our Rapid Collagen Infusion products and let us know what you think!
February 19, 2015
How to Make Time for Yourself
People today are busier than ever. As I describe in my latest book, Conquering Cultural Stress, we over-schedule and over-work, which gives us no time for ourselves. As Americans, we are conditioned to accept a mindset that tells us that we should live to work, while in many other cultures, people merely work to live. It’s time that Americans start to find a better, and more balanced, approach to work that allows us to take back our lives.
If your 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. work day also includes dropping-off and picking-up the kids from school, carpooling from soccer practice to gymnastics, a PTA meeting, making dinner and helping with homework, how can you possibly find time for yourself?
The good news is that finding some “me” time is almost always possible when you commit yourself to making a few simple adjustments. Here are some suggestions:
First, get organized.
Place a large calendar up in a main room in your house, such as the kitchen. Make sure to write down your schedule and activities for every day. Also, make sure you have a small calendar with you at all times—pick up a book-style planner or just use the calendar on your smart phone. When you have times and activities written down in a clear, easy to read format, you’re less likely to forget them and overbook.
Next, learn to say no.
You need to accept the fact that you can’t be all things to all people. Nor can you be in two places at the same time – nobody can. If you are already busy and know time will be tight and life will be stressful if you say yes to one more thing, do yourself a favor and just say no and scheduled it for a later time.
Just like all your other appointments and activities, schedule “me time” into your life and write it on your calendar. Block out at least a little time for yourself each day. It doesn’t have to be long; just make sure it is something. Depending on the time you have, here are a few wonderful ways to spend “me time.”
If you have 5 – 10 minutes
Enjoy a healthy snack while reading a news article.
Call a friend for a brief chat. Just a quick call to say hello and check in on how he or she doing is enough to reduce isolation and stress.
If you have 15 – 30 minutes
At the end of the night, make yourself a cup of hot chamomile tea and unwind with your favorite novel. This will allow you a way to get lost in stress-free diversion, escape your hectic life, and relax before bed.
Go on a short walk. It doesn’t have to be long or far, it just needs to be enough to allow you time to de-stress and reflect.
Take a hot bath; soak and relax in the tub. If you have little ones, make sure someone else is home to watch over them and keep them out of your space.
If you have 30 – 60 minutes
Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure.
Schedule a class you’ve always wanted to take such as dance or cooking.
Go to the gym and sweat it out. Exercising will make you feel better mentally and physically.
If you have more than 60 minutes
Go to a movie. Sit back and relax and allow yourself to escape for awhile.
Get a massage. There are few activities more relaxing than a nice, deep massage to release stress and loosen your muscles.
Whatever you decide to do, one way to guarantee quality time is to “unplug.” Put down the smart phone. The emails will still be there when you plug back in. Remember, this is “me time,” and that means time for yourself, not time for you to cater to everyone else.
These are simply suggestions to help get you thinking about ways to carve out your own “me time.” I’d love to hear your favorite ways to make time for yourself. Please share in the comments below.
February 15, 2015
5 Reasons to Love Your Lips
We’re celebrating LIPS on the blog today. They come in all shapes and sizes, and aside from serving some very important functions, they’re also the centerpiece of your face. So you want them to look and feel their very best at all times. Our first lip treatment, Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips, visibly improves the appearance of your kisser by plumping your pout and reducing lip lines.
That’s one reason to love your lips. Here are 5 more:
So if you want to kiss tired, thinning lips goodbye, check out our hottest new product, Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips, to give your lips the exclusive Murad treatment they deserve. Follow up with Soothing Skin and Lip Care for hydration and you’re ready to rock your natural lips. Go ahead and pamper your pout , we know you will love your new look!
How Our Flagship Store Manager Makes Her Community #BetterEveryDay
One of the things we’re committed to here at Murad is making a difference—in our community and our world. This includes everything from volunteering to paying it forward to performing random acts of kindness. Whatever you can do to make the world a better place. The manager of our flagship store, Miranda Rios, offers us a perfect example of how she’s making her community #BetterEveryDay, one sweet bulldog at a time.
By Miranda Rios, Murad Store Manager
I’ve always been a huge animal lover! Growing up, I remember begging my mom for a dog of my own, but somehow we always ended up with goldfish or hamsters. When I turned 15, my mom came home from the animal shelter with a small, white Maltese named Georgie, and I was in love. Over the last 18 years, I’ve had three dogs that have made me #BetterEveryDay, and each one has found a special place in my heart. Though I don’t like to play favorites, I have found a special bond between myself and my 8-year-old English Bulldog Hefner. If you know anything about bulldogs, you know they are a very special breed with lots of personality. I was introduced to Southern California Bulldog Rescue (SCBR) through Facebook a few years ago, and I have followed their bulldog stories over the years. I love reading about the success stories and updates after the bulldogs go to their “fur-ever” homes.
