CHRISTUS Healthy Living Spa—A Murad Inclusive Health Center Grand Opening

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of the CHRISTUS Healthy Living Spa—A Murad Inclusive Health Center in Beaumont, Texas. CHRISTUS is a Christian Medical Group that owns hospitals, urgent care centers and has many diverse and specialized physicians within their group. With over 45,000 employees dedicated to the health and well-being of their community, it is a natural progression that they have become one of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive
Health Centers.

In 1999 CHRISTUS Health Care determined that part of their on-going commitment to improve the health of their patients over the next 10 years required a touch-oriented alternative to help reduce stress, improve overall health with preventative education and a support system designed to improve daily life. With the CHRISTUS commitment to the community, along with a strong belief and understanding of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy, CHRISTUS opened their first Murad Inclusive Health Center, meeting their 10 year goal to have a unique preventative health care program and facility.

I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Murad and the Murad Team for many years. I have seen first hand Dr. Murad’s commitment and vision for a health center that focuses on the whole person, prevention and improvement of health issues, and even more important to help every person live the healthiest life possible. To see this vision become reality, especially in a hospital setting, truly was one of the highlights of my career. To see the beautiful facility, the support of the community and the reality of the vision come full circle was such a joy and pleasure. Dr. Murad lives his philosophy daily and encourages the entire Murad Team to reach out to the community and provide encouragement and support in many different aspects. But most important to our fellow human beings.

Thank you Dr. Murad for making a true difference in the lives of many people, past, present and future. We are all proud to be part of your vision and to support changing lives in a healthy way around the world. Congratulations!

Has Science Found the Fountain of Youth?

You can’t pick up a magazine, see an advertisement on TV or go on the Internet without hearing the word Peptides in regards to skin aging.

So just what are these little miracle workers?  First and foremost there are 20 Amino Acids in the body (much like 24 letters in the alphabet). Each amino acid has a unique function and when 2 or more of these amino acids are linked together they become a Peptide (much like taking the letters of the alphabet to form a word). As more and more peptides link together they form polypeptides (proteins). Think of taking letters, making words and then creating a sentence. Amino Acids – Peptides – Polypeptides.

Science has made great strides in understanding how the human body works through on-going research such as the Human Genome Project. As this world is unraveled and revealed, so are new ways of developing treatments to fight against diseases such as cancer.

The pharmaceutical industry has been working with this exploding science resulting in peptides that are bio-engineered and designed to target specific needs or objectives . A peptide that most people are familiar with is Botox™. This is a neurotransmitting peptide that controls communication between the neurons and muscle resulting in a relaxing effect on the lines and wrinkles of certain areas of the face for a period of time.

Murad products utilize key peptides in the fight against aging as well. But even more exciting is Murad’s Immuno-Skin Complex, a combination of anti-aging ingredients that are formulated with a very specific peptide that helps the skin’s immune response. As we age your skin’s loses its full capacity to fight against environmental aggressors, resulting in skin aging. There are lists of peptides available on the market and all have specific benefits. You will see this continue to go over the next several years.

So, has science found the Fountain of Youth?  Well, it certainly is a step in the right direction. Stay tuned.

Yes, There Is A Difference Between Sensitive
and Sensitized Skin

As many as 80% of women complain about skin sensitivity, redness, inflammation and itchiness. There is no one cause, as everyone is an individual. Genetics, environmental exposure, misuse of products, stress, etc., all can be challenging to your skin. A good first step in treatment is to determine whether your skin “sensitive” or “sensitized.” Let’s explore the differences:

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin tends to be more intrinsic (genetic) in nature. It is often associated with red, irritated, stinging skin that can react to the smallest changes, be it a cosmetic or a result of environmental changes. Environmental factors such as stress, fatigue, drugs, alcohol, sun exposure and pollution can cause additional aggravation to the skin. Don’t discount those internal aspects either, such as hormones and the natural aging of the skin. People who have more peaches & cream type skin also have more of a tendency towards redness due to the color of the skin and the fact that you can more easily notice the capillaries, especially in the cheek area. That’s those “red cheeks” we commonly hear about.

Sensitized Skin
Hundreds of causes can be the culprit here. People with usually normal skin that suddenly becomes sensitive should look at both internal and external factors. Over-treating or improper handling of you skin can cause skin to be sensitized. Don’t over exfoliation the skin, stay away from harsh scrubs and cleansers, and watch out for heavily perfumed products, as these can all cause reactions. The goal here—be gentle.

