Howard Murad's Blog, page 43

5 Foods That Help Strengthen Cells In Your Body

In these times of being constantly “plugged in,” we tend to become busy with hundreds of e-mails and endless “To Do” lists. This excessive overstimulation can lead to an increase in Cultural Stress—the constant and pervasive stress of everyday modern living.  So what’s the danger? That Cultural Stress can cause changes in your body that lead to the breakdown of your body’s cells.

One of the best things you can do to fight back against cultural stress is to give your body the building blocks for stronger cells that are better able to withstand the assault that cultural stress can inflict. Even the busiest among us have to stop to eat so when you do make your foods count and ensure they are packed with the highest nutrient quantities possible for the health of your entire body.

Here are five of my favorite foods that also help to strengthen every cell in your body:

Eggs: Eating eggs is statistically associated with the promise of a number of health benefits including lower rates of breast cancer, prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts, higher HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), and the strengthening of collagen, among others. Why are eggs such a powerful source of nutrients? Because they are embryonic, which means they contain all the ingredients needed to create a baby chick! And that includes nutrients for strong, healthy cells. Eggs contain lecithin that softens, tones and moisturizes skin. Lecithin also restores the barrier function of the skin, helping cells keep water in to hydrate deeper layers. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect cells from free radical damage.
Nuts: USDA researchers say that eating 1.5 ounces of tree nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Nuts are also natural anti-inflammatories, especially almonds. This means they can help protect the skin from conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.
Avocado: Rich in healthy fats, vitamins A and C and fiber, eating avocado helps your body create elastin and collagen which helps bind your skin cells together and maintain their firmness and structure. Also, avocado consumption has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
Blueberries: Blueberries are one of the best anti-aging foods you can eat. They are packed with antioxidants, which help fight the signs of aging and aid cells in protecting the body against environmental aggressors. They also make for a great, portable snack.
Pomegranates: Not only are pomegranates rich in antioxidants, eating them (and applying products containing pomegranate extract to your skin) can help prevent sun damage. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, participants who ingested polyphenols found in pomegranates for 12 weeks experienced improved blood flow and oxygen to the skin, leading to improvements in their overall skin quality.

These are just a few of the many wonderful cell-strengthening foods anyone can easily add to their diets, but they are five of the best.

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

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Check out an Inclusive Health Grocery Shopping List put together by Dr. Murad which includes many of these great cell strengthening foods.

Sources: Live Strong , Everyday Health , Prevention , She Knows

Meet Kiene Landry: City of Hope Marriage Family Therapist & Registered Art Therapist

We all know that Dr. Murad loves creating art because it allows him to express himself in a unique way and gives him one more way to encourage others to heal by pursuing their own passions. Art truly IS therapy, and City of Hope knows that. Kiene Landry is a Registered Art Therapist at City of Hope, and she helps cancer patients express their feelings through the process of creating art. We’re thrilled that we had a chance to talk to Kiene about how she’s helping patients embrace hope and healing through the art process.

How did you get into art therapy?

I was a social worker previous to my art therapist days. When I had my second child, I worked part-time jobs to stay home with my kids as much as I could for the first few years. When I wanted to go back into social work, I was told I was out one year too long and would have to get my masters to have the same position. I had always loved working with people and knew I wanted to stay in the same field as much as possible. I had little knowledge of art therapy, but getting a degree in psychotherapy seemed like a good way to continue providing support to others. I soon realized that there was an Art Therapy/Marriage & Family Therapy Degree at Loyola Marymount University. This sounded perfect! I had created some form of art all my life and realized how it had been my coping skill, form of relaxation, stress relief, expression of my thoughts and feelings, mindfulness and meditation all in one. I was very excited and felt so fortunate to have learned how I could use this medium to help others feel the same transformation.

What is your main source of inspiration?

