Did you know?
The Power of Pomegranate

Experts believe as much as 80% of what we perceive as the signs of skin aging—including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and loss of firmness—are triggered by free radical damage. The best way to combat free radicals is with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, putting a halt to damage that can result in premature aging.

Fortunately, nature provides us with many antioxidants to fight free radicals. Among the most powerful of these is Pomegrante Extract. You can find Pomegrante Extract in Murad’s Vitalic® line.

Try these award winners and fight free radical damage with the power of pomegranate!

Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask
This weekly treatment frees skin of dull, dry surface cells to restore brightness and smooth texture while Pomegranate Extract provides powerful antioxidant protection.

T-Zone Pore Refining Gel
Gently exfoliates dull, dry surface cells to clear pores and remove skin imperfections. This patented gel formula normalizes oil production to give you a healthy, shine-free glow.

Don’t underestimate the sun

You probably know that cumulative sun exposure causes wrinkling, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, sun spots and roughness—but did you know your skin is at risk even when you can’t see the sun? More than 80% of the most damaging rays penetrate typical cloud cover. That’s why you need to start every day with the antioxidant and broad spectrum protection you find in Murad’s Environmental Shield® and Age-Proof Suncare products.

Try these before you start the day:

Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
With powerful antioxidants, Vitamin C and SPF this sunscreen provides powerful protection against sun damage whether you are playing beach volleyball or relaxing in the shade.

Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30
The perfect, everyday sunscreen. Lightweight, shine-free formula provides high UVA/UVB protection against sun and free radical damage. Plus, it leaves you with a flawless, matte finish.

Vitamin C – Not just for breakfast anymore

FACT: Vitamin C does a lot more than boost your immune system. Applied topically, it stimulates collagen production, protects skin from free radical damage and gives skin outstanding brightness, clarity and radiance. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in Murad’s Environmental Shield® products.

2 products from this line that I’ve tried and love are Active Radiance® Serum and Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex®. If you’ve fallen victim to sun spots and blotchiness, then you too will love these products. Both contain the antioxidant Vitamin C to repair sun damage and they reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So you’ll not only be fighting environmental aging, you’ll be fighting genetic aging too!

Get yours now and check out all the products in the Environmental Shield line.

This summer, protect yourself against
Environmental Skin Aging

Remember the old phrase “healthy tan”? We now know that repeated exposure to the sun and other environmental stressors (like extreme weather and pollution) can take a serious toll on our skin. Also referred to as extrinsic or external skin aging, environmental aging accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can lead to fine lines, age spots, blotchiness and more. In addition, sun exposure causes DNA damage that inhibits the skin’s ability to repair itself. Over time, the water content of the epidermis decreases and skin appears dry and brittle.

But don’t despair! You can still enjoy barbecues and the beach. You just have to be smart about enjoying warm, sunny days.

We recommend Oil-Free Sunblock Sheer Tint SPF 15. Not only will you get protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays, but it balances skin tone with a light, natural tint. You’ll look great at pool parties while preventing environmental damage.

For active lifestyles, we recommend Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30. This long-lasting, high SPF waterproof formula protects skin with three active sunscreens.

Too much fun in the sun? Reverse the signs of summer sun damage with Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex®

Happily Ever After

This has been an exciting year for many of our fellow Murad colleagues and friends — with a barrage of life events from babies and birthdays to engagements and travels. There is always something worth celebrating in the halls of Murad — and luckily celebrating just so happens to be one of our strong points.

Just recently I was lucky enough to attend the nuptials of our very own Casey Cochran, print and direct mail manager extraordinaire, in none other than the beautiful and exotic Antigua, Guatemala. For those of you unfamiliar with the treasures of this little Central American gem may ask ‘Why Guatemala?’ Hailing from the wilds of Sacramento, CA and the great plains of Nebraska respectively, I’d even put money on the fact that the bride and groom don’t know anyone in a two country radius. On one of their adventures they made their way to Guatemala and fell in love with this little town and felt that what better place to share their love with family and friends. Random? Perhaps. Romantic? Totally.

Upon arrival, we spent the first night dining amongst the ruins of a sixteenth century monastery. The vine covered walls illuminated by the candlelight and flashes of lightening were equally haunting and endearing, we quickly discovered this little town had much more to offer behind its concealing walls of concrete (judging, book, cover — applicable here). Under the ‘more to offer’ category we must include the Irish pub we frequented and the array good restaurants that kept us full and happy throughout our stay, and the pièce de resistance — Cerro de la Cruz, a huge cross perched in the hills overlooking the city below and framed by a dormant(?) volcano was nothing short of awe inspiring.

