News Alert

Celebrating Strength & Self-Care

Last October, nearly 30 breast cancer survivors and women diagnosed with the disease attended the third annual Spa Night at the Murad Inclusive Health Center and Spa in El Segundo, CA. In addition to participating in relaxing and rejuvenating hour long treatments, they received goodie bags, food and "pink things," including roses, balloons and themed desserts.

The event took place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "It's not only a great time to raise awareness, but it's also a chance to commemorate the women who've survived or are currently fighting breast cancer," says Howard Murad, M.D., associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad. "We're proud to provide these brave women a chance to relax and concentrate on their emotional self-care, one of the pillars of the Murad Inclusive Health philosophy."

All attendees of Spa Night are currently receiving or have received care at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA.

Stepping Up

Dermalogica is making news by showing its support for the Step Up Women's Network (SUWN). It's a nonprofit organization dedicated to social philanthropy and creating professional opportunities for women.

Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand recently moderated a panel of four female executives from widely diverse industries. The discussion, "A View From the Top: Perspectives From the Corner Office," was held at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and hosted by SUWN.

The women shared stories about their paths to success and how their experiences apply to other women in business. They also touched on topics such as business development, client service, hiring employees and managing risk-taking. The panelists agreed that the "superwoman" myth of the 1980s needs to be retired. Instead, they brought up the need to say "no" and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor on and off the job.

"From law to banking, making pasta to managing a skin care center, clients everywhere demand the same things from companies and brands," Wurwand says. "They want to believe the brand is real and that the company is run by real people. And they want to believe that the people at the company care about client needs in a personal way."

In addition, Dermalogica products were highlighted during skin care and nutrition presentations at a teen-empowerment fundraiser held in the Chicago area. Proceeds from the "You Glow Girl" benefited SUWN.

Stepping Up (continued)

Beth Bialko, skin therapist, owner of Chicago-based Pella Sana Salon and a member of the SUWN worked as an educator for Dermalogica. Referencing the company's skin care, she discussed the importance of antioxidants, vitamins and nutrition in maintaining skin health and slowing the aging process.

"Strong teens require nourishment of body, mind and spirit," Bialko says. "We're excited and proud that we could come together in an upbeat evening that was all about building healthy girls and women from the inside out—and healthy skin is part of the package."

Pictured: Beth Bialko (back row, third from right), accompanied by speakers and guests and teen SUWN members who attended the teen-empowerment fundraiser. Jan Wurwand (far left) led a panel of women in the hospitality, legal, banking and entertainment industries.

Photo credit: Maya Myers

Skin Care Council Announces New Director

Lydia Sarfati, founder and president of Repêchage, was named director of the Skin Care Council of Intercoiffure America/Canada during the Fall Atelier. The event was recently held at New York City's famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Lois Christie, president of Intercoiffure presented Sarfati with the honor before more than 600 salon owners at the event. Dubbed the "queen of seaweed," Sarfati made a name for herself in the skincare industry by bringing seaweed-based skincare treatments and products to the U.S. market in the 1970s.

Red Rally Against Heart Disease

Millions of Americans donned red on Feb. 9, 2009, to show their support for women suffering from heart disease. Arizona-based VB Cosmetics joined the effort. Led by founder Vivian Valenty, M.D., the entire staff wore red shirts, ties, jackets, shoes and accessories to raise awareness for the chronic disorder. For more information on heart disease in women or to donate to this charity, visit goredforwomen.org.

See last month's news