Dr. Howard Murad - StyleSpeak

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Dr. Howard Murad
A Tribute to
Beauty
With his ‘inclusive
approach’ to beauty, Dr.
Howard Murad debunks
the belief that beauty
is only skin deep. In
an exclusive interview
with SS, he talks
about his passion for
transforming lives and
his revolutionary beauty
products...
Interviewed by: Jerusha Chande
48| august 2011 | Style Speak - The salon & spa journal
From experimenting with
Liberal Arts, Engineering and
Philosophy in college, Dr.
Howard Murad finally found his
calling in Pharmacy and Medicine. An
enormous group of men and women
around the world are eternally grateful
that he did. His unique approach to
treating patients and creating beauty
products has earned him a dedicated
group of admirers and the prestigious
moniker of ‘The Father of Internal
Skincare’.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO
BEAUTY AND TREATING SKIN
PROBLEMS?
When I first started, people believed
that they could solely apply a topical
cream and all their skin concerns would
disappear. However, I found in my
patients that this method alone was not
garnering the level of results patients
were looking for. I realized that if I looked
at the patient as a whole and their skin
concerns as a probable symptom of
a larger wellness issue –what I call my
‘Inclusive Approach’ –it would yield
much better results. That patientfocused
approach is still the foundation
for how I practice today.
HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY IN THE
BEAUTY INDUSTRY BEEN SO FAR?
Pharmacy school, medical school and
an internship at Queens Hospital in New
York was followed by a stint in the army
where I bagged a Bronze Star Medal.
I returned to focus on compounding
products which led to the creation of
Murad Inc. I graduated in 1972 and
“My ultimate goal
in everything I do is
to make the world a
healthier, happier and a
more beautiful place.”
– Dr. Howard Murad
opened the first Medi-Spa in 1987,
and then formed Murad, Inc. in 1989.
Through that journey, and subsequent
success, I have been able to become
a surgeon, pharmacist, dermatologist,
CEO, author, painter, philanthropist and
so much more! I have worn many hats
in my career and they have all been
incredibly fulfilling.
TELL US ABOUT THE INCEPTION
OF MURAD INC.
Many patients had come to me with
skin-related concerns that other doctors
were unable to address in an effective
way. Because of my background in
pharmacy, I was able to compound
ingredients to create formulas that
helped my patients achieve the results
they desired. Soon I realized that I could
best help my patients and others with
my own line of products. That was the
beginning of Murad Inc.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR
INSPIRATION?
My patients inspire me every
day - the stories they share with
me, how their lives change and
improve after a doctor takes an
Inclusive Approach to their health.
By providing priceless feedback,
suggestions and motivation to
continue working hard.
MURAD INC.
INNOVATIONS
Originated the use of dietary
supplements to promote skin
health.
One of the first to use Alphahydroxy
Acids in topical
skin care.
Style Speak - The salon & spa journal | august 2011|49

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WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE
ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
I would ask healthcare professionals to
treat the whole person as opposed to
one specific issue. It’s important to treat
skin inclusively through topical, internal
and emotional self-care to truly look and
feel good. By looking at a person as a
whole, inside and out, you build youth
and encourage optimal results through
cellular integrity.
WHAT IS YOUR PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS LIKE??
At Murad, we go through a painstakingly
long process to develop products
that deliver real skincare benefits as
promised. Not just wrinkle reducing,
or blemish clearing – but focusing on
creating the very best environment for
skin to thrive in. At Murad, there are
no gimmicks – just real science and
the best ingredients to create the most
efficacious products possible.
Accolades
Best Forward-Thinking Doctor
– Vogue Magazine
Beauty Genius – Elle Magazine
Industry Visionary – International SPA
Association
Inductee into ‘Academy of Legends’
– Dermascope Magazine
50| august 2011 | Style Speak - The salon & spa journal
THE BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH IN
THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY IS…
One of the biggest breakthroughs
I’ve seen is the use of carotenoids.
Carotenoids are naturally occurring
pigments in plants that help protect the
skin from environmental stressors and
offer the anti-aging benefits of a retinol
without the UV-sensitivity or irritation.
Some of the best known carotenoids
are beta carotene, lycopene and lutein.
Murad started incorporating carotenoids
into topical products this year with the
launch of Complete Reform, a product
fortified from fruits and vegetables with
beta carotene (to fight fine lines and
wrinkles) and astaxanthin (a natural freeradical
scavenger).
DO YOU FOLLOWA BEAUTY
REGIME?
I follow the three step skincare system of
cleanse/tone, treat/repair and hydrate/
protect. I only use Murad products and I
make sure to take my supplements!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
BEAUTY TREATMENT?
I find facials to be incredibly important.
Not only do they clear the skin of
impurities but they also utilize the healing
power of touch for relaxation, which
helps reduce stress.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
My future plans are to continue to bring
innovative ingredients and philosophies
to the masses to ensure they can live
happier, healthier, and more beautiful
lives.
WORD OF ADVICE FOR ASPIRING
AESTHETICIANS…
Go with your gut and don’t give up! I
first started with Alpha-hydroxy Acid
(AHA) products for professionals and
was looked at like I was crazy for
promoting an acid to use on the skin.But
I knew that the ingredient could make
a difference. Now it’s one of the most
widely accepted anti-aging ingredients
in the market! SS
TRIVIA
Date of Birth: 18th April, 1939
Favourite Food: New York Style Pizza
Favourite Holiday Destination:
Anywhere with my family and those
closest to me.
Favourite Stress Buster: Painting, I
find happiness and relieve my stress by
creating art.
Most Memorable Moment: Dropping
off my oldest daughter to Kindergarten
for the first time.
Personal Style Statement: I love to
add colour to my wardrobe through my
extensive tie collection.
Highest High: Charity work, giving
back to my community and those who
deserve positive future opportunities.
Your Favourite Beauty Icon: Anyone
with a smiling face.
If you weren’t a beauty expert what
would you be?
A philosopher or an artist!
“I don’t see situations
as challenges – only
opportunities!”
– Dr. Howard Murad