I receive inspiration from my family. We’re a family with a lot of heart and are supportive of each other whenever it’s needed. I’ve always considered working with people an honor, especially working with those who are facing difficult life experiences. I had a sister who recently passed of a brain aneurism. She was also a social worker and taught me how wonderful it felt to give to those who were in need. I also had an aunt who passed away from colon cancer. She was an artist who worked in ceramics and was also a teacher. My grandmother was both a quilt maker and a millenary. I cared for my mother for 7 years. During two of those years, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy and a year of chemo. She recently passed always, but she was always an inspiration.  She was a teacher with an incredible style. I’ve had inspiration all around me. That said, art therapy was a positive way for expressing myself. I have dealt with my own health and bereavement issues, and art has been my saving grace!

What’s different about doing art therapy at City of Hope?

Art therapy is offered through the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center/Department of Supportive Care Medicine at City of Hope. At the Biller Resource Center, I am a part of a uniquely integrated interdisciplinary team which includes supportive medicine physicians, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists, patient navigators, health educators, social workers, spiritual care counselors, child life educators and more. We collaborate closely, providing compassionate and comprehensive whole person care to patients and their loved ones throughout their cancer journey. We are one of the only programs in the country to offer this level of comprehensive support. Art therapy is offered alongside a host of integrative medicine programs, educational workshops, support and problem-solving groups. I would say that the uniqueness of the individuals at the City of Hope is what makes this group so incredible. The energy both in the group and the hospital itself is alive, hopeful and engaging. Everyone I’ve met has been so wonderful and caring. Not only that, but many have worked for City of Hope quite a number of years and that says something in itself. Regarding the group, my hope is that they continue to create their own health, hope and peace through or with the help of the art process. I also hope it brings some relief from the pain that many individuals experience and gives a voice to their feelings and thoughts. Working with those who are often looking at their own mortality is incredibly rewarding. Processing through the art provides what often words are unable to express. Working with those who are supporters and care givers to these individuals gives added realization to what is most important in life. The people in my group are awe-inspiring. They have the strength to go a little deeper, below the surface, and it most often supports positive growth and healing.

What’s your painting style and what type of style do you teach?

I usually work in acrylic when painting. I do all kinds of art - I enjoy recycling old junk into new junk. I once bought a truck just to pick up stuff on the street to use for art projects. I have fun creating art though found objects. I took art in college as electives, have enjoyed community art classes, but do not have a fine arts degree. My undergraduate degree was in sociology. I was told by one of our youngest members in our group, who is a fine arts graduate and is considering a degree in art therapy, that I was an “expressionist”- my art is a process, evolving, and she would be right. I love creating. I do not teach art. I teach expression through art, how to use some art materials, but my mantra seems to be you don’t have to be an artist to be in art therapy!

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

This is the easiest question. I would be creating ART!

What are some of the therapeutic benefits of creating art?

These are a few ways that the art process can impact a person’s life. During the process of creating art, we often mirror images of our current experience through the art, which we can then concretely see, work with, change, engage with and improve, or bring what’s most important out. Art brings the unexplored, the unconscious to the conscious. The utter transference of feeling and thoughts into two or three dimensional objects creates a safe arena to explore the individual’s personal experience. It needs not be verbal, and you certainly don’t need to have any art experience. The group situation provides nurture to those who have none, we support the individual patient and those who care for them. Universality is the point of connection. The group provides a safe environment to express yourself. I have also found the creative process has the ability to improve problem solving skills and increases focus, attention span, self-confidence and self-esteem. I have experienced individuals who have expressed immediate mood change and have found this form of therapy to have increased their frustration tolerance and their ability to ask for help when in need. Personal satisfaction, validation and empowerment are all being experienced. Individuals increase their ability to communicate with others, cope with emotions, explore their inner strengths, bring meaning and mindfulness to their lives encouraging them to be present, decrease their stress and anxiety, and help access new ideas.

 

Kiene, what an incredibly positive impact you’re having on those who are going through such difficult times. Supporting the healing process through art must be very rewarding for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our other City of Hope blog posts:

Meet Dr. Laura Kruper, Co-director of City of Hope’s Breast Cancer Program

Meet City of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor Melina Fregoso

Murad Partners with City of Hope to Raise Funds for Women’s  Cancers Programs

We’ve Moved! Celebrating Our New Corporate Headquarters

Earlier this month, the entire Murad team relocated to our brand new 45,000 square foot global headquarters in El Segundo, California. The relocation was fueled by our need to accommodate the exponential growth we’ve experienced in our first 25 years and to give us room to grow in the future.

