Good morning, and as I welcome you to the Weekend Read, a moment to talk about the accelerating threat of misinformation on social media, driven by several factors including AI-generated content, which has become a major societal challenge directly impacting safety and trust. Referencing an article, ‘Social Media and Skin Cancer’ recently, there have been numerous articles published in recent years on this subject including ‘The Disaster Of Misinformation: A Review Of Research In Social Media’, published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Disaster Of Misinformation, was published in the wake of the pandemic and it was a prominent academic review examining the spread of misinformation on social media. The issue here is that there are several critical areas where consumers become vulnerable to systemic issues, such as the culture of comparison and the promotion of harmful health and beauty myths, often leading to unrealistic health and beauty standards, perpetuated by the convergence of social media and influencer marketing.

We are living in an era of digital, data-driven ideology that doesn’t actually exist in the physical world and I think that’s all I want to say on the subject for now, other than we must always acknowledge our inner wisdom. Acknowledging our inner wisdom enables us to value our own innate intuition, upholding the fundamental depth of human connection, which is one of the most defining challenges of our time. End of moment.

Right, let’s do some health concerns, some very real health concerns, and after my words last weekend about the benefits of CoQ10 for eye health, I want to follow through by taking a look at cataracts. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, affecting how light passes through to the retina, but because cataracts develop slowly, symptoms may not be obvious. Common signs include blurred or misty vision, difficulty seeing clearly at night and sensitivity to bright lights, such as the glare from car headlights.

Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness, but they can effectively be corrected with surgery and if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it would be advisable to have an eye test because cataracts are easily detected by optometrists. While surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, nutrition plays a vital role in eye health and given that studies are confirming the importance of CoQ10 for optimal eye health, there are specific compounds which align with CoQ10 to help protect our eyes from oxidative stress, supporting long-term visual function.

Three of those specific compounds, Zeaxanthin, Lutein and Omega 3, are recommended by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2) to help support various eye disorders, each of which can be found in the supplement, Nutrof Total. We have long recommended Nutrof Total for eye health, and although we are now recommending it to be taken as an adjunct to Liposomal CoQ10, it can of course be taken as a stand-alone supplement and it drops in price from £16.99 to £15 for the interim.
VH Editorials: Cataracts: Causes, Treatment And Natural Health Support; Are Your Eyes Up To Night Driving; Nutrof Total £15 for 30 Capsules; DoSe Liposomal CoQ10 £48 for 240 ml (48 days’ supply)

Last weekend I wrote quite extensively about the concept of pleiotropy, which essentially means that one ‘key’ nutrient can unlock many different doors in the body and although I cited several different compounds relating to this concept, I was primarily writing about CoQ10. With that said, Hyaluronic Acid is a profound example of a pleiotropic molecule, so I think we should celebrate HA. With Shabir’s article explaining the extensive benefits of HA, when you buy Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (30 capsules), we will automatically include Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (15 capsules) free, which is worth £17.50.
VH Editorial: Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements; DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules + DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (15 Capsules) Free (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 17 May)

For the record, we have been celebrating HA for almost three decades and in many ways, it was one of the first pleiotropic molecules we ever campaigned about, albeit the formulation has changed across the years aligning with ongoing research. The early adoption of cutting-edge compounds allows us to share clinical and evolutionary advancements in the field and interestingly, HA was primarily used in the field of ophthalmology. Its roots in ophthalmology set the stage for its adoption in other medical areas, such as arthritis and aesthetics, although HA is still considered to be a crucial treatment for dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
VH Editorial: Dry Eye Syndrome

So, roots. Rooted in traditional medicine, many natural compounds used in modern pharmacology are advanced versions of ancient herbalism where active ingredients from plants, which have been used for millennia, have been standardised into precise dosages. Examples include Aspirin, derived from salicin found in willow bark, which was used as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece to treat pain and fevers and Morphine, isolated from the opium poppy, it has a long history of use dating back thousands of years for pain relief, although of course it is a highly controlled substance today.

