The Saturday after the Saturday before, and as I welcome you to another Weekend Read, a few words to acknowledge and thank you for recognising the passion we share in honouring and supporting cutting-edge and clinically evaluated products. Last weekend belonged to Vitamin C Eye Cream and Liposomal Vitamin C, but it also belonged to the DoSe protocol, a protocol dedicated to the evolution of our health and wellbeing. And as we continue to explore our integrated approach to health and beauty, the honour not only belongs to the wisdom of researched evidence, it also belongs to pushing the boundaries of efficacy, choice and factual conversation.
DoSe Vitamin C Eye Cream £29 for 15 ml; DoSe Liposomal Vitamin C Duo £49 for 2 x 240 ml (96 days’ supply); DoSe Liposomal Vitamin C £35 for 240 ml (48 days’ supply)

So, let’s continue that conversation, and before anything else, I will just tell you that we will be releasing one more DoSe product this year and if everything lines up, we will probably launch it next weekend, but I am still waiting for confirmation. What I will say is that it is a supplement, and the cryptic clue here is that Shabir and I both take this supplement. But more than that, whenever Shabir formulates a new product, the overriding factor for both of us is a committed belief that it has to blow everything else out of the water, aka Vitamin C Eye Cream, and all things being equal, I’ll tell you why this new product does just that next weekend.

Meanwhile, every product has its moment and this moment belongs to Cysticlean, because urinary tract infections are extraordinarily common and although cranberry extracts can often be a solution to this health concern, it is crucially important to take the correct form of supplementation, so let’s take a look. Cranberries contain fructose, a carbohydrate called mannose and also a group of very specific antioxidants called proanthocyanidins (PAC’s).

Recurring urinary tract infections can result in damage to the bladder walls, encouraging bacteria to attach to the walls of the bladder where they can proliferate and cause an infection. PAC’s have the ability to block the receptors existing on the bladder walls, helping to prevent infection. Cysticlean has undergone pre-clinical and clinical studies which have demonstrated that it has an anti-adhesive effect on E.coli, the bacteria responsible for the majority of urinary tract infections.

Containing PAC’s derived from North American Red Cranberries, Cysticlean has one of the highest contents of PAC’s available, which is a key factor here in our support of clinically evaluated formulations, and this is further endorsed by clinical studies which have shown that Cysticlean breaks the cycle of recurring urinary tract infections, when used for between three and six months. Understanding that commitment, I am dropping the price of all Cysticlean products by 20% across this weekend, enabling the recognition and efficacy of best-in-class formulations. And I honestly don’t care how many times I write that. It matters.
VH Editorial: Is Drinking Cranberry Juice A Myth; Cysticlean Products (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 10 November)

I often write about antioxidants, and antioxidants are compounds which protect the skin and the body’s glands, including every single cell, from unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals come from a variety of sources including environmental pollution, but it should also be noted that these damaging molecules are released into our blood stream as the body breaks down food to obtain energy. Such is their importance, we are going to take a look at two antioxidants today, the first being Astaxanthin and the second antioxidant we will look at is Ergothioneine, which differs in protocol to Astaxanthin, so they can be taken together.

Astaxanthin, also known as vitamin X, is a member of the carotenoid family of powerful antioxidants, and although there are over seven hundred naturally occurring carotenoids, it is challenging to obtain Astaxanthin from our diets. Often dubbed as ‘The King of the Carotenoids’, Astaxanthin plays a multi-faceted role within the body in the shielding from external radicals. Clinicals have shown that Astaxanthin prevents UV sun damage, which is why it is often referred to as nature’s natural sunscreen and for that alone, I believe it is worth taking, but more words from Shabir in his article linked below as I drop the price of Astaxanthin with Phospholipids from £14 to £12.
VH Editorial: Astaxanthin Protects The Whole Body; Astaxanthin with Phospholipids by Life Extension £12 for 30 Softgels (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 10 November)

I have written thousands of words about Ergothioneine, most especially this year, and of course our recognition of Ergothioneine is long-standing, specifically because it works at a cellular level and specifically because it powerfully supports healthy ageing. It is well established that free radicals cause damage to the cells of our body, leading to inflammation, with inflammation being a causal factor of ageing. Ergothioneine is an amino acid which cannot be manufactured by the body and it plays a role here in mopping up damaging free radicals, helping to ensure that inflammation is kept at bay.

Most tissues of our bodies contain Ergothioneine, and the highest concentration is found in cells prone to oxidative damage and inflammation, but it also has an impact on cell structures and DNA. As levels of Ergothioneine decline with age, it is important to note that observational studies have confirmed that higher levels of Ergothioneine are linked to a reduced risk of several age-related concerns, such as heart disease and poor brain function.

