Howard Murad's Blog, page 37

Dr. Murad Encourages Making it Better Every Day

We have a new thing here at the Murad HQ—we’re challenging each other to find ways to “make it better every day.”  By “it,” I mean everything – our moods, the world around us, and life in general – for ourselves, our loved ones, even casual acquaintances or complete strangers. There are, after all, few activities more rewarding than random acts of kindness.

To help inspire one another and to share our own little daily triumphs of positivity, Murad employees have taken to social media to share the various ways we make it #BetterEveryDay.

For me personally, supporting our troops is something that has always been important, so I have part of the way that I try to make things better is donating my time as a volunteer physician at the VA hospital in Los Angeles. I’ve been helping out at the VA for more than 20 years now and this wonderful opportunity to work with our vets has recently blossomed into a research study I am particularly excited about.

I’ve teamed up with Dr. Rashmi Mullur, staff endocrinologist with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, to develop a program and study designed specifically to help create and evaluate new ways to  help veterans suffering from PTSD. The program is inspired by my whole-body Inclusive Health system of care and I’m so glad to be able to help people who have given so much and so desperately need care. Read more about this study.

But you don’t need to launch a scientific study to add some joy to someone’s life. There are countless easy ways to make it better every day. For example, I try to make a conscious effort to compliment or congratulate people whenever they do something successfully. It’s the kind of thing that is so simple, yet too often taken for granted.

I also encourage employees at Murad to take time to volunteer for some community service or non-profit that is meaningful to them. It’s rewarding for me, rewarding for them and makes life better for the many that they are helping.

How do you Make it Better Every Day? Share with a photo on social media and use hashtag #BetterEveryDay.

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.

Inclusive Health: A Client Testimonial

Here’s a personal story a woman shared with us that explains how by making simple Inclusive Health adjustments to her lifestyle, she has essentially provided herself with a fresh start. New habits, a new outlook and a new way of doing things have come as part of her transformation.

“Incorporating Dr. Murad’s philosophies of Inclusive Health and Youth Building into my life have had a profound effect and a positive overall impact on my life.  I almost feel like a whole new person!

On a surface level, the skincare regimen that Dr. Murad and his staff recommended has worked wonders.  It is also easy to follow, both morning and evening.  As a result, my skin feels smoother and more vibrant.

The nutritional guidelines from the “Pitcher of Health” have provided me with the ability to alter my diet subtly – not drastically – with noticeable results in body shape while maintaining my desired weight.  My jeans even fit better now!

Perhaps most importantly, through this process, I have incorporated a whole new set of health habits into my day-to-day lifestyle that have affected not only my body but also my mindfulness and overall outlook on life!”

- M.T.

Realistic, Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

For many of us, the arrival of a new year comes with a renewed sense of focus on our personal health and well-being. It’s terrific that people want to do things that will make them healthier and happier. One thing I caution my patients about, however, is the common mistake of making resolutions that are too challenging, or even impossible, to keep.

When we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, we often end up worse than we started, not better. Setting goals that are manageable is great because when we achieve them we feel a sense of accomplishment that empowers us to continue elevating our goals bit by bit.

With Inclusive Health, we work toward attainable goals  as well – making simple lifestyle adjustments that lead to an overall healthier and happier way of living.

Here are some of my favorite attainable resolutions:

Look Better

Resolve to commit to better skincare. Start this year off right by taking better care of your skin. Begin working on keeping your resolution with a trip to see a licensed esthetician. Have them complete a comprehensive skin assessment to help you find out your specific skin type and skin concerns. Then ask them to “prescribe” an at home skincare regimen tailored just for you.


Resolve to get a professional facial monthly. Book a facial with a licensed esthetician every four weeks in 2015. And don’t miss your appointments! Ongoing professional skincare services are as important to your skin’s health as having regular checkups with your doctor is to your body’s health. (Visit our spa locator for a Murad facial near you)
Resolve to wear sunscreen every day! It’s important to wear sunscreen every day whether we are inside or out and regardless of the weather. Stock your car, handbag and workout bag with travel sized sunscreen and make sure to reapply often.