Miranda hangs out with her English Bulldog Hefner
I always wanted to volunteer with an animal rescue organization, but found it difficult while working weekends, so I was excited to find out that I could support SCBR in other ways. This year, I’m committed to encouraging others to get involved with their local animal rescue. A few of the ways you can get involved include: volunteering at adoption events, donating items, educating others about rescue, promoting rescue initiatives on social media, and contributing with monetary donations. By donating as little as $10 a month, you can make a huge difference with an animal rescue.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to start collecting items for SCBR at our new flagship store in Los Angeles. Currently, SCBR has over 100 bulldogs in rescue and could use the additional items. To learn more about SCBR, you can check their website at socalbulldogrescue.org or follow @socalbulldogrescue on Instagram.
Donations can be dropped off at the Murad Flagship Store, 8207 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Miranda’s English Bulldog enjoys So Cal life
If you get a chance, stop by the Murad Flagship Store in Los Angeles and say hello to Miranda. She played an integral part in getting our first-ever retail store off the ground last year. Miranda has worked in the cosmetics industry since 2007 and really knows her stuff when it comes to skincare, especially healing dry, dehydrated skin . Thank you, Miranda, for sharing your story about how you help make it #BetterEveryDay for rescue animals.
February 13, 2015
4 Health Benefits of Chocolate
We all know that it’s common for people to give boxes of chocolates to their sweethearts on Valentine’s Day. And while chocolate is thought of as a decadent “treat,” (and chocolate certainly is a treat), did you know that along with the delicious taste comes some surprising health benefits?
1) Good for the Heart
The classic presentation box for Valentine’s Day chocolates is a heart-shaped box. While this symbolic presentation identifies the chocolates as a gift from the heart, more and more research confirms that this symbol has even more meaning. It turns out that chocolate is actually very good for the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
The cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids which appear to be at the heart of its protective power. Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. They can be found in a variety of foods, such as colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables. When we eat foods rich in flavonoids, our bodies benefit from this antioxidant power, much as plants do.
2) Antioxidant Properties
The flavonoid antioxidants found in chocolate (dark chocolate in particular) are believed to help the body’s cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes, such as breathing; from environmental contaminants, like cigarette smoke, and from the impacts of everyday Cultural Stress. If your body does not have enough antioxidants to combat the amount of oxidation that occurs, it can become damaged by free radicals. For example, an increase in oxidation can cause low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol, to form plaques on the artery walls.
Flavonols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate. The darker the chocolate is, the higher levels of flavonols it has.
3) Blood Health
In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research shows that the flavonols found in chocolate have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky and less prone to forming dangerous clots.
4) Reducing Stress and Boosting Happiness
One of my favorite sayings, which I often share with people, is “before there was medicine there was food.” This reflects the simple reality that prior to modern medical treatments people had to rely on the nutritional and healing properties of natural and whole foods to remain healthy. I like to underscore this another saying, “before there was food…there was chocolate.” This drives home my concept of the 80/20 rule—indulge in your favorite treats (in moderation) to preserve the joy in eating and life in general. Treating yourself to something you love is a key aspect of living an Inclusive Health lifestyle and can go a long way toward reducing stress.
So enjoy moderate portions of chocolate a few times per week, and don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, onions and cranberries.
Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world renowned skincare expert and founder of the Inclusive Health movement. Learn more about Dr. Murad.
February 12, 2015
Meet Bryna Carracino, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
We are thrilled to introduce you to NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Founder of B Fit Los Angeles Bryna Carracino. Her philosophy on getting fit, eating healthy and manifesting your dreams is as powerful as her high-intensity training sessions! She led us in a one-of-a-kind complimentary workout at our Murad Flagship Store on February 8.
Photo by James Lee Wall
What is your favorite local activity or hobby to do in your free time?
Well, that’s a two-part question for me. First and foremost is my family. So, whenever I have free time, I like to spend it with my 4 ½-year-old son Oliver and my husband Lee. We are an active family so our hobbies include swimming, going to the park to play with Oliver, or anything really that keeps us moving. As for local activities, I’d have to say that having B Fit Los Angeles (BFLA) events around town is pretty special. It takes a lot of work to prepare for them and can be a bit stressful at times. But it’s worth it to get together with our hosts, sponsors and clients to create a positive and healthy environment. It may not sound like down-time, but once our events are in full-swing, it’s one of my favorite moments of Zen.
