Howard Murad's Blog, page 36

Meet Van Tran from the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®

Van Tran does it all at our Murad Inclusive Health Spa. She’s an esthetician, nail technician, massage therapist and more. She’s worked here for almost two decades, and we’re lucky to have such a kind and dedicated professional as part of our team. We recently had a chance to chat with Van about her Murad experience.

What do you do at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa?

As a Murad Nail Technician, I help with preventing aging on my clients’ hands and arms by using moisturizers with SPF and Vitamin C, and I make their nails look beautiful too. I also help with relaxation, using pressure point massage techniques and applying warm paraffin. Being a good listener to help relieve stress is also something I enjoy.

How did you join Murad and how long have you been here?

I’ve been here almost 19 years. A spa director came to where I was working in Manhattan Beach and asked me to transfer over to our spa.

What do you love most about working at Murad?

The things I love about working at Murad are the friendships that I’ve made with coworkers. I also love learning about Inclusive Health from Dr. Murad, which has helped me to put myself first and then my family and friends. But my main reason is because I enjoy working for Dr. Murad.

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

How do you LOOK BETTER?

I’m very religious about using the Murad cleansers and moisturizers every morning and every night. In addition, I try to have facials as often as I can.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

I love to eat my water! Plus, I take vitamins and exercise.

How do you FEEL BETTER?

I listen to classical music, get massages, read and travel.

What is your favorite Dr. Murad insight?

“Why have a bad day when you can have a good day?”, “Allow positive thoughts to enter your mind and body.” and “If it’s not personal, don’t take it personally.”

If you weren’t at work, what would you be doing?

Playing with my grandkids!

What is your favorite/must-have Murad product and why?

Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 because it not only moisturizes, but it also protects you from the sun; not to mention all the benefits of Vitamin C.

What is your favorite service at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa?

I love it all because each treatment gives you a different benefit. It’s really hard for me to pick just one because I love the way my face feels after a facial.  But after a long day of work if I get a signature massage it really helps me to relax and even breathe better.  I’ve suffered from asthma for years now and by having regular massages it really help to relax my body allowing me to breathe easier.

Any additional comments you’d like to share with us about your life at Murad?

Dr. Murad is a hero to me because when my husband was passing away, Dr. Murad was there to help me in every way. He showed me so much kindness. He made a very traumatic time for me and my small sons much more bearable. And for that, I will always be indebted to Dr. Murad.

What a sweet story. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, Van, and for being such an important part of our Murad family for almost 19 years! We hope your 2015 is as wonderful as you are.

The post Meet Van Tran from the Murad Inclusive Health Spa® appeared first on Face Forward.

Top 10 Safe-Smart Rules for Kids

By Jill Neil, Murad Working Parent

Dr. Murad knows how much stress can affect our health, not to mention our attitude and appearance. He’s also a father of 3 (and a grandfather of 4), so he knows firsthand the stressors that come with raising children. One way he is helping parents at Murad headquarters is by offering free, on-site education classes on important family topics. Two topics were “Raising Safe Kids” and “Raising Financially Confident Kids.”

For the first class, children’s safety expert Pattie Fitzgerald of Safely Ever After, Inc. shared her tips for keeping our kids safe from sexual predators. Her safety tips go way beyond the outdated “stranger danger” message that our generation was raised on. Not only did she teach us what to watch out for as parents, but she also provided us strategies on how to teach our kids the difference between “safe” people and “tricky” people and how to react in uncomfortable situations.

These are her Super-Ten Safe-Smart Rules for Kids:

I am THE BOSS OF MY BODY!
I know my name, address and phone number…and my parents’ cell phone numbers, too.
Safe grownups don’t ask kids for help. (They go to other adults for assistance.)
I never go ANYWHERE or take ANYTHING from someone I don’t know…no matter what they say.
I always CHECK FIRST and get permission before: I go anywhere, change my plans or take something, even if it’s from someone I know. If I can’t check first, then the answer is “NO!”
Everyone’s “bathing suit areas” are private. No bathing suit area games allowed.
I don’t have to be polite if someone makes me feel scared or uncomfortable. It’s okay to say NO! – even to a grownup or bigger kid if I have to.
I don’t keep secrets from my parents. (No one should tell a child to keep a secret from their parents, especially one that involves their bodies.)
If I ever get lost in a public place, I can FREEZE AND YELL or go to a MOM WITH KIDS and ask for help.
I always listen to my own inner voice, especially if I get an “uh-oh” feeling.