The new office space is a vibrant, state-of-the art facility and has been custom designed to encourage everyone who works and visits to embrace Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy by making choices to look, live and feel better every day.

Dr. Murad says, “One of my favorite sayings is ‘dream without limits.’  I’m excited about our new Murad office, because it truly is the realization of a dream.  We set about to design a workplace that helps everyone here enjoy a happier, healthier and more rewarding lifestyle – and we didn’t compromise. The end result is a warm, beautiful place that captures the spirit of our company.  There’s also a natural flow to the design that helps let everyone know they are a part of something special.”

Richard Murad, our General Manager, says the new space reflects Murad’s commitment to our employees AND our customers, “The office will serve us well all these coming years in a collaborative and energizing way that we have never experienced before, making us more healthy, happy and productive as we take on the world.”

Mary Waldron checks out the herb garden.

To help us to navigate our way in an open floor plan environment, key sub brand colors have been used to designate departments and work areas. That’s one of copywriter Mary Waldron’s favorite parts, “I love the inspiring design and colors that embody the Murad brand. It makes us all feel part of something great.”

There is also a running track being installed in the office (yes, a running track!), as well as exercise equipment which together create a fitness circuit.  The state of the art kitchen features an indoor herb garden and a huge garage-style glass roll-up door that gives diners access to a lovely patio. Kelly Gibson, our Senior Manager of Administrative Affairs says, “Our new headquarters is Inclusively Healthy with the exercise equipment and the healthy food we are offered. I find that I am getting up and walking around more to speak with people instead of sitting down for so long. The new office has changed the way that I am working.”

Because the space is so inviting, airy and inclusive, our employees are discovering some unexpected surprises: “I’m encouraged to get up and talk to people instead of using the phones or email, says Michelle Eprem our Direct Response Producer. “I’ve already met so many people that I didn’t even know worked here! And the exercise equipment is cool. It’s a fun way to get up and recharge.”

Various workout equipment around the office.

Everybody loves the way the space is laid out and the cutting-edge technology. Andy Padilla, Associate Manager of Retail Trade Marking, says he’s inspired by the streamlined style, “My favorite part is the vibrant and minimalist-looking work stations.” Alex Higley, our System Administrator, says the reception area is one-of-a-kind, “The interactive art wall in the reception area is something that no one else has.” And Erika Diestel, our Customer Care Department Trainer, says the space has a great vibe, “I like the entrance and the kitchen the best. I like the openness.”

A lot goes into a huge undertaking like a move, and we all know how stressful that can be. But we did it, and it was worth it! Inspired and energized by our new space, we look forward to leading by example to show the world how living and working “inclusively” can help everyone to live #BetterEveryDay.

To see photos of and read buzz about our new global headquarters, visit Instagram and Twitter and search #MuradHQ. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Our new address:

2121 Park Place

First Floor

El Segundo, CA 90245

Shop For Healthy Food Like A Pro – 5 Tips

By Julie Morris, Superfood Chef

It goes without saying that nutritionists and dietitians know the way to find wellness boosting foods at the market! But just because you don’t have a degree in nutrition, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on eating well. Here are five tips that will help you make better decisions every time you’re at the store:

Shop the Perimeter – You may have heard this one before, but it bears repeating! The outer edges of the store are where the fresh foods resides–the foods that should make up the majority of our diet! It’s here that you’ll find produce, perishable items (most food should be perishable, that means it has more nutritional value to start with), as well as healthy whole food snacks like nuts and dried fruit.

Seek Simple Labels – Many people read the nutrition facts but fail to read the ingredients. This is a big mistake because ingredients give you more clues regarding the real quality of the food. Outside of “red flag” ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils, simpler and shorter ingredient lists are often signals of a higher quality, less processed, and overall healthier item. When you look at an ingredient list, it should read like a recipe in a book.  If it sounds like a science experiment it probably was!