There is no common cause for sensitivity and it may not even be what you are using on your face that is causing the problem. Hair products, perfumes, nail polish, food allergies, even stress can be where the problem lies. It is best to look at all aspects of internal and external possibilities in your lifestyle. Eliminate those things you think might be the issue, adding one at a time back into your regimen. You can also be tested for allergies by your physician, should the reaction be highly irritating or on-going.

Tips
No matter if you have naturally sensitive skin, or have caused your skin to be sensitized by improper care and management, it is important to remember to avoid sun, harsh environmental changes and to keep your skin properly moisturized and protected with sunscreen to help avoid potential irritation. Be gentle and avoid harsh detergents or soaps. Eat right, get your sleep, minimize stress and supplement your diet, as these are key components, not only for your overall health, but your skin will appreciate the benefits, too.

Winterize Your Skin

You can have normal/combination, dry, sensitive or even oily skin, and still have the added challenge of dehydrated skin. The fall and winter months can be major contributors to that flaky, itchy and scaly skin. Why, you ask.

Dehydration of the skin is a loss of water through the elements like wind, sun, changes in temperature and environment. Moisture can evaporate the skin rapidly when exposed to extremes of the environment. Some signs of this are tightness, fine lines, lack of radiance, and loss of elasticity.

When your skin becomes dehydrated it becomes compromised in its ability to provide a good barrier against the environment. Until your skin is kept in a fairly constant hydrated or moist state, the cells cannot function properly.

Internal hydration is essential but the environment is still constantly robbing your skin of essential moisture. Unless you live in the tropics, your skin is susceptible to this surface dehydration. Once this drying occurs, it’s like placing a drop of water on a dry sponge, the water’s surface tension is not broken and the water just sits there on the sponge unable to be absorbed. Now if we take the same sponge and dampen it, the water will immediately be absorbed…so it is with your skin.

Most skin conditions get worse in the winter months because there’s not as much humidity in the outer layer of the skin. When the cells in the outer layer get dry, their edges curl up and the skin gets a rough feeling. This is a good reason to use a Murad Step 2 Treatment targeted to your skin type or condition. Some of these treatment products help gently exfoliate those dull, dry excess skin cells, some supply rich nutrients to repair skin. A couple we suggest for those winter months are:

• Intensive Wrinkle Reducer—promotes gentle exfoliation, while balancing skin hydration with Durian Fruit extract; a natural, water balancing botanical nutrient. A great day time treatment product when you skin is most exposed to environmental challenges.
• City Skin Night Treatment—this Vitamin C enriched, nighttime repairing treatment not only helps the repair your skin during the essential sleep cycle, but also is rich in antioxidants and epidermal growth factor to help repair and heal stressed, irritated skin.

Most people think skin gets dry because it lacks oil,
is that true?
That dry, tight feeling is actually an indicator that the skin is not retaining the proper moisture balance. A big reason is due to environmental changes and assaults. It’s not that the skin lacks oil, but because it is lacking water.

So, how do you identify dehydrated skin? Here are some common indicators:

• Skin complexion is dull and lifeless
• Texture is hard and leathery
• Patches of flaky skin is visible
• Fine lines around the upper/lower lip chin, surface lines on cheeks and forehead
• The skin does not have a supple, responsive feel, rather when the skin is pressed, it does not bounce back quickly

Here are some key tips to help “winterize” your skin:

• Combat the effects of dry indoor heat by lowering the temperature
• Use a humidifier. Air inside your home becomes very dry in winter, especially if your windows are closed and the heat is on. A humidifier will replace moisture in the air. A good rule to remember is if your turn up the heat, turn on the humidifier.
• Don’t take long hot showers. Frequent long hot showers remove the oils from your skin, making it dry and itchy. Instead, take luke-warm showers for less than 10 minutes. Pat (do not rub!) your skin until it is just moist, and put on an emollient body cream, such as Murad’s Body Firming Cream, to seal in the moisture in your skin. This will decrease dryness and itch. Also, if you take baths add oils to the bath water, as this will help replenish the oils in your skin.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Skin needs to be hydrated from the inside also. A great addition to help cells retain water and protect against further damage is Murad’s Wet Suit Dietary Supplement.
• Use a lip balm daily with an SPF to help prevent chapped lips. Murad’s Pomegranate Lip Care SPF 15 is an excellent choice for daily protection. At nighttime, to help heal and repair the delicate lip area, or any irritated areas on your skin reach for Murad’s Soothing Skin and Lip Care.