As is the case with many compounds, including HA, we are given the opportunity to supplement declining compounds, and here we recommend Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine where 5 mg of this powerful antioxidant is used in each capsule. This is the correct therapeutic dose and most importantly this dosage aligns with the strength used in extensive studies. Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine drops in price from £22 to £19 and for the record I take L-Ergothioneine alongside HA and NAD+ Generator, specifically because I read the studies several years ago, and with research ongoing, the focus here is thrown on healthy ageing, which I totally subscribe to.
VH Editorial: Ergothioneine Supplements: Benefits & Side Effects; Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine by Life Extension £19 for 30 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 10 November); DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules; DoSe NAD+ Generator £32 for 30 Capsules

Having written about two supplements from Life Extension, let’s do one more and that one more is Neuro-Mag. In many ways, Magnesium L-Threonate could be called the ‘memory mineral’ because this form of Magnesium plays an important role in the brain, supporting short-term memory as well as cognitive function. Magnesium is of course an outstanding and essential mineral, but it is not readily absorbed into the nervous system, and in pre-clinical models L-Threonate was shown to boost Magnesium levels in the spinal fluid by up to 15%, specifically targeting the ageing brain and nervous system. Short and sweet, Neuro-Mag drops in price from £32 to £27.
Neuro-Mag by Life Extension £27 for 90 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 10 November, or whilst stock lasts)

Staying with Magnesium, the subject of supporting our immune system is really important at this time of the year, and Magnesium is one of the ingredients in Night Time Immunity Drink. Night Time Immunity Drink delivers a high-strength dose of vitamins and minerals to help support the immune system, and Magnesium is joined here with vitamin C and Zinc together with Montmorency Cherry and Chamomile Extract, which help prepare you for a deep restful sleep which, in turn, supports the ongoing implications of stress when used as an adjunct to either Magnolia Rhodiola Complex, Sleep Tight Plus, or both. It also stands alone.
Night Time Immunity Drink by Tonic Health £8.99 for Ten Sachets; DoSe Magnolia Rhodiola Complex £28 for 60 Capsules; DoSe Sleep Tight Plus £26 for 60 Capsules

Onwards, and Mullein, also known as Verbascum thapsus, is a potent herb which has a long list of medicinal properties and with an extensive history of use, it is most often used to treat and soothe concerns such as bronchitis and coughs, it is also the key ingredient in Mullein-X Cough Syrup. Mullein-X Cough Syrup is a natural, alcohol-free, drug-free cough syrup which helps clear mucus, supporting upper respiratory health and here Mullein is joined by Nettles, Marshmallow, Plantain and English Ivy offering fast-acting, non-drowsy relief.

There are two formulations, the first, as above, is for adults and the second is Mullein-X Cough Syrup for Kids, which is of course also alcohol-free. It is suitable for children from the age of two, and this herbal cough syrup is infused with a blend of Blueberries, Goji, Acai Juice and Black Elderberry that enhances the taste, which is important because so many cough formulations for children taste nasty, making them difficult to administer. Anyway, two formulations and a drop in price on both as Mullein-X Cough Syrup drops in price from £29.99 to £26 and Mullein-X Cough Syrup for Kids drops in price from £24.99 to £22. For the interim.
Mullein-X Cough Syrup by Nature’s Answer £26 for 120 ml; Mullein-X Cough Syrup For Kids by Nature’s Answer £22 for 120 ml

Right, let’s do skin health by taking a look at Granactive Retinoid (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), which is the most bioavailable, non-prescription form of vitamin A, and one of the most studied ingredients to help address photo-damage and the ageing process. Often compared to retinols, Granactive Retinoid has far fewer side effects in comparison and those side-effects include irritation, redness and excessive peeling, which is why I don’t like retinols, I have never liked retinols and I’m quite vocal on the subject because I believe that long-term and excessive use of retinols are detrimental to the health of our skin.

Shabir doesn’t actually agree with me, but with the focus on Granactive Retinoid, Granactive Retinoid is a far better choice for those of us with sensitive skin and it plays a role in enhancing cell turnover and the rapid exfoliation of dead skin cells. In helping to smooth uneven skin textures, it also helps to address hyperpigmentation with indications that it can also improve the appearance of acne scars. The other thing to note here is that Granactive Retinoid, being an ester of retinoic acid, doesn’t require the same conversion steps as other retinoids to become retinoic acid, which is why it is often described as a next-generation retinoid.