Buy Nutrients, not Calories – Nutritionists don’t eat just to get full, they eat to get nourished, and we should do the same! Although a bag of rice may appear cheaper than a bag of quinoa, the rice offers little nutrition beyond its high carbohydrate value, whereas the quinoa is protein-packed, fiber-full and mineral rich. So per nutrient, it’s the quinoa which is actually the “deal” compared to the rice. Nutritionists often refer to this idea as the “nutrient density” of foods, which is the ratio of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals) per calorie of food. Every food is different, so it’s worth seeking the ones that give us the most bang for your buck. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, and whole grains are all examples of highly beneficial nutrient-dense foods. When you hear or see the term “superfoods,” that refers to the best of the best in the nutrient density realm.

Buy Organic – A 100% organic diet isn’t always possible, but sometimes what you leave out of your shopping cart is just as important as what you put in. Organic foods are items that have not had pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals applied to them, and have not been genetically modified. Steering clear of these potential toxins is a no-brainer for anyone in the nutrition field, and should be for everyone!

Make Your Own – Many leading nutrition experts suggest that when possible, it’s great to make our own homemade versions of store-bought items, which cuts out the need for preservatives, as well as extra sugars and fats often added in by manufacturers. Personally, as a chef, I would also add that shopping for ingredients instead of products allows us to create and enjoy better flavors too, as our food is fresher and healthier.

To see more healthy food tips and yummy recipes from Julie click here, here and here.

Joan Lunden’s 2014 Camp Reveille Highlights

Once a year, Joan Lunden hosts Camp Reveille, a women’s wellness camp in Naples, Maine. This year’s magical summer camp getaway included workouts, a cardboard boat race, spa treatments and classes on health and wellness. Joan even hosted Murad’s first-ever “Instagram Takeover,” sharing snaps of all the fun and adventures with hashtag #CampRev2014.

Trish Nobel, Murad’s Assistant Manager of Production, attended Camp Reveille this year and loved every minute of it. “Camp Reveille goes hand in hand with Dr. Murad’s philosophy. It’s a place where woman can finally give back to themselves. Reveille creates a haven for busy women to spend some much-needed time concentrating on their well-being in one of the most peaceful and serene environments.”

To read Joan’s first-hand account of all of the amazing moments from Camp Reveille, read her blog post here.

If you don’t already, follow Murad on Instagram.

Meet: Murad Brand Ambassador Michelle R

Michelle is a beauty blogger and tells us she’s most passionate about makeup, fashion and helping other women feel beautiful. She runs her own beauty blog and is the star of her own YouTube channel, Ready Set Glamour. So get ready to find out a little bit more about one of our Murad Brand Ambassadors.

Describe yourself in 3 sentences.

I love making people happy, and I especially love helping other people feel good about themselves, even if it’s saying “You’re so pretty” to a random stranger. I’m a total foodie, always willing to try a new restaurant or a new recipe. Neat freak is an understatement when it comes to describing me, especially when it comes to organizing my beauty products; I love knowing where everything is.

How did you first discover Murad?

I used to be a full-time beauty writer, so I discovered Murad whilst looking for products to write about in a skincare feature. I tried out a facial cleanser and immediately became hooked on Murad products. Not only do the products really work, but I find the meaning behind the brand to be very inspirational.

What is your primary source of inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from other people. If I watch a 10-minute workout video on YouTube, I’m immediately inspired and motivated to hit the gym. If I see someone post a colorful makeup look on Instagram, I get inspired to step out of my comfort zone with the neutrals and add a fun twist to my makeup. If I watch someone on the Food Network make a dish using some cool ingredients, I’m inspired to create a dish using ingredients I normally wouldn’t use together.

What motivates you?

I love what I do. I love talking about makeup, hair, skincare, fashion, etc. So motivation comes naturally to me.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

Buy beauty products. All day, every day! But in all seriousness, I would travel the world.

What is your favorite book?

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Very moving book!

What is your biggest success so far?

I would say my biggest success is my YouTube channel. It’s not easy making the decision to put yourself out there for thousands, if not millions, of people to see.