If you love your facial moisturizer and notice it’s not working quite as well during the winter months, a simple solution is to give your routine a moisture enhancing “boost”. Here are some ideal solutions:

• Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum— This Hyaluronic Acid based, water loving serum will help enhance moisture retention in the deeper layers of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid can bind up to 1000 times it’s weight in water. Just mix a few drops in with your moisturizer and your skin will become better balanced and less dehydrated. Think of this as a “drink of water” for your skin.
• Perfecting Serum— This ceramide rich serum helps keep the vital water balance on the outermost areas of the skin, where the environmental assaults attack first. Providing a healthy barrier against environmental assaults and preventing water loss will give your skin that smooth, radiant and hydrated finish you have been searching for. Apply a very small amount over your moisturizer to prevent water loss and soothe irritated skin. It is the perfect primer before applying your make-up or sun protection.
• Remember to use Sun Protection. Even though it is cold, your skin is still vulnerable to damage from the suns UV rays. Murad’s Age-Proof Suncare provides UVA/UVB protection and is enriched with Pomegranate Extract for increased antioxidant protection.
• Care for any cracks or fissures in your skin. Severely dry skin is more likely to split and bleed. It is also less effective against infection. Use Murad’s Soothing Skin and Lip Care on areas of abraded or split skin.
• Pay special attention to your hands and feet. With constant use and exposure, your hands always need attention, but even more so in. After washing your hands, immediately put on Murad’s Body Firming Cream to seal in moisture. If your hands get severely dry during the winter months, try covering them with a thin layer of Murad’s Soothing Skin and Lip Care before bed, and cover them with light cotton gloves. While you sleep, the gloves will help the Soothing Skin and Lip Care penetrate your dry skin, and assist in retaining moisture. You can do the same thing with dry cracks on your feet, by using the Soothing Skin and Lip Care, and wearing socks overnight to seal in moisture.

A few minutes a day personalizing your moisturizing routine and taking these extra precautions below, can help you avoid the unpleasant, flaky skin you’ve had during past winters.

In the Blink of an Eye

The skin around the eyes is fragile, and readily shows the signs of age, fatigue and stress. The tissue is thinner, water evaporation is rapid and the collagen and elastin fibers are less numerous.

Signs of Eye Aging:
Early (age 20-40)—Degradation of Elastin
Elastin is produced by the body throughout the period of growth, the production of elastin reducing after maturity (22 years). It is therefore the first protein to degenerate. As a result the skin around the eyes can become lined and wrinkled from in your early 20’s, elastin loss is seen as horizontal lines and is commonly found under the eyes and loose skin across the eye lid.

Advanced (age 40+)—Loss of Collagen
Collagen is responsible for the structural integrity of tissue and skin density, we produce collagen throughout our life, but collagen production decreases in quantity after the age of forty. Both collagen and elastin are surrounded and supported by fluid called glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s). This fluid is responsible for keeping both collagen and elastin in good condition. Collagen loss manifests itself in the form of fine vertical lines, with common areas of loss being the corner of the eye and eye lids.

Let’s look at some of the most common challenges:

• Puffiness: The noticeable puffiness in the eye area is due to the fineness of the tissue and just under the skin there is a slack tissue which contains no fat and becomes easily distended. This is why the eyelids swell up quickly.
• Under Eye Bags: Never use oils around the eye area. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, and get plenty of sleep. Do not rub the eyes excessively. Drink plenty of water to help flush your body of toxins.
• Dark Circles: One of the biggest complaints we hear as estheticians is the dreaded “dark circles”. The causes could be many, but again more likely to be hereditary or of ethnic origin However, tiredness and stress are additional factors. In some instances the only alternative to reducing the appearance of dark circles is to camouflage them, however protecting the delicate skin with eye creams is still important prior to applying any concealer.
• Crows Feet: Crows feet are lines resulting from extrinsic aging. Caused by sun, wind, cold and overall lack of care. A prevention program should start in your late teens to early 20’s with eye creams, sensible eye care and a sun protection. Wear good quality sun glasses that are large to cover the entire eye area and surrounding skin (think Jackie Onassis sunglasses) and be sure they have broad-range UVA/UVB protection. A great topical choice for added protection is Murad’s Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15.

Are You in the 90% Club?