Live Better

Resolve to “eat your water.” Proper hydration is essential if you wish to keep your body and skin healthy because the basic building block of good health is the well hydrated cell.. Make this the year you make a conscious effort to eat your water – one of the most effective ways to improve your cellular water. Incorporate 4 – 7 servings of raw fruits and vegetables into your diet daily. This will not only hydrate your cells, but also give your body the nutrients it needs to build healthier new cells.
Resolve to try something new. This year, commit to trying new things. Sign up for an art class. Read more books. Or take up yoga. Whatever it is you do, stepping outside of your comfort zone will build your confidence and help you live better.
Add one healthy habit a week. Sometimes New Year’s Resolutions like “lose 50 pounds” can be overwhelming. But breaking big goals down into small manageable pieces can help ensure success without becoming stressful.

Feel Better

Resolve to get more sleep. Many studies have shown that a good night’s sleep is important for brain function, cellular health and improved skin. Why not make 2015 the year you commit to improving your sleep? As an average, 7 – 9 hours per night is recommended. And if you tend to toss-and-turn or have restless nights, consider treating yourself to a new mattress and pillow this year to help you sleep soundly the whole night through.
Resolve to carve out more “me time.” You should be the most important person in your life.  Taking some time for yourself to do things you want to do is a healthy practice that can reduce stress and increase cellular hydration. Start with a few minutes a day and build up as you adjust your schedule to reflect your new priorities. Use this time to do something you love, pamper yourself, or meditate. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.
Resolve to give back. One of the best things we can do for our world and ourselves is to give back. Make giving back a regular part of your life this year by committing to volunteer for a favorite charity.

What new year’s resolution are you committing to in 2015? Share it with us in the comments section.

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.

How To Make it Better Every Day

The start of a new year typically brings feelings of newness and change to everyone’s lives. The motto of Better Every Day is something that here at Murad we truly live up to and encourage our employees and fans to strive for on a daily basis.

There are many ways to look, live and feel better each day and we strive to educate you and offer ideas frequently here on the Face Forward blog. Our blog name was created to encourage you to put your best face forward and live healthier and happier.

Throughout the year we’ll share ways and active examples of how our community is striving to make the world a better place.

Some ways our internal Murad employees are encouraged to contribute to society are:

Participating in random acts of kindness and showing our fellow co-workers how grateful we are for all they do.
Murad offers employees 1 paid day per month to volunteer with the charity of their choice.

Murad user and beauty influencer @thefabzilla shows us how she strives to live #BetterEveryDay:

@thefabzilla shows off her #BetterEveryDay badge

 

Stay tuned on the blog for Quick Fixes to a Better You as well as exciting news for how you can conquer Cultural Stress.

How do you look, live and feel better every day? We’d love to hear from you. Share a photo on Instagram or Twitter media with hashtag #BetterEveryDay. It could be a New Year’s Resolution, a random act of kindness, donating/volunteering, the list is endless! Check out Murad’s Instagram account for ideas and inspiration.

Meet Sharon Boes: Murad’s Director of Esthetic Education

An esthetician by trade, Sharon is our Director of Esthetic Education just celebrated her tenth anniversary with Murad. She embraces the Murad Inclusive Health® philosophy in everything she does and is a constant source of inspiration for us. Sharon is also a busy working mom with a passion for Bikram yoga and baking. We caught up with her recently to find out how she balances it all.

You’re a prime example that hard work pays off. What’s your favorite part about working here?

I get the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people. I feel so fortunate to have experienced so many roles within the company and to have witnessed such incredible growth and change over the years.

Where is your hometown? What is your favorite activity to do there?

I live in Massachusetts and am close to the coast. I love spending time at Salisbury Beach, which is where I spent my summers growing up.

You have represented Murad on-air on QVC. Describe the experience of your first time on the air.

Exciting! It was truly a thrilling, adrenaline-filled experience. Both challenging and incredibly fun.

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

I try to challenge myself personally, professionally and physically as often as possible. I am more successful some days than others, but I keep trying!

How do you LOOK BETTER?

I am a huge believer in dedication to proper skincare. My can’t-live-without Murad products change often, but my must-haves every day are Firm & Tone Supplements, Rapid Collagen Infusion and Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

I try to follow the 80/20 rule for eating, which means I try to eat my healthiest and cleanest during the week and splurge on the weekends. I do boot camp workouts that force me to work out in a way I could never do alone. I always feel stronger and healthier after class.