The grand finale of this amazing adventure concluded with none other than the ceremony (and consequent pandemonium). In a torrent of rain, thunder and lightening the bride and groom said ‘I do’ amongst the quaint group of family and friends. A fire-blessing performed by the local Shaman invoked not only oohs and aahs from the crowd but some serious claps of thunder at all the high points leaving us all to believe this guy really knew his stuff.

The following events of the night were nothing short of spectacular. The musically inclined group celebrated around the piano (and on the dance floor) with the bride serenading the groom with ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ and a wedding guest leading a rendition of ‘Piano Man’. The night concluded with a bang — or, dare a I say ‘splash’— as the bride jumped into a near by pool (wedding dress and all) followed by her loyal wedding party and friends. This high class pool party was one of the best dressed I’ve ever seen.

With just enough time to dry off we caught our flight back to US and reality. As our Murad family grows we welcome them with open arms. Congratulations to our friend and coworker Casey — to many more adventures!

Kerri Walsh’s Favorite Murad Product

Kerri Walsh, gold medalist and professional beach volleyball athlete, loves Murad’s Active Radiance® Serum. Kerri knows all about the dangers of environmental exposure. She’s exposed to ultraviolet rays and other harsh elements on a daily basis. Active Radiance Serum repairs damage while instantly brightening skin. Plus, each application gives her skin a supercharged dose of Vitamin-C to protect against environmental aggressors. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s clinically proven to improve skin firmness by up to 63% in just 15 minutes.

This product is highly recommended by Murad estheticians, was voted one of More magazine’s 10 best skincare products and is not only Kerri’s favorite product, but Murad customers just like you gave it 4.9 out of 5 stars! What are you waiting for? Get yours today!

Misty May-Treanor’s Favorite Murad Product

Misty May-Treanor, gold medalist and professional beach volleyball athlete, loves Murad’s Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15. Why? Because it protects and repairs. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays. Skin Repair System stimulates collagen synthesis to help renew the delicate eye area. Plus, it contains antioxidants, a must-have in the battle against free radical damage. This is the perfect combination for Misty’s competitive days on the beach.

Not sure if Essential-C Eye Cream is right for you? Check out this helpful chart to determine which Murad eye care product targets your concerns.

Straight from the Esthetician: Summer Skin Saver Tip

Aurora Sanchez has been a Murad esthetician for 6 years. Her recommendation to clients? When outside, be sure to protect your face by wearing a hat and use sunscreen, like Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30.

“My favorite summer skin saver product is Active Radiance® Serum. I love the way my skin feels after applying. It helps reduce fine lines, gives my skin a smooth texture and a great glow!”

Remember: Eat your water this summer (and all year long for that matter) to keep yourself hydrated.

Getting Inclusive!
By Gengy Gonzalez, Public Relations Assistant

Practicing Our Emotional Self-Care on a Hike with Dr. Murad

Last Friday, our team at Murad had a great opportunity to go on an adventurous hike with Dr. Murad through Solstice Canyon in Malibu. As part of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy, taking care of your emotional well being is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Before we started the hike, Dr. Murad encouraged us to eat our water by grabbing some fresh fruits and vegetables. I had an orange and half a cucumber and it kept me hydrated throughout the hike. The 2.5 mile hike was a great experience in which everyone was able to explore the various sites the trail had to offer. We even saw a natural waterfall! Keeping up with Dr. Murad was not an easy task, he is an avid hiker and maintains an intense pace that most certainly kept my heart rate up! Everyone had an amazing time and we were lucky to be able to enjoy this day with Dr. Murad.

By taking a day to get Inclusive, we are practicing the 3rd prong of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy — Emotional Self-care. By taking care of ourselves emotionally which can relieve a lot of the stress we experience as part of everyday living, and did you know that stress compromises the health of your cells and therefore the health of your skin too?  So get Inclusive — take some time for yourself and go on an adventure! Explore the mountains, beach or whatever your heart desires — just get out and live!  You’re cells (and your skin) will thank you!

Is it acne or an acne imitator?

From rosacea to folliculitis, many skin conditions appear as red, irritated bumps mistaken for acne. Understanding the cause of your skin’s inflammation can help you fix the problem faster. Whether you face acne or an acne imitator, Murad has solutions to help you get clear and stay clear.

Is it acne or …
… Rosacea?

Symptoms: Persistent flushing and redness across the cheeks, nose and/or forehead caused by the dilation of blood vessels on the face.  As the condition progresses, other symptoms can develop including red-domed papules (small bumps) and pustules.

Rosacea affects over 45 million people worldwide and is most common in fair-skinned women over the age of 30.

Murad recommends: Redness Therapy Regimen to help cool and calm flushed, red skin.