Pattie had great advice on teaching these rules to kids at every age. She has written 2 children’s books on this topic as well. You can find more tips and all of Pattie’s seminars at www.safelyeverafter.com.

The second expert was Shannon Ryan of The Heavy Purse, LLC. Shannon is a financial advisor who started The Heavy Purse to help busy parents teach their children simple, value-based principles that guide their money decisions and support their long-term financial well-being. Shannon presented a 2-part series to Murad employees: “Finding Financial Happiness” and “Raising Financially Confident Kids.” In both sessions, Shannon focused on the importance of goal setting, knowing where your money is going, what you are saving for and how that should drive your financial decisions. She defines financial happiness as “the alignment of your personal values and money.” As parents, it is our job to teach our kids how to think and feel about money.

Her roadmap for raising financially confident kids includes:

Money needs to stop being a taboo topic
Ease into money conversations
Be a good financial role model
Set goals for saving, spending and sharing – money needs a purpose

Shannon has authored two children’s books to help our kids learn about money. You can find them as well as her blog (full of great financial advice) at www.theheavypurse.com.

Both Pattie and Shannon are very passionate about what they do, and our employees were grateful for the opportunity to attend their sessions for free within Murad headquarters. Murad plans to continue this type of education to create a better work-life balance for all employees, and we’ll keep sharing our favorites with you.

What do you stress most about as a parent? What types of classes or resources would you like your employer to provide?

The post Top 10 Safe-Smart Rules for Kids appeared first on Face Forward.

Reveal Your Skin’s Past and Change Your Skin’s Future with YouthCam

Have you ever wished there was a way to see skin damage and aging before it becomes visible to the eye?

Murad’s YouthCam is a high-definition camera that analyzes fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, redness, inflammation and pore size and anticipates the future of customers’ skin. Based on Dr. Murad’s decades of experience with thousands of patients, YouthCam’s proprietary software simulates a personal consultation from the Doctor himself.

Here’s how it works:

A Murad skin health expert will ask you a few quick questions to determine your greatest areas of concern and the current state of your skin.
YouthCam will then take a photo of your skin to measure the severity of the 5 conditions mentioned above.
Your skin health specialist will then explain the analysis and can even simulate what your skin will look like in the future without proper treatment.
Based on the camera’s recommendation, your skin health specialist will suggest a daily product regimen to keep the signs of aging at bay.
This technology is a great service for anyone who wants to take a preventative approach as well as a corrective approach. It provides product recommendations that will be sure to address your skincare concerns, help you achieve your desired results and simplify your skincare regimen in minutes.

Don’t just take our word for it; read real customer testimonials:

“Even though I was a little nervous, I was also curious​ to see what the YouthCam would see in my skin. I liked that it not only showed me how my skin is now, but what I need to use to keep my skin looking young in the years to come.”

​-Jocelyn Lorenzo

“The YouthCam was very helpful in figuring out my problem areas and what my focus should be regarding skin care. It was simple and painless but very informative because it provides a list of products and instructions on when to use them.”

-Karla Andrade​

“The YouthCam allowed me to take a deeper look at my skin and see what is really going on. This helped me learn which products would benefit me the most. It is really nice to know that Murad can personalize their skin care line and philosophy to compliment my needs and cater to my concerns.”

-Patty Saenz​

A YouthCam consultation is complimentary and is currently available at Murad international locations, the Murad Flagship Store and the Murad Inclusive Health Spa in Los Angeles.

Eat Your Water: Explained

“Eat your water,” is a phrase I have been using for many years to help explain to people that staying sufficiently hydrated for whole body health isn’t about drinking eight glasses of water a day.

