Here we are in spring 2024 and most of us are ready to start putting the work into ourselves to feel revitalised. When we look after ourselves, we can be of more support to family and friends as well as, becoming more effective in our jobs and day to day lives.
I reached out to Shabir Daya, Co-Founder and Pharmacist from Victoria Health for a 'Wellness with Shabir from Victoria Health' Q&A regarding supplements and skincare that will help support our plans of doing cartwheels in our 40s and 50s on sunny summer days! Some of you may already know Shabir Daya from collaborating with the the fabulous and trail blazing Trinny Woodall on her Instagram lives. This is how I became aware of the Victoria Health online store which is now one of my my go-to online stores for supplements and pocket friendly effective skincare.
Thank you Shabir for taking time to answer my questions for Your Scene. Your expertise may help shift us out from the winter sluggish vibes and hopefully bring ease to those suffering from joint issues, skin concerns or for those in need of a supplement boost.
Wellness with Shabir from Victoria Health
Jonny - We are in mid-winter and the damp cold weather can be an aggravating time for those with joint issues. Gnawing pains begin to flare up. What products would you recommend for anyone suffering that may help create a bit of ease, and why?
Shabir - I would always recommend Superior Joints. Superior Joints with Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) is a supplement for joints which provides pain relief for arthritis, knee pain, muscle pain, backache & shoulder pain relief. Superior Joints also contains turmeric, ginger, hyaluronic acid and other supporting nutrients to provide rapid pain relief.
One of the most promising discoveries in the battle against joint and arthritic pain is Natural Egg Shell Membrane (NEM). NEM is the thin membrane that is in between the egg shell and egg white and it contains proteins that may help to repair the cartilage network in between the bones. It is the degradation of this cartilage that causes the release of acids such as uric acid resulting in pain and stiffness that so many of us experience.
Jonny - Anything for muscular tension? We live in highly stressful times and our bodies become uptight and sore, making it difficult for us to wind down in the evenings. I personally love magnesium shower gel and muscle spray to help with this. Can we take a supplement that may also help with this issue?
Shabir - I agree, the muscle spray by BetterYou is brilliant and highly effective as it is easily absorbed through skin and naturally soothes hard-working muscles with a natural blend of magnesium chloride, energising lemon oil, arnica and capsicum to add a gentle heat to speed up recovery time. 10 sprays deliver 150mg of magnesium.
Magnesium is vital for optimal muscle contraction, skeletal strength, energy production and assists in sustaining the high oxygen consumption necessary for athletic performance.
An essential mineral in exercise recovery, Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the normal functioning of muscles and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Magnesium also aids electrolyte balance and supports normal energy-yielding metabolism. It also plays a part in normal psychological function and healthy functioning of the nervous system.
If you are looking for a supplement to help relax muscle tension, then please consider taking Solaray Magnesium Glycinate. Unlike citrate and other forms of magnesium which can cause loose stools, Magnesium Glycinate is easily absorbed and gentle on the intestinal tract and since it is absorbed efficiently, many people experience some of the other benefits of magnesium including raised energy levels and elevated mood.
Jonny - Fibromyalgia is very common these days. Would what you have recommended above help with this condition too?
Shabir - The symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread ranging from chronic pain, multiple tender points in joints and muscles, sleep disturbances, extreme fatigue, stress, anxiety and interference in basic daily activities. Some 90 per cent of sufferers are female and a high percentage of these may also have irritable bowel syndrome suggesting a food allergy component may be implicated.
Since joint and muscular pain impair basic daily activities, it is vital to address these at the outset.
I have found that a supplement traditionally aimed at arthritic symptoms has also been found to be of value for the alleviation of some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The supplement is called Superior Joints and it contains Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM). As above, NEM is the thin layer between the eggshell and the inner contents. Small studies indicate that it has very powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate pain rapidly and often within a week. NEM also contains two rarer amino acids which are known for the joint and muscle repairing properties.
Superior Joints also contains turmeric and ginger both of which possess anti-inflammatory properties however as far as fibromyalgia is concerned, they are excellent circulatory herbs helping to enhance the oxygenation of all the tissues within the body including the muscle tissues. Additionally, cherry extracts within the formulation help to provide antioxidant support and remove acidic compounds that cause us pain such as lactic acid and uric acid.
It is has also been found that those suffering from fibromyalgia do tend to have deficiency of magnesium. Magnesium is needed for the relaxation phase of muscular function and for its ability to influence the chemicals at the nerve endings which signal pain. Magnesium is also absolutely vital for the production of energy and helps to counter fatigue which is often an associated symptom.
