Murad Skincare Blog

Gray is the New Black

This season's hot new look? Classic white paired with the sophistication of a chic gray silhouette—oh yeah, and thousands of tiny gray dots. Wait, what? Inevitably, the runways of Paris and Milan won't be taking fashion cues from our blog, but we thought we'd celebrate our first birthday in style with a sleek new look. The fashionably modern Skin Deep Blog is packed with everything Murad, including events at our headquarters in LA, skincare tips from the pros and the latest trends and innovation in skincare to keep you looking your best.

Because beautiful skin is always in.

Time to put away the turtlenecks

These helpful tips can help you spring into summer with glowing, beautiful skin:

1) Spring is allergy season which means regular use of decongestants and allergy medications can dehydrate the skin and the body. Increase daily water intake when taking allergy medications and switch to a mild cleanser. Mild cleansers will gently remove dirt while calming your skin.

2) Protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Regular use of sunblock will help protect and hydrate while reducing sun abused skin.

3) Spring and summer mean sandal time! Soften skin on heels and soles of feet. Applying moisturizer to feet every night will help the appearance of callus free skin.

4) Time to buff away that dull, flaky skin on your body! Using an exfoliator, apply a generous amount to a damp washcloth and polish skin in circular motions. Follow with a body moisturizer to condition and smooth.

5) Cold, winter weather and dry indoor heat can rob your skin of essential moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Get your skin back on track for the summer. Using daily exfoliators and moisturizers with super hydrators and natural plant extracts will keep skin revived and rejuvenated.

Semi-Pro

By Sam Shefrin, Guest Writer

March 18, 2008 will go down in the recreational basketball history books. It marked the opening game of the season for the Murad Man basketball team. The team emerged from a cloud of ankle braces, back pads, tube socks and matching jerseys to put forth a valiant effort. While victory eluded the team by a healthy margin, they have not been deterred from the ultimate goal of becoming the Redondo Beach League Champions. We welcome the Murad Blog Community to join us on this journey of heartbreak and truimph. No matter what happens, one constant will remain - our team has some downright healthy skin.

A change in weather = a change in skin needs

Before all of the pretty dresses and strappy sandals can make their warm weather debut, the remaining days of winter still pose a threat to keep a chill in the air. With spring just around the corner, take some time to repair winter skin with these helpful cold weather tips:

• Quench yourself inside and out: Hot chocolate, tea and coffee are favorites during cold weather but don't forget to drink water too.  Adequate water intake will prevent internal dehydration and keep skin glowing.  Cold weather means more hot showers. To prevent dry skin from head to toe, shower with warm, not hot water and always end with a cool, invigorating rinse and plenty of moisturizer.
• Sunburn in the winter?: Don't let cloudy days fool you.  Damaging UV rays are present all year long so be sure to wear sunscreen every day.
• Immunity booster: Studies show that the common cold is contracted mainly through our hands.  Be sure to wash them frequently, especially when around others with cold symptoms.
• Body beautiful: Turtlenecks, sweaters and long pants can make us forget about body care.  Dry legs, elbows and knees are common during cold weather.  By applying total body hydrators immediately after a warm shower, keeps skin soft and smooth all day.

Ask an Esthetician #6

"Help! My hands are revealing my age!"

Bernadette P.:

My favorite tip is to massage a small amount of Age-Diffusing Serum into your hands every night before bed. It will instantly increase firmness and bring back the appearance of your youth over time.

20% + 80% = 100% Beautiful

Did you know that topical skincare products only address 20% of your skincare needs? 80% of taking care of your skin is ensuring that you get proper nutrients on the inside. Even the healthiest eater doesn't always consume  the necessary nutrients. Medications and processed foods rob our bodies of vitamins and minerals. In truth, most of us are in need of nutritional supplements. For better or for worse, your skin is the mirror of your internal health. Given this inside/outside correlation vitamin and mineral supplements are a natural partner in your skincare regimen to achieve the healthiest, youngest-looking skin!

Love the Skin You're In

Donna Killian, Senior National Instructor

With Valentine's Day fast approaching what a perfect time to think about not only those you love, but assess just how well you have been loving yourself. Dr. Murad's Inclusive Health approach includes topical, internal and emotional self-care. With the busy lives we all live it can be hard to de-stress and take personal time, without feeling guilty. But given even 15 minutes you can have a huge impact on how you feel. Love yourself this Valentine's Day...even better daily, with this great little home spa escape. You'll be amazed how great you can feel with just a few minutes of personal time.

