Howard Murad's Blog, page 8

Building Healthy Connections

When we think of the Holidays, our minds typically start spinning with a long list of demands and preparations. Navigating packed malls with determined Holiday shoppers, the seemingly endless stream of parties or events penciled into our calendars, increased demands at work, the careful planning of dinners with the in-laws… you name it. While we likely either love or loathe these hectic demands of the festive season, we can’t forget the underlying nuance of this time of year: bringing friends and loved ones together. We also need to ensure we don’t become so concerned with taking care of everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves in the process.

So, let’s take a second to put down the chocolate truffles and overflowing Christmas lists to get back to the basics and remember the ways in which we can take a much-needed pause from the madness to reconnect with friends and loved ones in a healthy, rewarding way. Luckily, we have a few ideas in mind to help you cultivate your best, most vibrant selves without breaking your stride or missing any deadlines.

Schedule an at-home dinner date

Do you find yourself settling into a booth at a local restaurant once a week to catch up with friends over a drool-worthy meal? Why not abandon the need for a reservation and schedule a weekly dinner party with friends? Not only will this save you money, but it will become a weekly staple to look forward to (and can rotate each week to someone else’s house or apartment) while inspiring you to dig up some healthy, hearty recipes you love. Not sure what to cook? Head over to Pinterest for an endless supply of recipe inspiration or track down a new favourite food blog to steal ideas from and impress your friends. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out this tried-and-true, cheesy kale crisps recipe for a killer appetizer.

attend a weekly fitness class 

Do you find yourself getting bored at the gym? Mix things up with one (or more) weekly fitness classes with friends. To keep things interesting, check out offers like a “Class Pass” membership, which allows you to experience the best fitness activities in your city. You could tackle a barre class on Tuesday after work, followed by an aerial yoga class on Thursday morning to start your day off on a high note, literally. Not only does ‘mixing it up’ keep your fitness routine interesting, but your body will benefit physically while adapting to new challenges and movements.

Worried about a packed schedule? Why not squeeze in a class with coworkers over lunch! Find a studio near your office and equip your gym bag with our MattEffect Blotting Perfector. Not only will you be ready to head back into the office in no time, but your skin will boast minimized pores and an unrivalled post-workout glow.

Unplug to connect

We live in a society which deeply values the ability to always remain connected. With credit to our smartphones, we have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Email, iMessage and more lying in the palms of our hands at almost any given moment.

While we revel in the convenience of this technology, it is important to take some time to occasionally unplug and disconnect from these mediums, in order to connect back with ourselves and those we love. Challenge yourself, and your friends, to get together and spend some time completely unplugged occasionally. Whether you do this during your weekly dinner party, or reserve another night entirely, let your group get ‘back to the basics’, together. Put the phones away, turn the screens off, and settle into your home with good conversation and even better company. Play a game, chat about life, enjoy food, walk around the city, hike or bike your favorite trail – whatever allows you to connect with each other and disengage from the constant ping of social media notifications and incoming emails for a little bit.

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The post Building Healthy Connections appeared first on Murad Blog.

Eat This for Matte Skin

The saying, “you are what you eat” could not be more accurate when it comes to healthy skin.  Research shows that eating high-glycemic index foods such as cookies, soda, sugary cereals, potato chips and pizza directly correlates to oily skin. And no one wants that mid-day look with excess oil amplifying your pores to the world.

Wondering what causes oily skin in the first place? According to the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology Journal from the University of California, San Francisco, “Oily skin (seborrhea) is a common cosmetic problem that occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum giving the appearance of shiny and greasy skin.”

These sebaceous glands are very responsive to foods high in glucose. The glucose can also pass quickly and unchanged from the circulation to the sebaceous cells. In addition to causing surface oiliness, these foods cause pore blockages, provide an environment for bacteria to live under the skin. Overactive sebaceous glands have also been associated with annoying acne-flare ups.

