Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C/Altrient C - a must-have

US Version

A slightly unusual one for a review, but these seem to be too good to not talk about. I've adapted the questions below to suit supplements rather than skincare but if you think of any others, please let me know in the comments and I will add.

What is it?

A bioavailable vitamin C. 

Who is it for?

Everyone except those medically contraindicated.

What’s in it?

Vitamin C (as sodium ascorbate), Phospholipids (from soy lecithin), Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidylinositol, Deionized Water, Sodium Ascorbate, Lecithin Phospholipids, Alcohol (12% w/w), Xanthum Gum, EDTA. Citric Acid, Calcium Disodium

*Altrient inci list

What's not in it?

sugar, starch, artificial flavours, artificial colours, meat products, dairy products, wheat, gluten and yeast

How do you use it?

Very specifically. Neck it like a shot. Minimal fluids, one gulp.

How long before you should see results?

Well you won't 'see' results, but it hits your bloodstream immediately, so you may 'feel' them.

How long did I test it for?

I've taken them multiple times daily since Tuesday - only a week, but I'm convinced they've helped kick my nearly three-week-long tracheitis to the kerb and my skin is definitely looking firmer. I'm still dehydrated from antibiotics, but they're not affecting my skin as much as they have done in the past.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

In the US they are $29.95 and in the UK we get screwed - they are £35.99, both boxes contain 30 sachets.

*Due to the differing governing laws in the USA/EU they are called Altrient in the EU - same liposomes, same good effect. Don't make the same mistake I made and order the original if you live in the UK - they're £44.00 on Amazon instead of £35.99 through distributors (details below).  #idiot

What’s good about it?

We need vitamin C for a multitude of reasons - including:

• To help protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals - same as your anti-ageing serums, except these work internally. 
• To support a healthy immune system - especially coming into winter!
• To support collagen production for healthier skin, muscles and joints - all of us, every day all day. Vitamin C is vital for your collagen, if yours is slacking, step it up.
• To promote muscle repair - great for those of you that are particularly active, workout a lot/run/have busy lifestyles, kids, everything..
• To support healthy gums - because who wants their teeth to fall out? ;)

Traditionally vitamin C is hard to digest and ingest. These are encapsulated and protected by microscopic bubbles called Liposomes. Liposomes are made of phospholipids, the same material that makes up cells. This allows the nutrient to pass through your cell membranes, unlike other vitamin c products which frequently linger in the system before they are excreted in your urine. 

A lot of vitamin C products on the market can be flushed from your system, Lypo-Spheric passes through your digestive system unharmed. There is no bowel intolerance and no vitamin flush meaning more of the nutrient reaches your cells. Apparently a very famous woman whose name rhymes with Bineth Haltrow takes 6 of these before she gets on a plane. 

The extremely popular vitamin C powders - EmergenC are marketed well and cute to take, but they are full, full of sugar. In the original Orange flavoured 9g sachet, there are 6g of sugar. Same for the kid's version.

What’s not so good about it?

They're expensive, but you get what you pay for. 

Would I purchase/repurchase?

I already have. These will be a solid addition to my tight supplement routine.

Available from:

USA - Amazon.com or Liposome-encapsulated/lypo-spheric-vitamin-c

UK -  www.altrient.com or Amazon.co.uk  

*No affiliate links. 

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

January's pillbox

I am frequently asked about what supplements I am using so thought a little update was due as I haven't talked about them in a really long time.

Before I get in to it - just a reminder that this is what I take - after years of tweaking/changing and liaising with doctors and health specialists. You should always do as much research as possible when supplementing - know your contraindications, be aware of your diet and what may/may not be lacking. And before I get comments from the naysayers telling me that 'all you need is a balanced diet!' and that I have very expensive pee, let's just say I politely disagree and leave it at that shall we? 

So this is my usual pillbox that I keep around - either on my desk or in the kitchen. I don't use the regimented 'set day' boxes that people tend to use for medication, I have regular alarms set on my phone to remind me to take x,y and z at regular times every day. That's just what works for me.

So working from the top left corner clockwise:

MagAbsorb (magnesium) from Lamberts: I have taken magnesium sporadically for around 9 years. I was first advised to take magnesium as I used to suffer really bad with tension in my neck, to the point where I could barely look fully left. Horrible. It was also preventing me from getting a good night's sleep and I had a tic in my eyelid similar to the Chief Inspector in the Pink Panther movies. I now recognise this as symptoms not only of mag deficiency, but of stress. One of the reasons I took myself out of the corporate world. It was making me look like this:

Me, prior to magnesium supplementation, working in the corporate world. 