How do you FEEL BETTER?

The best way for me to truly feel better is through Bikram yoga, which is hot yoga. For me it is therapy, exercise and de-stressing all at once.

Describe yourself in 4 words or less.

Loyal, hard-working, organized and fun-loving.

What drives you to be #BetterEveryDay?

My daughters! I am on a mission to set an example for them that anything is possible if you work hard and are true to yourself.

How do you maintain the work/life balance? Any tips for working moms?

Constant prioritizing and re-evaluating those priorities. I have an incredibly supportive husband and family that help me in every way. The biggest tip for working moms that I constantly have to remind myself of is, “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” We are all in it together, and I truly believe it all works out as it should.

What’s your favorite beauty tip?

NEVER go to bed without washing your face and doing a great skincare routine. It is so important to remove all makeup, dirt and debris from your skin and to intensely treat and repair skin while sleeping.

Do you cook? If so, what is your favorite healthy recipe?

I love to cook! I am obsessed with spaghetti squash at the moment and make a really great Mexican spaghetti squash bake. It’s healthy and really delicious. (Stay tuned on our blog soon for Sharon’s spaghetti squash recipe)

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?

My husband and I were so grateful to have healthy children at birth. We donate to St. Jude’s Hospital to help, in a small way, those families that are struggling with seriously ill children.

What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?

To help me with the constant juggling that is required of a working mom, my retired father offered to do my weekly grocery shopping for me. With all I have going on, it truly is the kindest gesture you could ever imagine!

Any hidden talents?

I love to bake! In my family, that is what I am known for.

Thank you Sharon for taking the time to chat with us. We love your skincare tips and can’t wait to experiment with spaghetti squash!

For more skincare tips from Sharon, join the party on Beauty Collection’s Facebook page next week, Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Head on over to the Beauty Collection Facebook page at 6 p.m. PST on January 7 to meet Sharon, get your beauty questions answered and for a chance to win prizes!

Make It a Beautiful New Year!

2015 has arrived and it’s nice to think of the new year as a blank canvas.  It’s a chance for us to create something beautiful – something we love.

I hope that each and every one of you seizes the opportunity in 2015 to let happiness enter by finding beauty every day.

With all the stresses of everyday living these days, it’s easy to forget to take a moment to stop and smell the roses. There’s beauty everywhere, and if you take the time to notice it, you will start to find it all around you.  When you’re looking for beauty, you’re not focusing on the negative – and that will make you healthier and happier.

On behalf of myself and the entire Murad family, we hope you have a happy and healthy new year!

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.

Murad Employees Share 2015 Resolutions

New Year’s Eve is traditionally the day where we say goodbye to one year and welcome another. Thoughts of how we can make the new year better than the last flood our minds. We asked our fellow Murad employees to share some of their 2015 resolutions. Here’s what they said:

“To visit 3 more UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This year I am hoping to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Machu Picchu in Peru and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.”

Thomas Smith

International Marketing

Thomas poses on the Great Wall of China

I ran 3 marathons before I turned 50, so next year my resolution is to run 3 more in my first year post 50.

Mark Kravets

Direct Response

“My new year’s resolution is to focus my energy on things that I love most and that will keep me mentally and physically healthy, like starting up my yoga practice that I haven’t done in months because I didn’t make it a priority, or taking advantage of our fantastic Murad Inclusive Health Spa to get massages on a regular basis to calm my mind and body.”

Michelle Eprem

Direct Response

“In 2014, I dedicated a lot of my free time to projects and hobbies indoors, so this year I want to focus on more outdoor adventures in Los Angeles like hiking, beach trips and exploring my city.”

Mary Waldron

Creative

Los Angeles coastal view @marywaldron

 

“Start…

a blog
exercising
meal planning
getting more sleep
photo albums for my kids”

Jill Neil

Global Marketing

 

What are your new year’s resolutions? Share with us in the comments below.

Happy new year, everyone!

2014 Murad Product Award Winners

2014 was a year of milestones for Murad. One of those milestones is that several of our amazing products were awarded for excellence this year. These are the must-have products judged solely and independently by the beauty industry. We’re proud to present to you our six 2014 award-winning products!