I don’t know… am I? Well let’s explore some questions to see if
you qualify:

• Are you a female? If yes, continue on. If no, consider yourself out of the club.
• When you looked in the 3 way mirror at the Department Store recently while trying on a bathing suit or shorts did you have a reflection in the mirror that made you think “Oh-no are those my thighs?”
• Did some significant person in your life suggest you eat less, exercise more and do something to get “rid” of those lumps and bumps we commonly know as cellulite?
• When presented those suggestions in question 3 did your blood pressure jump about 200 points?

So, you ask, what can I do to help improve the appearance of my problematic areas?

• Realize you are not alone…your in the 90% Club.
• Pick up a copy and read Dr. Murad’s book The Cellulite Solution.
• To help in achieving improvement, requires your commitment and a combination of regular exercise, a healthy nutritional program and supplements with key ingredients to fight cellulite (such as the Murad Firm and Tone Dietary Supplements.
• Incorporate spa services such as massage and body treatments targeted to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Utilize home skin care products that address the concerns of cellulite. Look for ingredients like Pomegranate Extract, Goji Berry Extract and Vitamin C.
• And most important remember you are not alone! Murad is here to help you with products and treatments targeted to address this challenge.

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:

Love the Skin You’re In

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!

Not all Breakouts are Acne - Part 2

Here is a brief list of some of the most common “acne imitators” and their identifying characteristics.

Keratosis Pilaris
Appearance: Usually on the upper arms - mulitple red bumps that may be worse certain times of the year than others. Area may be dry and red.

Cause: Hair follicles that become clogged with excess skin cells and as a result become inflamed.

Treatment: Use ingredients like Glycolic Acid that also contains hydrators and anti-inflammatory agents to gently exfoliate excess skin cells and reduce redness and irritation.

Psuedofolliculitus Barbae
Appearance: Red, irritated bumps in areas where you shave or wax.

Cause: May be more predominate in areas where the hair naturally curls. Excess skin cells may cover over the hair follicle opening and as the hair re-grows can naturally curl back into the skin. Commonly known as the dreaded ingrown hair.

Treatment: Keep the area exfoliated with ingredients such as Glycolic Acid to clear excess dead skin cells and surface debris, Neem to help soothe irritated skin and Tea Tree Oil to fight bacteria and promote healthy skin.

Peri Oral Dermatitis
Appearance: Smal, red bumps in clusters around the mouth, nose or even the eye area. The tiny bumps may or may not have a pin size head of pus. There may be mild stinging or itching.

Cause: More commonly seen in women (not often seen in men or children) and may be due to fluoride toothpastes, topical or inhaled steroids or could be a possible indicator of rosacea.

Treatment: See your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your skin cuold benefit from hydrators such as Hyaluronic Acid, anti-inflammatory agents such as Licorice Extract and antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E.

Rosacea/Acne Rosacea
Appearance: Red, inflamed skin in the central region of the face - forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and eyelids. You may notice spider-lik blood vessels, skin eruption that look similar to acne and swelling. Acne Rosacea will have papules (no blackheads or whiteheads) in the central region of the face alon with the common redness.

Cause: Unknown. A chronic condition seen more often in women than men. Men may have a worse condition. Common in fair skinned individuals and those who blush or flush easily. May have a stinging or burning sensation and possibly bloodshot, irritated and watery eyes. a red, bulbous nose may be present.

Treatment: See your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your skin could benefit from skincare ingredients that contain anti-baterial agents such as Triclosan along with hydrating and anti-irritants such as Goji Berry Extract, Pomegranate Extract and Peppermint Leaf Extract. Another key ingredient is anti-inflammatory agents like Licorice.

Not all Breakouts are Acne - Part 1

It’s a bump and it doesn’t itch. It’s red and inflamed. It may or may not have a little white center. It may be painful or just unattractive to look at. It could be on your face or somewhere on any part of your body…then it must be real acne, right? Wrong!

There are many “acne imitators” that may look like acne, but aren’t. Let’s take a closer look at some of these imposters and you may discover the culprit is an “acne imitator”.

First, let’s determine where the bumps are. Are they on your face, neck, chest or back? If so, it may be acne. These areas are common for true acne breakouts. There are two types of acne, non-inflammatory (blackheads/whiteheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules and cysts). Inflammatory acne is red and inflamed and may be uncomfortable if touched. It may be just one or many breakouts. It may happen once a month - you women know what I’m talking about..the dreaded “once a month, under the skin, never comes to a ‘head’ big red bump”! And ouch, it hurts!

But what if this looks a bit different than what we have discussed above? Here is a brief list of some of the most common “acne imitators” and their identifying characteristics.