There are many Granactive Retinoid formulations available, Granactive Retinoid being a trademarked ingredient owned by Grant Industries, but these formulations differ both in terms of efficacy and price point. In formulating Granactive Retinoid, Shabir included Ergothioneine because of its multiple benefits for age-prone skin, together with Hyaluronic Acid to support dehydration, an important factor for optimal skin health. So, as I refer you to his article below, I am dropping the price of Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum from £22 to £18.70 for the interim. And I’ve just added to the word-count on Ergothioneine.
VH Editorial: How Does Granactive Retinoid Work; DoSe Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum £18.70

Turning to seasonal products, many of you will know that I started writing about seasonal products in September, but I did so for a reason, that reason being that many of the gifts were, and are, limited edition offers. The very first product I wrote about was Neom’s Ceramic Star and although we had extraordinarily high stock levels, it sold out within approximately ten days and that was the end of that. Except it’s not quite the end, because NEOM have just released their Ceramic Circle Natural Diffuser, which is also £5. I’m not sure how long these will last, but it arrives to fragrance your world, and mine, when sprayed with your chosen scent.
Ceramic Circle Natural Diffuser by Neom Wellbeing £5

The thing about seasonal gifts is that they actually don’t have to be seasonal as such, because so many of these gifts make wonderful birthday presents too, and here I am thinking about TEMPLESPA’s Do Not Disturb Gift Set, Champagne & Truffles and Olverum’s Home Away From Home Collection, which is a rather magnificent collection of their products. They include the epic Olverum Bath Oil (60 ml), Body Cleanser (100 ml), Body Polish (50 ml), Firming Moisturiser (30 ml) and their Restful Sleep Pillow Mist (50 ml). Home Away From Home is £75, it has a value of £109.50 and because I’m always talking about magic, I truly believe these products are magical.
Do Not Disturb Gift Set by TEMPLESPA £50; Champagne & Truffles by TEMPLESPA £50; Home Away From Home Collection by Olverum £75

Margaret Dabbs knows a thing or two about magic, because her excellent products so often perform miracles, which is why her Pure Indulgence Christmas Collection Cabinet, isn’t just a festive gift, it is a gift which will keep on giving long after the festivities are just a distant memory, but on from that, a mention here for her Festive Feet & Hands Duo, which features her Intensive Hydrating Hand Lotion (75 ml) and her Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion. The Festive Feet & Hands Duo is £24, it has a value of £28 and it sits in the Gift Section, as linked below.
Pure Indulgence Christmas Collection Cabinet by Margaret Dabbs London £149; Festive Feet & Hands Duo by Margaret Dabbs London £24; Gift Section

Soapsmith. I love Soapsmith products and given an opportunity to write about Soapsmith, I absolutely will because I totally respect and support their founder, Sam Jameson, and her brilliant products. So I have several announcements to make here, the first of which is that each year, Sam releases her Christmas Edition Berganhus Bath Soak and it has just arrived. Berganhus is in Norway and capturing the juxtaposition of the Atlantic Ocean and the forest during the winter months, Berganhus Bath Soak has top notes of the ocean blended with festive Fig syrup, Ginger, Lily, Jasmine and Sandalwood, creating a beautiful, yet unique, bathing experience.
Christmas Edition Bergenhus Bath Soak by Soapsmith £30 for 500 grams

On from that, there are three new body butter melts in the range, Bloomsbury Body Butter Melt, Brick Lane Body Butter Melt and Marble Arch Body Butter Melt. Each of these melts are made from powerful butters, including Mango Butter, Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter blended with Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil and natural vitamin E, layering and deeply moisturising the skin. And one more new product, a Coffee Scrub crafted in collaboration with award-winning coffee roasters, Perky Blends, this scrub blends natural oils with high-quality ingredients, offering an enriching exfoliation experience, with notes of Sandalwood, Amber and Tonka Bean.
Bloomsbury Body Butter Melt by Soapsmith £20 for 100 ml; Brick Lane Body Butter Melt by Soapsmith £20 for 100 ml; Marble Arch Body Butter Melt by Soapsmith £20 for 100 ml; Coffee Scrub by Soapsmith £20 for 250 grams (Limited Edition)

A few more words before we head into the Saturday only treat because now, more than ever, it is so important to support niche brands, most especially at this time of year where so many struggle to overcome the domination of the conglomerates. I have always campaigned for niche brands, the SMEs who are so often challenged in an increasingly difficult world.  SMEs are the backbone of our economy and industry, including the health and beauty industry where innovation, creativity and risk should be celebrated, not diminished by copious attempts to undermine our very existence.

We have a voice, we have always had a voice, and in using that voice we will continue to support the pioneering spirit of independence and accountability. I am not one to roll over, I will never roll over and I don’t care what I write, just as long as I am standing in my own truth. And doing just that, I want to thank those of you who are now VH Addicts, and there are rather a lot of you. I have often written about the warmth of belonging, and the one thing I know from that belonging, is that we must never, ever give up because when others go low energetically, we go high, and whatever we need to overcome, we overcome together. And that’s a given.
VH Addicts

With those words, let’s head into the Saturday only treat, with a touch of nostalgia today because with every order placed for £35 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include the iconic 4711 Tissue Wipes*. Originally formulated in 1792, each pack contains ten tissue wipes, leaving your skin refreshed with this signature fragrance. Full product details below.
4711 Tissue Wipes (offer ends at midnight GMT, Saturday 9 November)

And because grace will always lead us home, this aligns.
Amazing Grace by Il Divo; VH Playlist

With love

Gill x