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day involves laying out by a scenic pool on a warm summer day and reading a good book.

What’s your favorite memory?

Visiting Disneyland for the first time as a kid, it was magical!

Would you rather…

Hike or bike?

Bike

Go to a comedy club or dance club?

Comedy club

Use Facebook or Instagram?

Instagram

Win the lottery or work at your perfect job?

Work at my perfect job

Eat fruit or veggies?

Veggies

What’s your favorite Dr. Murad insight?

Why have a bad day, when you can have a good day?

Dr. Murad founded the Inclusive Health Movement. How do you embrace the movement of Looking, Living and Feeling #BetterEveryDay?

How do you LOOK BETTER?

One way I look better is always using amazing products. My favorite Murad products are: Renewing Eye Cream, Essential-C Cleanser, Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum and the Acne Body Wash. But really, I haven’t met a Murad product I haven’t loved.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

I live by the quote “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” Stay motivated, keep it mental. I love taking dance classes. For me, workout time goes by much quicker and I find I’m in a better mindset when I get my workout in by doing a dance class. Plus, it’s SO fun! I also try to eat healthy. I love my quinoa lentil salad (quinoa, lentils, heart of palm, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper). It’s delicious and so filling!

How do you FEEL BETTER?

I make time to reduce stress. Take some time to yourself and spoil yourself a little bit. I like to watch a movie or a YouTube video, listen to music, or buy myself an accessory. Just doing something that I know brings a smile to my face.

Great advice – Thanks Michelle! To keep up with Michelle, check out her ambassador profile here.

Healthy Living Tips by City of Hope

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the month of October, our partner, City of Hope, has provided some great healthy living tips to keep in mind.

3 Tips for Healthier Food Choices:

Limit your red and processed meat intake.  “It is estimated that half of all breast cancers, a third of lung cancers and three-fourths of colorectal cancers could be prevented with healthier diets,” said Peggy Mancini, M.S., R.D., a clinical dietitian at City of Hope.  When possible, opt for seafood (particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids) or lean poultry instead.  “Intake of red meats should be limited to two to three 3-ounce servings a week, and processed meats — such as bacon, sausage, ham and hot dogs — should be avoided altogether,” Mancini said.
Incorporate cancer-fighting foods into your meals. An increasing body of research, including studies done at City of Hope, have shown that “superfoods”, like white button mushrooms, have compounds that can fight cancers through a variety of means.  Some block hormones that fuel the cancer’s growth; others prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels to grow and spread.
“Prepare yourself. We don’t always know what we want to eat, we just eat when we are hungry, and we eat what is convenient. Prepare beforehand; write down a list of foods to eat, like colorful foods that are natural and healthy snacks. Don’t get to the point where you are very hungry, because then you end up gorging yourself. Plan out what you want to eat.”  – Vijay Trisal, M.D., medical director of community practices for the City of Hope Medical Foundation

3 Exercise Tips

City of Hope scientists have linked exercise and healthy weight to a lower risk of diabetes and cancer. Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., professor and director of the Division of Cancer Etiology at City of Hope, published her first paper linking physical activity to lower cancer risk nearly 20 years ago. Since then, study after study has backed up Bernstein’s findings, linking increased physical activity to a reduced risk of breast, colon, uterine and advanced prostate cancer.  Excess weight has been  linked to an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer, colon and rectum cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer.

“Across the world, we’ve seen consistent results showing a reduction in cancer risk with increasing levels of activity. Even a few hours of consistent exercise each week can lower risk.” – Dr. Bernstein

Get moving: As few as three hours of regular, moderate exercise each week can lower risk of breast cancer.
Start young: Women who exercised three hours each week while teenagers cut their breast cancer risk by 30 percent.
Break a sweat: There’s no need to run a marathon – just work hard enough to be a little out of breath.

There is no one lifestyle choice that can prevent breast cancer, but Bernstein strongly urges women to start or continue a regular exercise regimen. Not only does it lower cancer risk, it can also add years to your life.  Even an hour of exercise a week, less than 10 minutes a day, can extend your lifespan by almost TWO years, while 2.5 hours a week, can extend your life by more than FOUR years.