Alternatively, low-glycemic index foods like whole-grain bread, vegetables, air-popped popcorn and fruits like grapefruit, do a complexion good by not upsetting sebaceous glands.

Grapefruit is one of the best foods to eat to keep your skin oil free. The subtropical fruit, know for its tangy taste, has unique phytochemicals (a.k.a. bioflavanoids) that help promote skin health and general health. It is also the citrus fruit with the highest concentration of Vitamin C.

According to LiveStrong, the bioflavoids are biologically active members of plant-derived compounds known as flavonoids. The ones found in grapefruit are also found in fruits like oranges. These powerful compounds neutralize free radicals in the body and are packed with water, fiber, and antioxidants.

Eating a diet rich in fruits like grapefruit, will keep oil producing glands at bay, while our MattEffect™ Blotting Perfector will instantly absorb excess oil, minimize pores and perfect skin. The on-the-go powder compact will have you breaking up with your blotting papers and rocking that freshly applied makeup look all day.  Just lightly press the applicator puff into the cushion and pat the puff onto skin, concentrating on oily areas.

Looking for more natural ways to nurture skin from the inside out? As an added bonus, MattEffect™ contains pomegranate extract that infuses the skin with extra antioxidants for a healthy glow, while the punic acid found in pomegranates acts as a natural astringent.

Shop this story:

MattEffect™ Blotting Perfector

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The post Eat This for Matte Skin appeared first on Murad Blog.

Hit the Floor with Pilates

Chilly weather, a lack of sunlight, calendar commitments, and less-than-healthy food choices can make it difficult to focus on overall fitness during the busy holiday season. However, carving out time for exercise can be easy with the addition of floor Pilates. There are so many mental and physical benefits to working out in general, but if you’re intimidated by the idea, here are five empowering and healthful reasons on why you should give Pilates a try!

Special equipment isn’t required.

Since Pilates uses your body in weight-bearing positions, there’s no need to invest in expensive gear. Stash mats in your office and home to encourage impromptu workout sessions. Just a few a 20-minute workouts per week can make a world of difference for your core!

It’s a gentle, full-body workout.

Most Pilates routines are low-impact and can be used during physical rehabilitation, resulting in less strain. This wonder-workout conditions all muscles to decrease muscular imbalance, and you can control the intensity of your training without working up a sweat.

It helps reduce stress.

In a culture obsessed with busyness, a mind-body connection is essential to decrease anxiety. The principles of Pilates include control, precision, and flow. The breath, in particular, is essential for proper concentration on repetitious movement. Learning to breathe properly is a crucial part of Pilates and is beneficial for overall stress reduction.

Pilates will build your core.

The most noticeable benefit of Pilates is strengthening your core, the region that Pilates enthusiasts refer to as your “powerhouse.” Flat abdominal muscles and a strong back help alleviate stress on the lumbar-pelvic region, and will also improve your posture for a long, lean physique.

You’ll become more flexible. 

The repetition of exercising specific muscle groups will train your body to move in strong, efficient, and elongated patterns of motion that improve joint and muscle elasticity. If you already enjoy yoga, Pilates may be the key for developing a more challenging workout.

 

Luckily, integrating Pilates into your daily lifestyle is easier than you think. Inject a healthy dose of endorphins and keep your energy going with a short, low-impact, low perspiration workout during a midday lunch break. If you’re experiencing some post-workout shine, a light dab from the MattEffect™ Blotting Perfector compact will absorb oil for a natural and weightless matte finish. Touch-up as needed, and no one will ever know you just squeezed in a rewarding workout.

Shop this story:

MattEffect™ Blotting Perfector

$39.00

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The post Hit the Floor with Pilates appeared first on Murad Blog.

Meditating for Better Sleep

Picture this: you’ve had a busy day growing your career, catching up with loved ones, and trying to make the world a better place. With all you’ve packed into your waking hours, one would think that since you’re in for the night, relaxation and sleep would come naturally.