Dosage: 3 x 150mg in the evening (not every evening - just when I feel the need)

Points to be aware of: being a muscle relaxant, magnesium can also 'loosen' your bowels. If you have a runny bum, you need to cut it back (TMI?) - BUT, if you suffer from mild to severe constipation, it can 'help'. This is why it is often sold alongside/in a mix with calcium, which does the opposite and can cause constipation.

Ubiquinol (the black ones) from Nature's Best: Recommended by a friend of mine when I mentioned how exhausted I was early last year.... Ubiquinol put simply, is what your body converts CoQ10 into. The problem is that once we get older, it is more difficult for your body to make that conversion. As CoQ10 is a nutrient that has profound effects on our levels of energy, stamina, organ health and immune system functionality, its a tad important. It has also been linked with aiding migraines, which is why I jumped on it.

Dosage: 1 x day

Points to be aware of: you do not need this if you are under 25. You can use plain old CoQ10 you lucky, young swines. Also: if you take statins, you apparently should absolutely be taking this. (Check with your doc, as before!)

Fish oil - Bare Biology (small ones), Perricone (darkest ones), Lamberts (lighter large oil capsules)

My love of fish oil is no secret. I prefer it to flax/borage/other omegas and I can't take krill oil due to my shellfish allergy.

I haven't taken them over the Christmas period, but am back on the bandwagon now. If I have any allergic reactions to food - that usually show in my skin with big, red, swollen welts on my face, these and an antihistamine are my first port of call. It's what works for me, I can't speak for you.

Dosage: between 3 and 9 a day, depending on my mood, meals and skin...

Points to be aware of: For best results - always take these before you eat. That way the food sits on top of the oil and you get no disgusting fish burps (eeww). Large doses of fish oils can kill sugar cravings but also act as a slight appetite suppressor. If you're not feeling hungry, maybe you're overdoing it. :)

Fish oil is entirely separate from cod liver oil and the two should not be confused. This works for me, but you may be better off with more of a combination of 3,6 and 9. 

High doses may increase the risk of vit a or d toxicity. Again, do your research before buying.

Zinc from Lamberts: I started taking zinc because my hair seemed to be falling out more than usual. My Mum has lupus and had a similar (worse) problem a few years ago and her consultant recommended a high dose (prescription only) to help maintain her hair - and it worked. My hair, that used to fill the drain after showering, no longer does that - at all. I cannot remember the last time I had a cold, also a benefit of zinc supplementation.

Dosage: I take 50mg x day at the moment, but will be reducing this down to the normal recommended dosage (15mg) after one course.

Points to be aware of: if you are a vegetarian or eat a lot of grains, you may want to look into this.

DHEA from Biovea: this is a slightly controversial one as it is much disputed as to its benefits and is flagged for contraindications and banned by the NFL and Major League Baseball in the USA as it is a pro-hormone. I won't discuss my dosage or really go in to detail, but I will say that I only started taking it last year, after blood tests and doctor's appointments, and would advise you to do the same if you are over 40 (I am) or perimenopausal/menopausal (I'm not). I am monitoring my usage of this. This is not something to just start taking willy-nilly. As they say. :)

Points to be aware of: lots. Do your research. Speak to your doctor.

YOUTH from Beauty Works West: these made a notable difference to my energy levels pretty much as soon as I started taking them. Amino acids and marine plant extracts - these are worth considering if you are over 35/40.

Dosage: 2 x twice a day - I keep them on my bedside

Points to be aware of: you don't need these if you're in your 20's!

Vitamin D from Lamberts: if I had to stop all of the above tomorrow, and take only one, it would be vitamin D. Universally recommended, and mostly deficient in a large number of us, the benefits of vitamin D are too numerous to list here. This is a great website if you want more info www.vitamindcouncil.org but if you don't supplement, I would highly recommend looking into it. Especially if you live in northern climates and are in the middle of winter!

Dosage: 3000 - 5000iu a day

Not pictured are:

Floravital - pretty much saved my life during my first pregnancy and has been a staple in the fridge ever since. I'm anaemic and this is much more gentle and effective than iron tablets (for me).

Zelens Omega-Shiso - vegan version of omega oils. Better for you if you are veggie/vegan or simply cannot tolerate fish!