3 Skin cancer prevention tips

The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented and all it takes is a little savvy and vigilance in protecting yourself from the sun.

Use a lot and use it often. “Reapplication and using enough is key to getting appropriate protection from sunscreens,” said City of Hope dermatologist Jae Jung, M.D., Ph.D., noting that someone in the sun should apply sunscreen to exposed skin every one to two hours. Approximately two fingertips’ worth is needed to cover face, hands and neck, and an entire ounce is required to cover the whole body. Sunscreens labeled “water resistant” and “water proof” will maintain their protection in the water for 40 and 80 minutes, respectively, she added.

Cover up. Clothing and accessories can also protect skin from the sun. These include full-sleeve shirts, long-legged pants, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and cover-up wraps and sarongs. Although most clothing will protect the skin from UV rays, Dr. Jung said, those with a listed ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, are ideal.
Take shade from 10 to 4.  Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is when the UV rays are most intense, so people need to be extra cautious about their sun exposure — and extra attentive about their skin protection — during that time.
Start young. Dr. Jung advises parents to be extra mindful of their children’s sun exposure, too, because damage from UV rays can accumulate over a lifetime. “One study showed that sun-induced melanoma risk is determined by the amount of UV exposure you get before the age of 10.”

3 tips on how to quit smoking

According to Brian Tiep, M.D., director of pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation at City of Hope, and Rachel Dunham, M.S.N., nurse practitioner for smoking cessation and lung cancer screening:

Seek help. The first step is to seek medical help. Talk to your doctor about finding a smoking cessation program with medical professionals that specialize in helping people quit smoking.
Commit. “Make a commitment to yourself to keep your doctor appointments,”  says Dunham.  Don’t miss appointments because you started smoking again — it is especially important at this time because you need help and support.
Be passionate. “It is important to be passionate about your goal,” Brian Tiep, M.D., director of pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation at City of Hope said. Quitting is something that should occupy your mind. Stay focused to your commitment to quitting for yourself and your family as well.

 

Sources:

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Joan Lunden’s Breast Cancer Journey

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting inspiring stories of hope, courage and strength. TV personality and health advocate Joan Lunden first revealed that she was battling breast cancer in June during a sit-down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, where she spent 17 years as an anchor.

Joan said initially she was “shell shocked” to learn she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. But she turned a corner quickly and is now focusing on finding strength through the love and support of her family, fans and colleagues. Joan is also using her experience as an opportunity to inspire others to protect their health.

She recently wrote a blog post about the importance of drinking LOTS of water while undergoing chemotherapy. Joan explains a fun and clever way to keep track of your daily water intake. It’s a great idea, and it really works too! You can read Joan’s complete blog post here.

As Dr. Murad reminds us, water is a key ingredient to making our bodies function properly. If you want to avoid chronic pain and live a healthy, hydrated life, don’t only drink but focus on “eating” your water and building your cellular health. Read more from Dr. Murad here.

Read more about Joan’s experience with Murad here.

Thoughts from Dr. Murad About the New Murad.com

My greatest passion, and the primary reason I founded Murad Skincare, is to help people unlock their potential to look younger, to feel younger and to live healthier, happier and more rewarding lives. Murad.com has been redesigned to better reflect this mission and become a true representation of my Inclusive Health philosophy.

As you explore the website you’ll discover many new features, including stories of people who have followed an Inclusive path to happier, healthier lifestyles. The site also showcases articles and videos and created by me and other members of the Murad family.  There is even a new “Question & Answer” section at the bottom of each product page, and opportunities to connect and interact with us.

It’s wonderful that that modern technology provides us with new ways to communicate with and bring together the Murad community.  Like everything we do, I hope the new website helps  people from all over the world  learn more about Inclusive Health, discover insights into Youth Building and find new strategies for conquering Cultural Stress.

Wishing you health and happiness,

 

 

 

Howard Murad, M.D.

 

Letter by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world renowned skincare expert and founder of the Inclusive Health movement.