But as you retreat to your bedroom, a parade of thoughts comes marching through your head. What have you forgotten to do? Did you say the wrong thing during your work presentation? Is your friend really okay with her relationship? Will your family feel neglected if you start scheduling more time for self-care?

It’s easy in our hyperactive society for cultural stress to cloud our minds, preventing us from getting the shut-eye we so desperately need. If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Fortunately, you can be kind to your mind while preparinb for the day ahead by taking a moment to pause through the art of meditation.

Here are undeniable some benefits of meditating before bed:

Silence sheds stress.

Various studies show that meditation empowers human beings to take control of their emotions and the reactions of their nervous system when under stress. A mere 15-30 minutes of meditation can help your mind and body detox, and thus create a better foundation for a good night’s rest.  Find a quiet and dimly lit location where you can devote this time to ending your day on a stress-free high note.

Reflection amplifies self-awareness.

You know who you are, and you embrace it. For that, we adore you. But sometimes life can swoop in and make you question all that makes you fabulous. Meditation is an excellent counteraction to this.  Cue up relaxing music to pair with an overnight detoxifying moisturizer before bed.  Focusing on self-awareness while your mind and skin neutralizes the days’ pollutants will reacquaint you with your beautiful self.

Taking a moment of Zen encourages happiness.

Meditation research pioneer Dr. Herbert Benson from Harvard Medical School, determined in the 1960’s that meditation was beneficial for eliminating obsessive thinking, anxiety, depression and hostility, hence increasing overall happiness. What’s not to like about going to bed happy? We recommend finding a good meditation app (like Buddify) where you can select specific meditations tailored for bedtime.

A relaxed mind leads to a relaxed body.

When you are carrying the weight of a career, your self-love, family, friends and more on your shoulders, your body can get very tense. Finding time to meditate before resting your hardworking limbs for the night, can significantly release tension throughout your entire body. If you aren’t ready to commit to an app yet, websites like YouTube have plenty of guided meditations that you can try out. Just don’t forget that while your body is recharging, your skin will be super-charged by the antioxidants from Marrubium Plant Stem Cells in our City Skin® Overnight Detox Moisturizer.

 

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Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Detox Tea

 

Toxins are all around us, effecting the way we feel, look and function on a daily basis. Fortunately, ridding your body of these aggressors doesn’t have to mean committing to a week-long juice cleanse or a dangerously restrictive diet. Incorporating simple, healthy choices is usually enough to give your body’s clean-up crew the nudge that it needs.

One of our favorite go-to detox remedies is sipping on a Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Detox Tea before bedtime, when our bodies are most efficient with cell turnover. Here are the purifting benefits from this powerful trifecta:

 

Lemon: to heal and flush kidneys. Because it contains high levels of Vitamin C, it can also protect against environmental aggressors and free radicals.
Ginger: to serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and improve digestive health.
Turmeric: for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

RECIPE

Makes one cup of detox tea

Ingredients

1-2 lemon slices
1 tsp ginger root, freshly grated
1 tsp turmeric root, freshly grated

Directions

Combine lemon slices, ginger root, and turmeric root in a saucepan with 1.5-2 cups of water
Heat on high heat for 5-10 minutes without letting mixture come to a boil
Strain the liquid, removing lemon, ginger, and turmeric from pan
Pour liquid into a mug and top with fresh lemon slice for added flavor.

 

The post Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Detox Tea appeared first on Murad Blog.

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Murad

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily living and practice the art of gratitude. After all, what better way to put cultural stress in perspective than voicing appreciation for all the blessings in your life?

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, enjoy a special message from Dr. Murad about this holiday of gratitude and togetherness.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We hope you enjoy spending time with loved ones and creating memories to last a lifetime.

The post Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Murad appeared first on Murad Blog.