Cleavers, also known as sticky weed, also has a long history of traditional medicinal use. It is an excellent diuretic and is often used to alleviate inflammatory skin concerns, including psoriasis and eczema in its role as a detoxifying agent, but it also benefits the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the largest circulatory system within the body and it is a network of vessels, glands, spleen, thymus gland and tonsils which carry a clear fluid called lymph.

The composition of lymph is similar to blood, except it doesn’t contain haemoglobin or blood proteins and the lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts and lymph nodes which act as filters for the removal of toxins. Essentially, the lymphatic system is a detoxification system and a nutrient delivery system, but it is also the home of the immune system, so without this system, life could not exist. Unlike the circulatory system which has the heart as the pump, the lymphatic system does not have a circulatory pump and given that it is the collection point for toxins and waste, it is important to eliminate these toxins from the body.

The notable effects of a sluggish lymphatic system include weight gain, susceptibility to infection, tiredness, dry skin and fluid retention. Cleavers benefits the lymphatic system by helping to move, drain and filter cellular waste out of the body whilst stimulating ‘killer’ cells, which are specialised white blood cells that engulf bacteria and viruses. In all of this, Cleavers is safe to use on an ongoing basis, but we tend to recommend periodic use, perhaps two or three times a year and with that said, Cleavers drops in price from £20.35 to £17 across the weekend.
VH Editorial: The Lymphatic System; Cleavers by Viridian Nutrition £17 for 90 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 17 May)

Staying with medicinal herbs, Garlic has been used as a medicine from medieval times with historical records indicating that it has also been used as a diuretic, but it also has a long history of use as a digestive aid, an antibiotic, an anti-parasitic solution as well as being administered for colds and infections. During the First World War, Garlic was used to treat battle wounds in the absence of antibiotics and interestingly several studies have indicated that Garlic fights infections that can often be resilient to some antibiotics.

The health benefits of Garlic are extensive and it has long been believed that Garlic is healthy for the heart, working to reduce homocysteine levels in the bloodstream. Homocysteine is an amino acid which damages arterial walls and encourages the deposition of cholesterol onto the arteries, yet Garlic has also been shown to be of benefit in normalising blood sugar levels due to its ability to enhance insulin production. With Shabir’s article on the health benefits of Garlic linked below, a note here to say that Garlic has blood thinning properties, so we do not recommend its use if you are taking anticoagulant medication.
VH Editorial: The Health Benefits Of Black Garlic; Black Garlic by HealthAid £10.99 for 30 Capsules

I cannot write about ancient wisdom without mentioning Milk Thistle, which has been revered for over 2000 years with its origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. In 1597 the renowned herbalist, John Gerard, declared Milk Thistle as the best remedy against melancholy diseases, linking liver health to mental wellbeing and in 1787, Nicholas Culpeper reported its effectiveness in removing obstructions from the liver and spleen and treating jaundice.

Modern science has validated this ancient wisdom, identifying the active compound, silymarin, as the source of its therapeutic power. Acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to repair damaged liver tissue and today Milk Thistle is regarded as a potent, safe and effective remedy for supporting liver function and protecting against damage. Milk Thistle Complex contains a therapeutic strength of Milk Thistle extract combined with Milk Thistle seeds which are joined by two well-established liver cleansing herbs, Artichoke and Dandelion and it drops in price from £20 to £17, across the weekend.
VH Editorial: Milk Thistle For Liver Detoxification; DoSe Milk Thistle Complex £17 for 30 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 17 May)

Let’s talk skincare, but most specifically let’s talk DoSe skincare because we launched Triple Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid a year ago, so the story and the celebration. It was a considered choice to formulate an advanced vitamin C serum, a serum which brought three forms of vitamin C together in one formulation, those forms being Ascorbic Acid, the purest form of vitamin C which helps boost collagen, 3-0 Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which inhibits the formation of melanin and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C which promotes collagen synthesis, helping to reduce age spots over time.