But what does “eat your water” really mean?

Anyone knows that eight glasses of water – while still a way of putting water into your body – also means eight trips to the bathroom.  When we eat more water-rich foods, we absorb water more slowly because it is trapped in the structure of these foods. That slow absorption means that water in food stays in our bodies longer, with a multitude of additional benefits.

A cucumber is a great example of this. Because cucumbers are 96% water, eating a three-ounce cucumber is almost the same as drinking three ounces of water, but better. Besides being full of hydrating H2O, raw fruits, vegetables and other key water-rich foods contain nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber that can improve your health, develop your immune system, strengthen your muscles and boost your athletic performance.

Dehydration can contribute to loss of energy, headaches and general sluggishness. This is why drinking water has been typically recommended by healthcare professionals for decades. However, to keep our bodies in optimal health, we not only need to stay hydrated but also ingest enough vitamins and nutrients to help our bodies function properly.

By eating your water, you are not only hydrating with H2O, but are also filling your body with everything it needs to become strong and healthy. Our bodies are constantly regenerating, creating new cells to replace old, damaged ones. So, it is important that we eat and drink with a deliberate focus on promoting cellular health. The best way to do this is to keep our body saturated with cell-building elements such as vitamin A, alpha lipoic acid, oleic acid, polyphenols, folic acid and vitamin C. These nutrients can all be found in water-rich foods such as raw fruits and vegetables.

Drinking too much water can actually cause a loss of vitamins and minerals as they get flushed out as the body voids excess fluids. Many people who train for marathons or other long endurance fitness activities have experienced this damaging depletion of vitamins and minerals which can lead to exhaustion, muscle cramping and even heart palpitations. The key is to “strategically hydrate” by eating your water throughout the day so that your body has a steady stream of hydration and nutrients to keep it energized and working optimally.

I’m not saying you should do away with drinking water completely.  But by eating several servings of raw fruits or vegetables each day, you will be able to stay hydrated significantly longer. It’s not a hard change to make.  In fact, if you are sticking to a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and whole grains as I recommend in my Pitcher of Health, you’ll end up eating most of the water you need each day to stay hydrated.

Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world renowned skincare expert and founder of the Inclusive Health movement. L earn more about Dr. Murad.

Sources: Fitbie , Health , She Knows

Reduce Stress and Live Young by Letting Go of Your Need to Be Perfect

In Dr. Murad’s 2010 bestselling book The Water Secret, he introduced the world to the Science of Cellular Water™, which looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water as one of the fundamental markers of youthful, good health. Backed by science, this concept was—and still is—considered a breakthrough.

Now in his newest book, Conquering Cultural Stress: The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Aging and Happiness, Dr. Murad introduces us to another revolutionary concept: why conquering Cultural Stress® is one of the most effective strategies for sustaining positive changes in overall wellness.

The book offers three steps to looking, living and feeling better—a science-based plan that will actually build youth back into your cells. In Step 1, Dr. Murad focuses on perfectionism and the idea that letting go of your need to be perfect is the first step to conquering Cultural Stress. In fact, the latest science points to perfectionism as a risk factor for disease, similar to obesity and using tobacco products.

“You already know in your heart that taking care of yourself sets the tone for your life and health. You also probably know somewhere deep down that striving for perfection is a setup for failure.” –Dr. Murad in Conquering Cultural Stress

In Step 1 of Conquering Cultural Stress, you will learn:

How to turn imperfections into assets
Why self-care begins with self-discovery
How the toddler in you can save your life
Why putting yourself first will help you achieve optimal health and happiness
Why disconnecting from the digital world is critical to improving your overall health and well-being

Praise for Conquering Cultural Stress:

“Dr. Howard Murad is one of the most joy-filled and inspirational people I know. His approach to dealing with Cultural Stress gives people the tools to live healthier and happier. I recommend this book for anyone seeking new ways to transform their lives.”