I normally recommend the use of a topical magnesium spray called Pure Magnesium Oil Spray, spray four or five sprays twice a day. This topical spray works locally to relax muscles and nerves as well as alleviate pain and at the same time the magnesium is absorbed transdermally into the bloodstream restoring any deficiency. Transdermal absorption has two benefits in that it avoids the use of high strength magnesium supplements which can often cause diarrhea and secondly magnesium is absorbed more efficiently in this manner into the bloodstream than through the oral route.
Finally, since many sufferers have gastrointestinal disturbances, it would be prudent to use a good probiotic supplement such as Mega Probiotic ND. This particular supplement delivers eight strains of beneficial bacteria into the intestines where they can colonise and perform their role of neutralising the inflammatory compounds that may be responsible for the disturbances whilst maintaining a healthy immune system. Probiotics are useful for diarrhea because they prevent the pathogenic bacteria from flourishing and they are also useful for constipation because they break down food more efficiently preventing its stagnation in the gut.
Jonny - For many, finances are tight with the pandemic recovery and cost of living crises and for those in-charge of the family shopping, is there a good 'all-rounder' supplement or tonic that’s budget friendly that may benefit all the family to help overcome colds, flus, and viruses?
Shabir - The immune system places huge demands for the supply of vitamins and minerals. This aside, the body requires B vitamins and other nutrients to enhance energy and ensure optimal function. HealthAid A-Z Multivit is a multivitamin & mineral supplement, suitable for both men and women, provides all vitamins from A-Z. They provide a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement ideal for the whole family, athletes, people doing strenuous exercise and energetic work, or for anyone looking to safeguard dietary intake of these important nutrients.
Jonny - Speaking of cost effectiveness, would Victoria Health ever consider creating family packs or a subscription service for consumers who perhaps can’t afford to pay out large sums of money regularly? As we know, some supplements are pricey. For example, a monthly subscription to receive quarterly supplies that could be exclusive to some ranges. The likes that are done with skincare or dermatology subscriptions.
Shabir - Never say never. We often have great offers on the Weekend Read where we offer great promotions on our core offer. We always tell our customers to sign up to this on the website. The offers are usually on Saturday and the newsletter goes out at 7:45am. It’s got a very loyal following from our VH family of customers.
Jonny - Boost B12 Oral Spray and D3000 + K2 Vitamin D Oral spray by the range BetterYou are both great products. Easy to just spray under the tongue and then go about my business. Is B12 a helpful pick-me-up during the weekend after a few too many glasses of wine? Just asking for any Your Scene readers need a hangover tip!
Shabir - Vitamin B12 is commonly referred to as the energy vitamin, although it has a number of other very important functions within our bodies. It is estimated that up to 40% of the UK’s elderly ‘meat-eating’ adults may be deficient in vitamin B12 and that half of the adult population may have sub-optimal levels. These figures indicate that millions of adults may be deficient in vitamin B12.
Certainly, as many of us choose to move to a plant-based diet or at least reduce our meat consumption, there is no doubt that deficiencies, which are already high in the over 50s, will be on the increase even more so.
Research shows that even small amounts of regular alcohol consumption can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and certainly those consuming above average amounts often have suboptimal levels of B12 which can lead to anaemia, poor sleep and numerous other concerns. If you are aged 50 and above, go and get your vitamin B12 levels checked or if you cannot do that then consider a vitamin B12 supplement such as Boost B12 Spray which bypasses the intestinal tract delivering this vitamin directly into the bloodstream – being water soluble, any excess that the body cannot utilise will be excreted away causing no harm to the body.
GoW Skincare from Victoria Health
Jonny - I love the GoW (Garden of Wisdom) range, the affordability and efficacy, in my opinion, match certain premium brands. Can you explain the inspiration behind creating this line of skincare?
Shabir - Garden of Wisdom, or GoW as it’s often referred to, has been making waves on Reddit and beauty blogs for several years due to its clean, straightforward and affordable serums. Based in Arizona, the products are formulated and manufactured by two incredible skincare experts, Markey and Jen. Impressively, every single formula is cruelty-free, suitable for vegans and free from alcohol and silicones. The inspiration was to deliver active compounds at therapeutic concentrations that make a positive difference to your skin. The formulas were created by myself exclusively for VH and are totally different to any sold by Garden of Wisdom themselves.
Jonny - How often does GOW upscale formulations to ensure products remain up to date within the skincare science arena and what would trigger a reformulation in your opinion?