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?
Well, BFLA events are a way I like to pay it forward to our community. Having the event hosted by one of our local sponsors at their establishment allows them to present their products. Our invited sponsors also have an opportunity to showcase their products to the attendees. In turn, our attendees get to try new products and get a free workout….just like what happened at our BFLA/Murad event on February 8!
In support of local fitness studios, I like to take my clients on what’s now become BFLA Field Trips. I’ll get a group of BFLA clients and trainers together to meet at a studio that focuses on a different style of exercise. For example, we all got together earlier this week to take a spin class at SoulCycle West Hollywood with their incredible instructor Edward. It was amazing and so much fun! Our clients got to try something totally different, and SoulCycle West Hollywood got to take new people for a spin!
My favorite event by far, when it comes to paying it forward, is hosting BFLA/Happy Feats 5K’s. Happy Feats is a local Southern California charity that was founded by Jennifer and CJ Rodriguez. Their organization supports SoCal children’s hospitals by providing cozy socks to hospitalized children fighting life-altering medical illnesses. It’s a wonderful organization that is dear to my heart. All proceeds from our runs go directly to Happy Feats. Getting together for those sweet kids really inspires and motivates all our runners.
Are you a Murad consumer? If so, what are your favorite products?
YES! I love, love, love the Murad Clarifying Wipes! I usually work out twice a day and having those wipes on hand helps me stay refreshed. It’s like a mini-shower for me! Going from a workout to training a group session to training private sessions, Murad Clarifying Wipes keep me invigorated!
Any tips for our mom readers on how to stay fit?
The best advice I can give to all mothers is to make time for your own fitness—one hour a day, four to five times a week. No matter what, that hour is yours, and no one is to get in the way of that. It’s important not only for your physical health and well-being but also for your sanity! There are some days that I feel like I’m almost at my breaking point. That’s the moment I know I need to work out so I can get back to my “working mommy zone.” Most importantly, your kids will notice that time you take for yourself. They’ll see that mommy is taking care of herself, and they will want to follow in your footsteps. Self-care is contagious!
Bryna spending time with son, Oliver
Do you have a favorite healthy recipe or smoothie recipe to share?
My favorite recipe comes from a book called Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo. It’s Cauliflower Mash. I’m an Italian/Jew and craving starchy carbs is an understatement, so finding healthy alternatives is a must! Practical Paleo helps me find those alternatives without sacrificing flavor. The recipe is below.
As for smoothies, I will usually order them from Paleta when I know there will be days I don’t have time to make my own. Paleta is a meal-delivery service that not only has delicious meals, but they also have a wonderful variety of tasty almond milkshakes, smoothies and cold-pressed juices. All ingredients are from local farms and delivered daily. You can’t beat that!
But for a quick snack on the go, I always stick with Fruigees. It’s an organic fruit snack that I always keep stocked in my fridge so I can grab one for my mid-afternoon snack. Since it’s made with fruits and vegetables and no added sugar, I can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Cauliflower Mash
Serves 3-4
Ingredients
2 large heads of cauliflower, outer leaves removed
½ cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. butter, bacon fat or coconut oil
Sea salt & black pepper to taste
Preparation
Chop the cauliflower into 2-to-3-inch pieces.
Set up a large pot with 2 inches of water and a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil.
Place the cauliflower in the steamer, cover the pot, and steam over high heat until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
Drain the cauliflower in a large colander.
Place the softened cauliflower pieces, chicken broth, butter (or bacon fat or coconut oil), sea salt and pepper into a food processer or blender. Process until creamy – about 5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides so that everything gets blended together.
Enjoy while it’s hot!
What is your favorite local lunch spot?
One of my favorite spots right now is Stir Market in West Hollywood. It’s a restaurant and marketplace in one. All the food is unprocessed, organic, locally grown and delicious!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a firm believer that what you think is what is manifested into the universe – into your world. The more positive energy we create in exercise, the more positive energy we are sending off to someone who may need it. I also believe that we are all athletes; we just need an environment where someone else believes in us enough to pull it out. BFLA is that place. It’s a place for regular people who just want to train hard and not be judged for whatever level of fitness they’re in. It’s a place for people that just want to be healthy. I created B Fit Group Training for that reason. I want to get all those regular people out of whatever unhealthy state they’re in and into feeling good in their own skin; into a healthy lifestyle.
What an inspiring interview! Thank you, Bryna. We’re going to whip up some of that Cauliflower Mash. For those of you in the Los Angeles area, come check out Bryna’s Metabolic Circuits and other workouts! We know you’ll have fun and get your sweat on.