Those three forms of vitamin C are key actives and they are joined by four other key actives, Ferulic Acid to enhance the effectiveness and stability of vitamin C, Glutathione and Ergothioneine, both being powerful antioxidants to help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, and Hyaluronic Acid which is included for intense hydration. Given time, we believe that Triple Vitamin C is a transformative formulation and given that statement, I am going to repeat the launch offer here. As such Triple Vitamin C drops in price from £20 to £17 and we will hold that until midnight BST, Monday 18 May.
VH Editorial: The Benefits Of Vitamin C For Skin; DoSe Triple Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid £17 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 18 May)

I just want to come in here to say that those of us who have sensitive skin cannot use vitamin C serums containing L-ascorbic acid, most especially during the daytime if skin is exposed to the sun. The general rule is that if you are using vitamin C during the day, you must always follow through with an SPF, however if you are sensitive to vitamin C formulations, and I am, we recommend C-Deep Vitamin C Serum formulated with a derivative called Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDC). A stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C, C-Deep also drops in price, this time from £22 to £19.
VH Editorial: Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Vitamin C Serum; DoSe C-Deep Vitamin C Serum £19 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 18 May)

Vitamin C Eye Cream aligns with C-Deep as it is also powered by THDC. Joined by Caffeine, Ergothioneine, HA, Matrixyl 3000 and Purified Peptides, it features a precise cooling tip to help soothe tired eyes, noting that cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels which helps to minimise swelling. As such, circulation is improved and the delivery system is specifically designed to help reduce excess fluid retention around the eyes. In celebrating Triple Vitamin C, a triple celebration so when you buy Vitamin C Eye Cream, we will automatically send you another Vitamin C Eye Cream free, a gift which is worth £29 whilst stock lasts.
DoSe Vitamin C Eye Cream £29 for 15 ml + DoSe Vitamin C Eye Cream (15 ml) Free (worth £29) (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 18 May)

To the end with some new products from Lanolips, four new products actually, so as I introduce you to Ceramide Milkshake Lip Balm, there are four shades available, Strawberry Bubble, Raspberry Crumble, Caramel Melt and Mocha Choca. Each of these sweet, creamy lipshakes are infused with Lanolin and Ceramides to hydrate and repair dry, chapped lips, visibly improving lip health with every swipe. Each Ceramide Milkshake Lip Balm is £8.99 and if you buy any two of these new lip balms, we will automatically include 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Coconutter (10 grams) free, which is worth £8.99 whilst stock lasts. Only one gift per customer.
Strawberry Bubble Ceramide Milkshake Balm £8.99 for 10 grams; Raspberry Crumble Ceramide Milkshake Balm £8.99 for 10 grams; Caramel Melt Ceramide Milkshake Balm £8.99 for 10 grams; Mocha Choca Ceramide Milkshake Balm £8.99 for 10 grams

Into the Saturday only treat, so with every order placed for £35 or above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include Weleda’s Arnica Massage Oil (10 ml). Formulated to protect against cramps, muscle tension and soreness, Arnica Massage Oil nourishes skin whilst warming muscles and full product details are linked below.
Arnica Massage Oil

Finally, there are certain songs which always come to mind when I’m writing, and actually when I’m driving too, so the weekend song just has to be ‘I Drove All Night’. This won’t be the first time this song has been featured on the Weekend Read, in fact it’s probably about the fifth or sixth time and I have used versions by Roy Orbison and Cyndi Lauper because I love both. But aligning with today’s triple celebration, I am also linking Celine Dion’s version because it feels neat. And complete.
I Drove All Night by Roy Orbison; I Drove All Night by Cindi Lauper; I Drove All Night by Celine Dion; The VH Playlist

As ever, I want to thank you for your loyalty and support, we couldn’t do this without you.

Have a restful weekend.

With love

Gill x