—Judy Brooks, Executive Producer and Co-Host, Healing Quest

Dr. Murad’s new book also includes a seven-day meal plan, healthy and delicious recipes and 365 affirmations for living a happy, loving, stress-free life. Conquering Cultural Stress is now available for purchase.

What a great way to start the new year! Coming soon on the blog, we’ll share what you will learn in Step 2 of Conquering Cultural Stress.

5 Foods for Winter Season Hydration

In the winter, the brisk, windy air outside and the warm heated air inside can dry out your skin. Good topical products and plenty of sleep are always a helpful remedy for winter dryness. What many may not realize is that what you eat can also help your skin stay comfortable, healthy and beautiful.

Here is a list of foods to enjoy that can hydrate your skin throughout the dry winter season:

Orange Veggies: Orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, contain beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that protects skin from harmful sun exposure and damage. Most of these vegetables also contain vitamin A and C, vitamins that help to the body to repair tissues and which are necessary for the body to produce collagen.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is filled with vitamin E and healthy fats. These fats moisturize the skin from the inside out.
Spinach: Spinach is packed with iron and vitamins A, B and E. These vitamins protect the skin and improve the immune system. Steaming spinach as a side dish or enjoying it in a salad with an olive oil dressing are both healthy, tasty  choices that also benefit the skin.
Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are embryonic foods – containing the nutrients required for healing and growth. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B and E, monosaturated fats, and minerals. Nuts and seeds also promote skin elasticity and help the body to build new cells. Some great options include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pistachios.
Fruit: Water-dense fruits such as mangos and peaches are good options when trying to hydrate and protect your skin from the environment. Eating fruit keeps the skin firm due to high concentrations of vitamins A and C.

This winter, beat the dryness by staying healthy and keeping your body hydrated. Including these foods in your diet is a simple step to take for healthy 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.

Conquering Cultural Stress by Dr. Murad

Cultural Stress is the stress of modern everyday living – a pervasive, nagging stress that can be constant and relentless. It’s a relatively new kind of stress that most people don’t even notice, largely because it has become so ingrained in our way of life. Unfortunately, it affects the entire body and can contribute to serious health problems, inside and out.

So much more is expected of us today and we expect so much more from ourselves. We struggle to keep up with endless e-mails, limitless work demands and ever-expanding rules and regulations as we cope with increased traffic and longer commutes. Cultural Stress also leads to less time with friends and loved ones and more time worrying about how we might possibly “catch up.”  As a result, we feel less worthy.

The good news is that there is a solution.

My research with thousands of patients led me to discover a health and life restoring system I call Youth Building –it’s a simple shift in lifestyle and attitude that can help anyone of any age return to the time when they were happiest – youth.

Young children, around the age of two, are free from cultural stress – they don’t judge anyone, they don’t try to be perfect, they are not critical of themselves, they are creative, and they think outside of the box because to them, there is no box!

In my latest book, Conquering Cultural Stress, I explore the science behind Youth Building – and how reducing the impact of Cultural Stress actually improves the way that the body’s cells function.

Through Youth Building, we can recapture the spirit of joyful living and return to the toddlers within ourselves. When my patients have incorporated Youth Building and Inclusive Health into their lives, we have seen terrific results. Cultural Stress is reduced and overall health is improved.

Beyond boost in physical health that Youth Building provides, a spiritual boost and helps you to rediscover joy and freedom. Cultural Stress is a problem, but it is one that we can conquer with surprising ease once we give ourselves permission to color outside the lines, enjoy big belly laughs and sing and dance for no reason at all.

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.

Purchase Dr. Murad’s new book, Conquering Cultural Stress.

Quick Fixes for a Better You Chart

Dr. Murad encourages us all to create realistic and achievable new year’s resolutions. We’ve put together a handy reference chart with ideas on how you can quickly make better decisions every day. Suggestions like shopping at your local farmers market instead of the grocery store, choosing avocado over butter, and cooking at home instead of eating fast food to name a few. Pin the chart below to your Pinterest account so you can easily reference and share with your friends!