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Did you know that the average American consumes 8,000 calories on Thanksgiving? While I do promote a bit of indulgence in order to live a balanced life, many us of don’t even realize the number of calories hidden in each and every dish. If you are looking for a ‘lighter’ dessert that captures all that Thanksgiving flavor, I would recommend this Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding.

Below I have listed the health benefits of 3 of my favorite ingredients:

Chia seeds: Often named a miracle seed, the vitamins, minerals and nutrients found in chia seeds are excellent for skin regeneration. With a little help from its omega-3 and omega-6 oils, this superfood works to build and repair tissue for more radiant skin. They are also considered a complete protein and wonderful for your digestive system.

Pumpkin: I always talk about Eating Your Water – and pumpkin is no exception. Being composed of roughly 90% water, the seasonal favorite is a fantastic source of hydration for your body.  Pumpkins are packed with vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C), helping to brighten the skin and boost collagen production.  

Pomegranate:  With a high water concentration and an impressive combination of Vitamin C and powerful actives, pomegranates help to protect the body against free radical damage while boosting skin elasticity and hydrating at the cellular level. Pomegranate seeds are also an excellent digestive aid and full of anti-aging benefits for the skin.

Recipe

Makes 4 small servings of pudding

Ingredients

6 teaspoons of chia seeds

1 cup of fresh pumpkin puree (simply peel, chop, roast and blend to make the freshest pumpkin – I always make lots and use the rest for soup or this baked oatmeal recipe)

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 to 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

6 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds

Zest of one orange, freshly grated

Directions

Combine the pumpkin, milk, syrup, vanilla, 2 teaspoons of chia seeds (this helps to set the mixture) and pumpkin spice in a blender until evenly mixed.
Using 4 small glasses, place one tablespoon of pomegranate seeds and 1 teaspoon of chia seeds at the bottom of each glass.  Top with the pumpkin mix.
Set in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Top with grated orange and the remainder of the pomegranate seeds,.

Top Tip

Try adding 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the mix for a creamy consistency and a wonderful nutty flavor.

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Sleeping Beauty: Q&A with Doctor Murad

In our always-on world, getting enough sleep is one of the biggest challenges we face, so, we asked Doctor Murad if you can really tell if someone has had enough sleep and what damage is it doing to your skin.

Q: How can you spot sleep deprived skin and what are the common signs?

A: Sleep deprived skin is easy to spot and it is something which I have seen increase significantly over the last decade in my patient’s skin. The most noticeable signs are bags under the eyes (dark circles) but, you will also see dryness, acne breakouts, fine lines and thinner skin.

I have a few tips that make a real difference to combating sleep-deprived skin:

Use a humidifier. As you age, your skin is constantly dehydrating. By sleeping with a humidifier, you will wake up refreshed and your skin will appear refreshed and glowing.  It will also open your airways and give you a more peaceful night.
Do something that relaxes you. I do not like to prescribe specific rules to my patients but rather to guide them in finding what works best for them – after all, we are all individual.  You can try a hot bath, relaxing music, a cup of warm tea or meditation. The whole point is to take 30 minutes before you go to bed and create a relaxing routine. I do heavily advise that you turn off anything digital.  I say – unique options for the unique you.
Fortify your body with nutrition. Sleep repairs your cells. You can help this process by consuming healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants, omegas, and amino acids. I like to eat walnuts and/or supplements that contain omegas and antioxidants.
Do not eat a heavy meal within two hours of going to sleep. Your body, including your digestive system, needs to relax before you go to bed. Try and keep this in mind and where possible, eat your dinner earlier on in the evening.

Q: What really happens to your skin when you are sleeping?

A: Damage done to your skin during the day is repaired at night. Your body is an amazing factory and when you go to sleep; the factory cleans up, repairs itself and files everything away. It is critical that you allow your body to process each day and the only way to do this is by getting enough sleep. The recommended amount of daily sleep is between 7-9 hours.  I personally believe that everyone needs to find their optimal sleep requirement.  One easy way to see how much you need is to look at when you wake up without an alarm clock.  Your body will never oversleep!   Since every cell in your body is connected, your skin responds to the amount of sleep you are receiving and reflects how much you are receiving on the surface.