2014 Shape Beauty Awards

Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator

Best Exfoliator

 

2014 Fitness Beauty Awards

Pore Reform Starter Kit

Best Pore Minimizer

Star Beauty Awards 2014

Renewing Cleansing Oil

Best Cleanser

Good Housekeeping Beauty All-Star Awards 2014

Intensive-C® Radiance Peel

Best at-home Peel

Beauty Launchpad Readers Choice Awards 2014

Skin Perfecting Lotion

Best Acne Product

Murad Man

Best Men’s Skincare

Visit our Murad bestsellers page for more fan favorites.

Recipe: Cheesy Kale Crisps

The New Year is right around the corner and whether you are planning to host a soiree, attend a party and need a dish to bring or just enjoying quality time at home, Superfood Chef Julie Morris has a fantastic recipe you should check out.

By Julie Morris, Superfood Chef

If you’re ready to get healthy, try my recipe for Cheesy Kale Crisps below, composed entirely from wonderful items that are healthy additions to any grocery list!

Cheesy Kale Crisps

Reprinted with permission from Superfood Kitchen © 2012 by Julie Morris.

If you’ve never had kale crisps before, you’re in for a real treat. (And if you have, get ready for one of the best recipes around – seriously.) These have a distinctly Parmesan-like flavor that is excitingly addiction. Just watch: even people who “don’t like kale” will transform into kale-munching monsters before your very eyes (kids included). Better just go ahead and start a second batch now.

Makes 2-4 servings

1 large bunch of curly green kale

2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoon flaxseed powder

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon tahini

1 teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon sea salt to taste

Wash the kale and dry very thoroughly (otherwise the flavorings will not coat the leaves well). Remove the thick parts of the stem from the kale leaves, and tear the leaves into large pieces in a big bowl.

In a small bowl or cup, mix together the oil, flaxseed powder, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, tahini, onion powder, and sea salt. Pour this mixture into the kale bowl. Using clean hands, massage the oil mixture into the kale, squeezing and tossing the vegetables as you go to help soften the leaves. Mix for about 2 minutes until leaves are evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Proceed with your method of choice below.

Dehydrator Method (preferred): Warm the dehydrator to 115˚ F. Spread out the kale onto 4 perforated dehydrator sheets, and dehydrate for 10–12 hours, or until crispy (time may vary depending on local humidity). When done, store in an air-tight, sealed container.

Oven Method: Heat the oven to 200˚ F. Spread the kale out as flatly as possible onto a couple of baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 55–80 minutes, or until kale has dried out and is crispy. Keep a close eye on the kale at the end of its cooking process to make sure it does not burn. Let cool, and store in an air-tight, sealed container.

For additional healthy options, check out my tips for grocery shopping like a professional nutritionist or dietitian.

I wish you a happy and healthy 2015!

Murad Book Club: Health and Happiness Series

I’ve taken the opportunity to publish three gift books as part of a “Health and Happiness Series.”

Each book contains a different collection of my paintings alongside some of my favorite insights and stories. I hope these collections inspire you or your loved ones to look, live and feel healthier and happier.

The books titles are as followed, click on the title to learn more about each one:

“Why Have a Bad Day When You Can Have a Good Day?”
“The Best is Yet to Come”
“Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy”

I paint because I love to roll up my sleeves and get creative, plus I personally have experienced so many health benefits from making art that I now encourage my patients to allow themselves to get creative as part of their own Inclusive Health journeys.  I also love to share my art with others in the hopes that it will inspire them to create art of their own.

Like the art, my insights – sayings inspired by my patients that I have written and compiled over the years –play an important role in our Inclusive Health treatment programs. When we work with patients, I always share three or four of my insights with them. You can never tell which of the sayings they are likely to find most meaningful, but they nearly always take one of them to heart.

When people are introduced to these concepts, understand them, and begin to incorporate them into their lives, they open a door to looking, acting and feeling younger.

I hope that everyone who receives these books as gifts (or purchases for themselves) enjoys some stress reduction and empowerment – and perhaps the encouragement needed to start on the path toward Inclusive Health.

You can learn more about how to get copies of my little books here.

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.