Do you have any quick tips for living and feeling better? Share with us in the comments below or on social media with the hashtag #BetterEveryDay.

Meet Dr. Murad and Conquer Cultural Stress

Dr. Murad will be on the road to meet fans and speak about his new book, Conquering Cultural Stress, which is now available for purchase in hardback.

Meet Dr. Murad and listen to him discuss why overcoming Cultural Stress® is the secret to healthier, more youthful skin. Transform your life and transform your skin at a city near you!

Illinois

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2015

Location: Skin Deep Day Spa, 40 W. 222 Lafox Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Call 630-443-3220 to reserve your space

This special event will also include express spa treatments, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Date: Friday, January 9, 2015

Location: ULTA at The Shops at Oak Brook Place, 2155 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Dr. Murad Store Visit Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm (3 one-hour sessions)

Murad Skincare Specialist “Clinic Hour”: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Cost: $50 reservation fee redeemable toward a Murad product purchase on the day of the event

RSVP: Call 630-573-9324 to reserve your space

New York

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Location: Racine Salon & Spa, 341 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Call 631-224-5240 to reserve your space

This special event will also include express spa treatments, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Florida

Date: Friday, January 16, 2015

Location: GBS The Beauty Store, 21306 St. Andrews Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33468

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Call 561-394-6123 to reserve your space

This special event will also include express spa treatments, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2015

Location: Sephora at Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Call 305-931-9579 to reserve your space

California

Date: Wednesday January 21, 2015

Location: Barnes & Noble – The Grove at Farmers Market

189 The Grove Drive Suite K 30, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Time: 7pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Barnes & Noble, 323-525-0270

Date: Sunday, February 22nd, 2015

Location: YogaWorks South Bay, 740 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am, followed by a complimentary yoga class at 10:30am – open to all levels

Cost: Free

RSVP: Call 310.322.6500 to reserve your space February 21st

The first 50 guests will receive a goody bag. All guests will receive a free express treatment at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa*.

We hope to see you there! If you can’t make it to an event, read more about his new book and stay tuned to our blog for additional information.

Stress Less and Live Young: Introducing Dr. Murad’s Next Bestseller

Are you ready to start your New Year off stress-free while maximizing your overall health and well-being? We’re proud and excited to announce that Dr. Murad has written his eighth book Conquering Cultural Stress: The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Aging and Happiness, and it’s now available to purchase.

Dr. Murad believes that overcoming chronic negativity and Cultural Stress® (the constant and pervasive stress we experience due to modern day living) is one of the most effective strategies for sustaining positive changes in overall wellness.

Here’s what Dr. Murad says about Conquering Cultural Stress:

“I’m going to show you a revolutionary way to understand health and aging, as well as how to maximize your well-being. I’ll reveal how by getting in touch with the unencumbered, free-spirited child you once were—whose potential was unlimited—and maintaining high levels of cellular hydration that you also had as a youth, you can age in a healthy fashion that allows you to look and feel as vibrant, happy and young as possible.”

Praise for Conquering Cultural Stress

“Every year or so, thousands of books are published worldwide. But only a very small fraction of these books deserves to be considered as truly transformative, iconoclastic and consequential in terms of their overall impact on our lives. Conquering Cultural Stress by Dr. Murad is one such book.”

—Michael P. Tabibian, MD, FAAD, Advanced Dermatology Care of Southern California, Clinical Instructor, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

In Conquering Cultural Stress, Dr. Murad shows you how to:

Lower your living age by as much as 10 years
Say goodbye to emotional, stress-based overeating
Improve your mood and productivity
Make small lifestyle changes that have a huge impact on aging and well-being

He also introduces his simple, three-step plan to actually build youth back into your cells and function optimally—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Stay tuned on the blog as we’ll share different elements laid out in the book.

Dr. Murad’s new book also includes a seven-day meal plan, healthy and delicious recipes and 365 affirmations for living a happy, loving, stress-free life. Conquering Cultural Stress is now available in hardback, and you can buy your copy here, or at the Murad Flagship Store in Los Angeles.