Dr. Murad’s top tips on looking younger by beating ‘Cultural Stress’

You would think that a doctor who specializes in acne cures and anti-aging lotions would not really profit from trying to get to the root of the skin care problem. After all, if you cure the cause, then you’re out of a job, right?

Not exactly, says Howard Murad, the celebrity dermatologist and purveyor of the well-known Murad line of skin care products. He is in Chicago this week promoting his new book, “Conquering Culture Stress: The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Aging and Happiness.” The book pretty much prescribes laughter, occasionally acting as silly as a toddler, eating water-rich veggies instead of stressing about guzzling bottle of H20, getting enough sleep and maintaining a positive attitude. All that will help reduce stress, and in turn, help preserve a pretty face.

He laughs when asked if the book will put his business out of business. “No,” he says. “It would cause more patients to come to me for advice.”

That must be true, since Murad has been saying this stuff for a long time and people are apparently hungry for more. He’s already written several books on staying healthy and looking young. But this one specifically speaks to the issues of how everyday, cultural stresses – from a too-long commute, to a sick toddler, to being racially stereotyped – can affect our biggest organ – our skin.

“It’s the stress of modern living and it’s getting worse,” says Murad. “It is constant and pervasive, and it leads to the potential for even more violence. We see people on the edge.”

True. People are on the edge. But what does that have to do with dermatology? And how do we fix it and look younger in the process? Read on to hear what else Murad had to say. And if you’re in Chicago on Friday, you can stop by a book signing at ULTA in Oak Brook. (But you will need to sign up, so feel free to scroll to the end of this post for all that info.)

We’re all stressed, so, how can we flip it to fix our skin issues?

“The best facelift is a smile and the other is to make your heart happy and your skin will glow. It’s the attitude that makes a difference more than anything. If you’re unhappy it kind of shows on the skin.”

So the fix is within? Sounds trippy. I honestly thought you’d tell me to buy a product…

“There’s aging we have no control over and there’s aging we do have control over. Our skin is our largest organ and people think ‘I’ll put sunscreen on, get botox and be fine.’ The truth is your skin is connected to everything else. If you’re under stress you won’t sleep as well. If you get sunburned you feel nauseated and tired. All these things relate to dryness and aging. [That’s why] I developed the pitcher of health – not the pyramid or the plate. Raw fruits and veggies are at the bottom because they have the best water that is gradually released. Whole grains help the body build collagen. Embroyonic foods – eggs, beans – are a source of protein. Then, I recommend a one a day vitamin that addresses everything, plus amino acids, good fats and glucosamine because it helps build connective tissues.”

That sounds like more work than a prescription.

“Before there was medicine, there was food. Obviously if we eat well we wouldn’t need so much medicine. So 80% of the time, eat what is good for you. And 20% give yourself permission to each comfort food.”

OK. Until I get a hold of the pitcher of health, how do I prevent ashy skin in a Chicago winter?

“When we’re born we are 70% water and we die ultimately at zero. Along the way we lose water. Your skin is drier today than it was ten years ago. There is a relationship between cellular hydration and health….It’s more than what you put on [your skin] it’s what you do internally as well. The Omegas tend to hydrate your cells, so taking a fish oil supplement would be very good for you. For skin, look for a cocktail of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract in the formulas you’re using.”

I also have dry radiator heat – and the humidifier really doesn’t do much.

“For my patients, I recommend walnuts and fish oil supplements. Then, adding agents that improve the barrier function of your skin, so adding [products containing] good structural lipids and amino acids to the surface will help a lot. And, for women over 30, adding plant extracts such as soy and shiitake mushrooms seem to be helpful to obviously keep the water in there as much as possible.”

There you have it. If you want more, you’ll have to go cop the book. Or go see Murad in person. Details below.