• Draw a warm bath
• Light some candles
• Put on quiet, soothing music
• Pour yourself some Peppermint Tea
• Cleanse your face with your Murad cleanser
• Apply Murad's Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask over your face and neck
• Climb into your bath and RELAX for 10 minutes, breathe deep and focus on positive thoughts
• Enjoy some chocolate dipped strawberries and tea while soaking
• Once out of the bath remove your mask - your skin will feel cool and refreshed
• Follow with your Murad night moisturizer
• Indulge your whole body with Murad's Body Firming Cream - the fragrance is wonderful

Now there's a recipe for relaxation! And your face and body will benefit with Murad products that will truly make a difference to your skin. you could even give this as a gift to your loved one. What a great way to be pampered! But most important, give yourself a gift and love the skin you're in!

Paddles of Fury

Dina Salcido, Web Marketing

We take our work here very seriously.  We make great products, we take care of ourselves and we enjoy the work that we do. What we also enjoy while at work, is ping pong. Hard-hitting, Forrest Gump-style ping pong.

Since the introduction of the table to the corporate office last year we've enjoyed some great games, had some good laughs and shared great moments with teammates from all departments. Casual games would take place at lunch hour and after work and involve players from every corner of the office and all levels of experience. It was all fun and games until someone from a department I will not disclose (IT) showed up with a customized    paddle in their back pocket. . .then things got serious. With this new level of competitive spirit came the inception of the first annual Murad Tournament, complete with brackets, judges, trash talking, uniforms and the occasional welt--a casualty of a game taken to the next level.

The tournament commenced with great excitement and with each game drawing a crowd--some crowds more vocal than others, usually dependent on how well (or one can argue 'clean') the game was being played. While directing an overhead slam in the direction of your boss may not get you a promotion, it will get you to the next round of the tournament. After rounds of vigorous (and sometimes humorous) competition, a new camaraderie was formed between teammates who rarely got the chance to work together.

As we begin the new year the teams have been chosen and the brackets selected as we embark upon the second annual Murad Tournament which I am sure will prove to be no less eventful than the last.

Young at Heart - Dance Like Nobody is Watching

Jeff Murad, Product Development

I went to an art show/fashion show/party the other night. Yeah.  A fashion party in Hollywood. Who needs a tv? This shindig even had a complimentary roach coach and ice cream truck, which was absolutely brilliant, but I'm already getting off topic. The real fun was the people watching. The guests spanned the full spectrum from absolutely stunning to downright disturbing. But the best attraction by far was on the dance floor. Someone brought their daughter, and despite the late hour, this little girl was dancing the night away. Within an hour she had a whole slew of fans. (Interestingly, she seemed to fit right in, dressed as she was like a typical raver. Although in her case it wasn't because of any pretension. She actually was 8). It made me wonder how she got so good. She had at least 15 years less practice then anyone else there.

She was clearly naturally gifted, but there was something more. She couldn't have cared less who was watching her. That was the root of her skill. I found myself worrying that as she grows up she might become more aware of her surroundings and lose her youthful, carefree gift.

Hopefully this won't be the case and she will continue impressing, entertaining and inspiring party-goers throughout a long and happy life. Just because most of us adults are overly conscious of everyone around us, doesn't mean we have to be. As Dave Berry said, "no one cares whether or not you can dance. Just get up and dance." By a strange coincidence, this also happened to be Malcom X's theory on the subject, which I take as proof that you don't have to be young to be young at heart.

Easy & Healthy Appetizer!

As Dr. Murad always says, "Before there was medicine, there was food."

This recipe is not only healthy, but its easy and delicious...two of our very favorite things. Featuring foods from Dr. Murad's Food Pyramid, this no-cook recipe is sure to impress.

The garbanzo beans deliver an excellent source of cholesterol-free protein, while the lemon juice provides antioxidants. Garlic is a known immune-booster, perfect for fending off infections. Olive oil and tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds, supply healthy fats to help maintain cellular water.

Dr. Murad's Hummus

2 cups of cooked or canned garbanzo beans

1/3 c fresh lemon juice

1/4 c tahini

2 cloves garlic

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 cup water

fresh parsley chopped (garnish)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth. Add additional water if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley. Makes four 1/2 cup servings. Serve with colorful raw vegetables, such as sliced red pepper, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, whole wheat crackers or whole wheat pita bread.

Enjoy!