Shabir - I am constantly looking at clinical trials and learning about new ingredients. In many cases, new ingredients promise a lot without delivering these. Then there is the challenge of ensuring that these ingredients can be included in your formulation as many of these work at specific pH levels. We do reformulate from time to time when we feel there is something better to be offered and in some cases we change the vehicle within the serums to make the actives more deliverable or simply the amounts if we feel necessary. Feedback from our customers also drives these changes. We have to be sure we are offering what we feel is the best.
Jonny - Where do you seek out the latest scientific data to keep your products up to date?
Shabir - I read a lot. Various medical journals and papers. I am also working with the labs directly in America to learn about their new studies and findings and I am constantly being informed on new technologies in the beauty industry.
Let’s look at some GoW products in order of application
Jonny - I love this gentle cleanser, I have recommended this to family & friends who have ordered it and enjoy it too. It's gentle on the skin, through any season, and it is something I feel everyone should know about it. What was your vision when creating a cleanser suited to everyone?
Shabir - I have always felt that biggest problem with cleansers was that they were either too light and did not perform well at removing dirt and chemicals that clog the pores or that in many cases that these cleansers disturbed the friendly bacteria residing on skin’s surface or stripped the skin of its natural oils resulting in a myriad of possible concerns.
Garden of Wisdom's Daily Cleanser is a non-drying microbiome-friendly foaming cleanser suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone, sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Unlike many cleansers, Garden Of Wisdom's Daily Cleanser does not strip the skin of its natural lipids. Non-pore clogging, non-drying and ultra-gentle, it effectively removes oil, dirt and make-up without leaving your skin feeling tight. It contains Glycerine, which traps moisture from the air to leave skin feeling healthy and moisturised. In addition, a Marshmallow Root infusion acts as a prebiotic to help calm inflamed skin, especially in those suffering from sensitivity and rosacea.
Made without Parabens. All Garden of Wisdom products are cruelty free, suitable for vegetarians and free from Alcohol and Silicones. Serum bottles are made of PET and are 100% recyclable. pH range of 6.5 - 6.6.
Jonny - Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic: (Antioxidant & skin brightening).This for me is a great antioxidant and brightening serum. It matches the efficacy of a serum I loved last year that cost 4 times more! Was it your aim to make effective skincare more accessible to the masses?
Shabir - Absolutely yes. Victoria Health is an independent business with no external investment. We do not advertise and therefore do not have enormous marketing budgets behind us, which can add to the cost of products as you know and will have seen. This enables us to keep the cost of the product as low as possible. Additionally, and this is unfortunate, many vitamin C serums containing the acidic version of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, claim to contain high percentages but get over the sensitivity issue by neutralising the serum to a higher pH rendering the vitamin C ineffective. GOW’s Vitamin C 23% serum is at the ideal pH for it to provide the multiple benefits.
Jonny - Hyaluronic Acid: (Hydration and skin plumping). Firstly, I have gone off hyaluronic acid lately. I think I have used too much of it. It also seems to be in far too many skincare products these days, in my opinion.
I have used it beneath a moisturiser, but in winter my face can’t seem to handle it the same. It reddens my skin and ironically dries it out further. I opt now to only use this as an eye serum, where I really need a bit of plumping. Do you think this product has become too trendy within the skincare marketing arena?
Shabir - Not at all. I think it is a super hydrator when the right hyaluronic acid is used. Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the cells beneath the epidermis whilst High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid helps provide surface hydration. Hydration is absolutely vital since dehydration leads to inflammation which is turn can cause ageing and a number of other concerns.
Jonny - I purchased the GOW Hydrator, and I love it. Yet this does contain HA. So, what makes this moisturiser different and non-irritating from all the HA serums I have been using lately?
Shabir - Daily Hydrator has a combination of ingredients, not just HA. Daily Hydrator contains Sodium PCA, a major component of the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF). Sodium PCA acts as a humectant to bind moisture to the skin's cells, leaving your skin plump and hydrated. And yes, it has Hyaluronic Acid helping provide surface hydration while Ceramides replenish the skin's natural lipids and restore elasticity.
Jonny - Can you tell me if it would be better to take Hyaluronic Capsules High Strength from Victoria Health, especially if suffering from dry skin, even if I drink lots of water?
Shabir - Hyaluronic Acid supplements work to plump up the skin cells of the body helping to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Levels of this decline with age and may be 50% less by the age of 40. As a protein, it can hold 1000 times its own weight in water and hence it is excellent at plumping up and hydrating the skin cells.