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Meet the Team Launching Murad’s Flagship Store

We are excited to announce that Murad’s first retail store is opening next month in Los Angeles. The grand opening coincides with our 25th anniversary and we can’t wait to share this extraordinary, innovative experience with our customers!

This huge undertaking would not have been possible without an exceptional team that really put their hearts and souls into this project. You’ll be hearing a lot more about the opening of our first truly immersive Murad  retail experience in the coming weeks, but first, we want you to meet some of the incredibly talented individuals who came together to make it all happen.

     Ruth Madeja, Director, Global Retail Marketing

What role have you played in this important project?

I have been fortunate to be in on the ground floor of this project.  The very first step to creating the store was to think about our brand and Inclusive Health, and how could it all be brought to life in a retail setting.  The next step was to define the customer journeys; how can we make the experience interactive and meaningful, and how can we make it easy to move throughout the store and get the information and service that she needs?  We focused on making the customer our first priority in the entire experience.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

I am very excited for our customers come in and experience the store, and then to learn from them so that we can continuously improve the experience.

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

My favorite product is AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. This was the very first Murad product I ever tried and I just love it. It is gentle yet effective and leaves my skin super soft and smooth. I have purchased this product for years, even before I worked for Murad, because of how well it works. It definitely was a great introduction to the brand and caliber of our products.

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

Most likely I would be doing something with one or both of my kids! I have 14 year old twins and it seems like every moment I’m not at work we are at some practice, game or volunteer activity!

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

There are so many!  This has been a truly collaborative effort between pretty much every single department in this company, and I am grateful to be working with such a wonderful group of people!

Julianne Dubois, Senior Manager, Global Retail Marketing

What role have you played in this important project?

I have been involved in determining the overall marketing strategy for the store and creating the different materials that will be used in the space, as well as collaborating with different departments to make sure we are touching the customer from all points and having them experience Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy throughout the store.  We are making this an environment where the customer can experience the brand in a very unique way.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

The different innovative features in the store that will enable the customers to engage and experience the brand in different ways – and the location is amazing too!

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

There are so many products that I love! The AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is so gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and renewed with an amazing glow.  I use it a couple of times a week and it does not irritate my skin.  I also love the Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, it keeps my skin hydrated without making it feel oily and gives it a really nice overall glow.  This is the perfect moisturizer when living in Southern California, since it has the SPF 30.

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

I would be traveling around the world! I love traveling and there are so many places that I have not been to. Top of my list would be Peru. I would really like to see Machu Picchu and walk the Inca Trail.  The culture in that part of the world is so fascinating and inspiring.

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

My manager, Ruth.  We have been a team in brainstorming and planning the marketing strategy for the store. We think along the same lines, have the same vision for this project and have fun with it.  We are both really excited about the store opening. Also Ninel, the graphic designer for the store, has been fantastic to work with too. We have been a team in creating all the different materials. She will listen to what we want and will come back with some amazing designs!

Candice Sylvia, Executive Director, Global Education

What role have you played in this important project?

I designed the on boarding process to immerse the new team in Murad culture, Inclusive Health philosophy and products. After a year of development, the training materials are perfected to be learner centered, take into consideration various learning styles, and will focus on allowing the team to experience the brand and animate our story to our clients in a meaningful way.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

I’m looking most forward to having a hub that our clients can come to and fully experience the brand and Dr. Murad’s maverick philosophies and products. I’m excited to share the brand with the new team for the store in the experiential way the training design has allowed.

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

If I had to choose my favorite family of products it would be Age Reform. They are packed with youth building complexes and have literally transformed my skin. My favorite product is Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture. It’s an uber-rich formula that keeps my dry skin hydrated for hours!

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

If I wasn’t at work I would be hiking with my husband and my dog. There are so many great trails nearby that we would love to explore.

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

Jen Harmatz has been instrumental in the flagship store training creation. She has refined the materials and helped to make them meaningful and useable for a long time to come.

Matthew Truhan, Manager, Retail Systems

What role have you played in this important project?