Q: When you talk about Cultural Stress, you often say that poor sleep is a consequence of our ‘always-on’ lifestyles. What is your key advice for helping your patient’s skin when they are not able to get enough sleep?

A: I encourage my patients to work on multifaceted approach: Emotional, physical, topical and nutritional.

Emotional:  Smile in the mirror whenever you are taking off your make-up, washing your face or brushing your teeth.  A happy face and a happy mind are key to getting a good night’s sleep and combatting stress.

Physical: We all sit for too long a day – before you go to bed (and throughout the day), take a good stretch.  My favorite at the moment is simply sitting in a chair, lean over stretch your hand out to the floor (or as far as they go) and keep walking them forward, Repeat 5 times.

Topical:  I love to give my skin hydrating boost.  My favorite nighttime routine after a long day is:

Rapid Resurfacing Peel.  This extra-strength peel helps reverse signs of aging and detoxify skin. A powerful blend of 10% Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C instantly retexturizes skin, enhances radiance, and evens tone without irritation. This also helps to remove surface cells exposed to toxic pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day.

Hydro- Dynamic Moisturizing Duo: Experience unmatched hydration with 5x the hydrating power when Hydro-Dynamic® Quenching Essence is paired with Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture. Murad’s Hydro-Dynamic® technology changes the way skin attracts and holds moisture, plumping the surface to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Renewing Eye Cream: This multi-active, anti-aging treatment for the eye area firms, brightens and hydrates to minimize the appearance of aging and dark circles. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 reduces medium-to-deep crow’s feet, and the Eye Brightening Complex diminishes puffiness for a brighter, illuminated eye area.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream is suggested for people looking to:

Minimize dark circles
Reduce puffiness
Reduce crow’s feet

Nutritional:  Start and end your day with really hydrating foods.  I believe that the cucumber underrated and I am eating as much as I can at the moment.  I also cut slices of cucumbers and place them over my eyes when I relax to help sooth my eyes.

Q: Do you have any techniques to help you drift off to sleep? 

A: Yes. I have been reading Arianna Huffington’s book on sleep and I really like her approach to creating a nighttime routine.  For example making sure that you do not sleep in old clothes (we all have an old comfy t-shirt) but rather see your sleep as a ritual and luxury by going to bed in specially dedicated clothes that train your mind to believe you are going to sleep.

Thank you so much, Doctor Murad, for your time.

The post Sleeping Beauty: Q&A with Doctor Murad appeared first on Murad Blog.

Sleeping Beauty: Q&A with Doctor Murad.

In our always-on world, getting enough sleep is one of the biggest challenges we face, so, we asked Doctor Murad if you can really tell if someone has had enough sleep and what damage is it doing to your skin.

Q: How can you spot sleep deprived skin and what are the common signs?

A: Sleep deprived skin is easy to spot and it is something which I have seen increase significantly over the last decade in my patient’s skin. The most noticeable signs are bags under the eyes (dark circles) but, you will also see dryness, acne breakouts, fine lines and thinner skin.

I have a few tips that make a real difference to combating sleep-deprived skin:

Use a humidifier. As you age, your skin is constantly dehydrating. By sleeping with a humidifier, you will wake up refreshed and your skin will appear refreshed and glowing.  It will also open your airways and give you a more peaceful night.
Do something that relaxes you. I do not like to prescribe specific rules to my patients but rather to guide them in finding what works best for them – after all, we are all individual.  You can try a hot bath, relaxing music, a cup of warm tea or meditation. The whole point is to take 30 minutes before you go to bed and create a relaxing routine. I do heavily advise that you turn off anything digital.  I say – unique options for the unique you.
Fortify your body with nutrition. Sleep repairs your cells. You can help this process by consuming healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants, omegas, and amino acids. I like to eat walnuts and/or supplements that contain omegas and antioxidants.
Do not eat a heavy meal within two hours of going to sleep. Your body, including your digestive system, needs to relax before you go to bed. Try and keep this in mind and where possible, eat your dinner earlier on in the evening.

