Murad skincare has opened its first standalone retail boutique in Los Angeles, US, where the company was first created – offering a number of express services, activities – allowing Murad to maximise its retail capabilities.

The 1,500sq ft (139sq m) shop is Murad’s global flagship location. In keeping with Dr Howard Murad’s founding inclusive health philosophy, the full range of skin condition-specific skincare will be available, in addition to guided skincare applications, skin health assessments and YouthCam evaluations – a high-definition camera is used to measure customers' fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and inflammation.

There will also be an interactive art wall where customers are encouraged to create their own digital works of art, to be shared on social media.

“Twenty-five years ago, I started Murad out of my medical practice with one employee,” said Murad. “Now, having seen more than 50,000 patients with over 400 employees, cutting the ribbon at our first flagship store was a defining moment. My hope is that our store will serve as a place where customers can bridge the gap between beauty and health by giving them the tools and inspiration they need to make every day choices that support their overall skin health.”

“We’re looking forward to telling a complete story through the many customer journeys we’ve developed to give them a 360-degree experience,” said general manager of Murad, Richard Murad. “The store will also provide an opportunity to learn more about our customers and to learn how we can become better retailers.”

Following on from the company’s inclusive health philosophy, the International Spa Association (ISPA) Foundation announced the second recipient of the Dr Howard Murad Research Grant at the 24th annual ISPA Conference & Expo, which took place in Las Vegas, US, between 13-15 October.

The Dr Howard Murad Research Grant, established in April 2008, offers financial assistance to researchers whose studies address cultural stress, its effects and ways to manage it.

Dr Rashmi Mullur of Los Angeles, US, will receive US$45,000 (€35,165, £28,155) toward her research, which will look into determining the effects of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention on markers of stress and ageing in veterans with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).