I like to think the role we played was the “glue” of the project.  Technology is involved in every aspect of the store and its operations. This in turn provided us the opportunity to partner with almost every organization within Murad, from Finance to Marketing to Creative, Education, Ops, and IT. We were lucky to work with some very talented people across the company to make this a success.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

We are releasing 2 new iPad apps and YouthCam enhancements for the store that I am excited about. The apps will help customers develop personalized skin care regimens, as well as help them find the right products to address their specific skin concerns.

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

Age Proof Suncare because I am always finding myself doing something outdoors or in the water, and love being in the sun.

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

You would find me at the beach surfing, at the local mountains snowboarding, in the studio making music, or searching for the next great place to eat!

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

It is hard to pick out specific team members because accomplishing this project wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of the whole Murad village. There are a lot of complex technologies that went into the store and my team has done a fine job of implementing and supporting these technologies. As such, I would like to thank Kathy Akvan, Joseph Kim, and Alex Higley for a job well done. Thank you.

Miranda Rios, Flagship Store Manager

What role have you played in this important project?

I’ve been exposed to several departments that have allowed me to be involved in fine tuning the customer experience from a retail perspective. The last 7 months have been such a great experience and have given me the opportunity to be involved in all areas of the Flagship Store.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

I’m most excited about being an ambassador for Murad and having the store be the total expression of the brand. The technology that is going into the store is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in a retail store. I can’t wait to share it with my team and customers. I love that this is a new endeavor for Murad, and being at the forefront of this exciting step for Murad, and helping lead it to success. I’m also looking forward to building my team and spending time with them before we open and head into the holiday season.

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

Advanced Active Radiance Serum. I love the glow that it gives my skin, it’s my glow getter! Also, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, which leaves my skin smooth and soft. And Hydro-Dynamic Moisturizer hydrates my skin all night long without feeling heavy. I also love Pure Skin Supplements!

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

I would be spending time with my English Bulldog Hefner, researching my next vacation destination, and planning my wedding!

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

I feel that every single department in some capacity has had a hand in making this project come to life. I’m thankful to every single one of them and appreciate all of their dedication. My new Assistant Manager Vellany has been a great addition and has already made a huge impact as well!

(We’ll be hearing more from Miranda in an upcoming blog post, so stay tuned!)

Jeremy Moser, Director, Visual Merchandising

What role have you played in this important project?

My role as Director of Visual Merchandising is to ensure that the environment for guests is an experience that they feel comfortable shopping in. The merging of electronics, with traditional signage, to the textures of the space must all culminate synergistically to present our products in the best possible way. The customer should feel a sense of “clinical calm” in the space which directly reinforces our Inclusive Health philosophy. During the design process I have worked with architects to perfect the flow and layout of the space to optimize the customer journey. I have collaborated with the fixture manufactures to ensure that the materials being used are consistent with the brand messaging while ensuring they are durable and functional for retail use. The entire process revolves around the customer and the question: How do we make our products appealing to them?

What are you most excited about/looking forward to?

I can’t wait to see how the consumers interact with the space! Their feedback on the experience is so valuable to the future of the brand. We will be listening closely and adapting as appropriate to the learnings. At the end of the day, they are the ones we work for.

What are your favorite Murad products and why?

My favorite products are part of a three step regimen. My preferred cleanser is the Soothing Gel Cleanser from our Redness Therapy line. Then I treat with Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum—and moisturize with my favorite product—Murad Man Face Defense. Hands down the best SPF 15 moisturizer I have ever found.

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

Probably something bike related. I have a sizable collection of BMX bikes, vintage and new, along with a mountain bike passion that extends to pretty intense mountain riding.

What team member(s) would you have not been able to accomplish this project without and why?

The senior management. They have allowed for creativity, ideas, and really leveraged my experiences. This style of management makes for a really rewarding workday.

A truly amazing group—experts in their fields—and we’re lucky to have their brilliant leadership guiding us every step of the way through this process. Our Global Flagship retail location is scheduled to open in November 2014, and will be located on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles. In addition to offering our full range of products, the store will also deliver innovative services and activities to provide customers with a highly personalized, engaging and informative experience. Keep an eye here on the blog for more updates as we march toward our grand opening!