Q: What really happens to your skin when you are sleeping?

A: Damage done to your skin during the day is repaired at night. Your body is an amazing factory and when you go to sleep; the factory cleans up, repairs itself and files everything away. It is critical that you allow your body to process each day and the only way to do this is by getting enough sleep. The recommended amount of daily sleep is between 7-9 hours.  I personally believe that everyone needs to find their optimal sleep requirement.  One easy way to see how much you need is to look at when you wake up without an alarm clock.  Your body will never oversleep!   Since every cell in your body is connected, your skin responds to the amount of sleep you are receiving and reflects how much you are receiving on the surface.

Q: When you talk about Cultural Stress, you often say that poor sleep is a consequence of our ‘always-on’ lifestyles. What is your key advice for helping your patient’s skin when they are not able to get enough sleep?

A: I encourage my patients to work on multifaceted approach: Emotional, physical, topical and nutritional.

Emotional:  Smile in the mirror whenever you are taking off your make-up, washing your face or brushing your teeth.  A happy face and a happy mind are key to getting a good night’s sleep and combatting stress.

Physical: We all sit for too long a day – before you go to bed (and throughout the day), take a good stretch.  My favorite at the moment is simply sitting in a chair, lean over stretch your hand out to the floor (or as far as they go) and keep walking them forward, Repeat 5 times.

Topical:  I love to give my skin hydrating boost.  My favorite nighttime routine after a long day is:

Rapid Resurfacing Peel.  This extra-strength peel helps reverse signs of aging and detoxify skin. A powerful blend of 10% Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C instantly retexturizes skin, enhances radiance, and evens tone without irritation. This also helps to remove surface cells exposed to toxic pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day.

Hydro- Dynamic Moisturizing Duo: Experience unmatched hydration with 5x the hydrating power when Hydro-Dynamic® Quenching Essence is paired with Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture. Murad’s Hydro-Dynamic® technology changes the way skin attracts and holds moisture, plumping the surface to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Renewing Eye Cream: This multi-active, anti-aging treatment for the eye area firms, brightens and hydrates to minimize the appearance of aging and dark circles. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 reduces medium-to-deep crow’s feet, and the Eye Brightening Complex diminishes puffiness for a brighter, illuminated eye area.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream is suggested for people looking to:

Minimize dark circles
Reduce puffiness
Reduce crow’s feet

Nutritional:  Start and end your day with really hydrating foods.  I believe that the cucumber underrated and I am eating as much as I can at the moment.  I also cut slices of cucumbers and place them over my eyes when I relax to help sooth my eyes.

Q: Do you have any techniques to help you drift off to sleep? 

A: Yes. I have been reading Arianna Huffington’s book on sleep and I really like her approach to creating a nighttime routine.  For example making sure that you do not sleep in old clothes (we all have an old comfy t-shirt) but rather see your sleep as a ritual and luxury by going to bed in specially dedicated clothes that train your mind to believe you are going to sleep.

Thank you so much, Doctor Murad, for your time.

The post Sleeping Beauty: Q&A with Doctor Murad. appeared first on Murad Blog.

Stress: The Silent Killer

Before you even manage to start your day, the majority of us experience what Doctor Howard Murad calls, Cultural Stress – the stress of modern living.  This is a type of stress we experience daily and is having huge implications on our health.   Today, we ask Doctor Murad why he calls Cultural Stress the ‘silent killer’ and how we can take control and combat the stress of modern living.

Q: Doctor Murad, can explain what Cultural Stress is and how it differs from more traditional stress.