A primary cause of degeneration of the collagen network of the skin is the decreased levels of hydrated hyaluronic acid, which supports the collagen network. Restoring hyaluronic acid plumps the skin cells and restores moisture in all the tissues of the body. Even if you drink lots of water, it will not work in the same way as noted above. Having said that, a combination approach is best. Continue to drink water as it’s brilliant for the body!
Jonny - Skin Restoring Ceramides, are these supplements worth trying if someone has very dry skin conditions? If so, do they work for the whole body and do they actually reach the skin?
Shabir - Ceramides play an important part of your skin's role as a protective barrier, helping to bind together the cells that make up the surface of your skin. These nourishing oils help retain moisture and protect your skin. But ceramide levels naturally decrease as we age making it hard to maintain smooth, supple, healthy skin as we get older.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy women took 350 mg of ceramide extract once a day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, these women experienced a smoothing of wrinkles, improved skin hydration and objectively smoother, healthier-looking skin. And many subjects reported healthy-looking skin eight weeks after the study's end, demonstrating a lasting benefit from ceramide supplementation.
In a different double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 50 healthy women took 350 mg of ceramide oil every day for 3 months. They showed measurable improvements in skin hydration on their arms and legs, and reported smoother, suppler, and healthier-looking skin. In another study, clinical evaluation found marked improvements in skin scaling and roughness, and a dramatic reduction in itching in the ceramide group compared to placebo. Electrochemical analysis revealed significantly improved hydration in the ceramide group as well.
Jonny - You see many skincare ingredient trends come and go. Which ingredient aside from Retinol do you see have longevity in and why?
Shabir - For me, Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to brighten the skin and it is and always will be the best selling GoW product that we do.
Jonny - How about any skincare ingredient that is underrated but you feel should be well-known?
Shabir - As above, I think Alpha Arbutin is a super ingredient and one that is still in the shadow of others.
New Brand Launch - DoSe by VH
This springtime, Victoria Health have released their new brand (or a relaunch?) 'DoSe by VH' and I reached out to Shabir Daya for a brief overview. Just look at how lush the new packaging is. I'm also so pleased that it is not another black and white as this is my favourite tone of green. Just saying!
Shabir - DoSe by VH is a natural evolution of Garden of Wisdom and we are confident that the DoSe by VH products will exceed your expectations, delivering a heightened level of quality and efficacy. Whilst almost all formulations share the same INCI, we searched for and incorporated the optimal iterations of each, guaranteeing an enhanced quality. Not all ingredients are created equally and developments in formulations can change. It gave us the opportunity to better our offer for our customers who have previously loved GOW. We listened to the feedback from our customers regarding GOW and the bottles are now glass, which means they are also waterproof for the bathroom. We believe in constant improvement and staying at the forefront of skincare innovation.
Some of the GOW serums have already been phased out and more will be phased out as we launch new products.
DoSe serums have been very well received including the Ergothioneine Serum with its multiple benefits.
Jonny - Regarding Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum (Hyperpigmentation, sunspots, freckles, melasma): With regular use, how long may it take this product to create a noticeable difference on decreasing pigmentation on the skin?
Shabir - It varies from person to person so I cannot say an actual time frame. We suggest using regularly per the instructions and hope that you see some improvements within the first three months. We do suggest photographing the area so you have something to compare it to down the line.
Jonny - Do we apply before or after the vitamin c application?
Shabir - It depends on what Vitamin C you are using. If it is the 23%, this goes first. If it is the C-Deep, this goes last.
Jonny - Do we only use this serum on areas of concern rather than the whole face?
Shabir - For Alpha, we suggest using it on the targeted areas.
Jonny - Can it be used on the back of hands?
Shabir - It can indeed.
As you can see from the pic, I have purchased the Alpha and Rescue Peptide Serum as my face always feels in need of a rescue. I'm impressed by the luxe packaging. I'm getting premium vibes on a budget. As mentioned above, I love the colour, the lushness of having a glass bottle and the fact that the pump now has a lockable click function making these products easier to travel with. I will be sure to give my honest opinion on how my skin felt about these products once I have used all the juice.
That wraps up this Q&A. Many Thanks Shabir for taking the time to participate and I will keep this blog 'open' and be sure to personally try out your recommendations and follow up with you again soon to explore any newness from Victoria Health.
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Blog is not sponsored or affiliated. Always check ingredient listings before purchasing to ensure no contra-indications.
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