A: Cultural stress is a type of stress that is constant, pervasive and ever-increasing. It is the rules and regulations, unachievable expectations, growing traffic, all-consuming pollution and even stretches as far as the cause of a lot of the anger we are seeing in society.    It differs from traditional stress which I define as stress caused by something like a broken leg or a death in the family.  While this stress is painful at the time, does eventually subside and our bodies are designed to cope with it. Cultural Stress, on the other hand, is a type of stress that our biological systems are ill-adapted to handle.

Q: You call Cultural Stress the silent killer.  Can you in explain in more depth what you mean by this comment?

A: Cultural Stress affects every single one of us. It has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade and it has snuck up on every single one of us – that is why I call it the silent killer. While I do not deny that a little bit of stress can indeed help, for example; studying for an exam or getting you through that all-important presentation, Cultural stress is wreaking havoc on our whole body as goes unseen and is continual.   While both traditional and Cultural Stress release the same hormones (e.g. cortisol), different things happen.  Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels can cause a whole list of health problems but the continuity of cortisol from Cultural Stress is widening the breath of illness. I have seen two devastating consequences as a result of this stress.

Living in our ‘always on’ environment of digital technology means that we are slowly isolating ourselves from human contact. We are spending significantly more time with our devices than physical contact and we are also under immense pressure to reach perfection.  This unattainable pressure results in being becoming either more insular, withdrawn or angry. Since we know emotions are contagious, we are projecting these emotions at an alarming rate into society and they are spreading rapidly.  This is creating a very challenging environment for today’s society.

Sedentary lifestyle. The stress caused by Cultural Stress means that we are basically spending far less time moving. Ask yourself, how long you sit in a car a day, in front of your computer or watching Netflix, and I suspect you will begin to see the outcome? Or how about how much processed food or ‘on the go’ food you are consuming?  While the health implications may be obvious, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disease, we also see the emotional outcome.  Sedentary lifestyles lead to a more hostile attitude and something which truly terrifies me in today’s society.

Q: What are your top 3 tips for fighting Cultural Stress?

“Be imperfect, live longer” – Perfectionism is all consuming and is ever increasing. Be kind to yourself and do not focus on everything always being perfect. 2. Have gratitude.  It is much easier to always focus on the negative but try and focus on the positives and have gratitude for what is good in your life. 3. Try something new.  Do not be afraid to fail.  In order to create change, you have to take a risk and try something new.

My best advice however is… behave like a toddler!   When we were younger, we were carefree and thus stress-free (or at least the majority of us were).   Stress also decreases cellular hydration and when you were a toddler, you were the most hydration you ever have been in your life. I believe that cellular hydration is the key measure of good health.  If I could give just one tip, I would say, find your inner toddler and let them loose.   Laugh more – really enjoy a belly laugh a day.  Dance even though you cannot hear the music, color outside the lines and make sure you do not limit yourself.   I honestly believe that this is the best tip, I could ever give you.

Q: Does Cultural Stress affect your skin?

Yes. When you are not sleeping, you have dark circles under your eyes and stress causes your skin to become drier and more susceptible to inflammation. Every organ is connected to your other organs, and everything is connected – that is why I teach a holistic, whole person approach to skincare called Connected Beauty.   When stress hormones are released, they dehydrate your skin.  Under stress, your skin becomes thinner, more fine lines appear, you see an increase in breakouts. Stress also causes you to eat more processed foods and these foods have a huge impact on your skin.  See, everything is connected.

Q: What is your hero product to achieve stress-free skin?

I would have to say Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. Stress causes dehydration and dehydration results in diminished circulation. Retinol creates an incredible boost to your circulation. This potent, yet gentle, formula quickly and visibly minimizes lines and deep wrinkles, firms, evens skin tone and boosts radiance for more vibrant, youthful-looking skin.   Used as part of a holistic approach to stress, retinol is my hero product.

Thank you, Doctor Murad, for your time.

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