Sidebar: I don't take/recommend a multi-vitamin as they are essentially useless and in some cases harmful. For example, B6 is an acne trigger for me, so it would break me out almost instantly.

If you need supplementation of a particular ingredient a multi-vit probably won't be at a high enough dosage. Anyway - just my thoughts - speak to a nutritionist if you have any concerns about supplementation.

I hope that was in some way, useful. Like I said, always research supplements, don't go crazy and speak to your doctor/health professional before you do anything. I've spent a long time researching what should/could work for me and have regular consultations with the pros, you must do the same.

Your Hormone Doctor and a 3 month supply of YOUTH

Listen up. If you are a lady of a certain age. I.E. over 40 (and 'king fabulous) - the ever-gorgeous and always glam Susie Rogers (also my ex office landlady for those of you that came for skin consults!) has written a must-have book with Leah Hardy and the Doc Daniel Sister just for you (and me).

If you feel like you've lost your 'oomph' or even that it is just taking a little break - or that it went on sabbatical and has never returned, have a read.

Regular readers will also recognise the YOUTH supplements from the blog...

I know I am due an updated supplement post but suffice to say I take these twice a day and notice a considerable dip in my energy levels when I don't. Susie has very kindly offered a lucky reader the chance to read the book and a 3 month supply of YOUTH, together worth over £180.00.

To enter simply use Rafflecopter below....

Good luck everyone - and this one is Open Internationally!

For more info on YOUTH: http://www.beautyworkswest.com/YOUTH

And to order the book: HERE.

Your Hormone Doctor on Facebook

T&C's:

• Open Internationally
• One winner
• No cash alternative will be offered
• CH (that's me) cannot be held responsible for the goods not arriving
• Proof of Postage will be provided

Not a sponsored post, no affiliates. She's a mate. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Year, New Plans

2012 was an amazing year for me. For the first time in my life I made a list of things I was determined to achieve by the end of the year. It had 5 major things on it. I completed 4 of them before the Autumn and number 5 is in progress as we speak. 

I finally get the old saying 'Fail to plan, plan to fail.'

So I'm doing it again this year. I'm not making resolutions, I'm making plans. 

I'm not exactly superstitious - but I am (surprisingly I know) intensely private. When I passed my driving test last May only my Husband and Mum knew what I was up to. I didn't even tell my kids. Nearly everyone I know said 'Bloody hell you kept THAT quiet.' I do. I keep the big things under my belt.  This year's list has another 5 big things on it. I'll report back in a year.

What I don't mind talking about are the plans for healthier living. 

I'm pretty huge on the anti-inflammatory diet these days - I have a predisposition towards inflammatory diseases on my Mother's side and with every passing year I'm more aware of the importance of taking care of myself. Not just for me, but for my family. If I don't function at my best, my family don't function at their best. That's the reality.

I've already made quite a few changes progressively in the past few years:

When I do drink, I only drink red wine - and have done for years. I wouldn't dream of drinking beer (bloat city and sugar = inflammation and fat) and spirits are over-rated. 

No fizzy drinks. I may, once a month (you know!) have a can of fat coke - and enjoy it. But that's it. 

No chocolate. This one is easy - I'm not a big lover anyway so don't miss it. Ditto biscuits. Meh. 

So the changes I'm implementing/adding this year to my current lifestyle are: *deep breath*

No alcohol. I did this last year from Jan-Apr and didn't miss it. It's surprisingly easy. I drank at the end of April for my son's 18th birthday - he's 19 this year - I figure it's not a 'big one' so I'll be fine to carry on! I'm not sure how hard and fast I'll be - maybe until my holiday in July, maybe until the Summer gig season in June (Bon Jovi AND Bruce touring?!) maybe I won't fancy it at all - who knows? But drinking as par for the course during the week/weekends? No.

Ditto Champagne at events. Goes down easy, hits the head and stomach hard. No.

Also - a nice trick your body plays on you the older you get - that second glass of wine? Up. All. Night. I'm not kidding. I need my sleep.

Even less sugar. I'm already doing quite well but I'm going to be even more vigilant about it. Sugar = inflammation.

To continue drinking shedloads of water. I already do this. Consciously. I'm going to continue to do so.

Eat even less white foods. I'm doing ok cutting out pasta and now only have whole grain rice - but bread - I am still partial to hot buttered toast on occasion. Working on it.

The big one for me? Crisps. Wave a Ready Salted Kettle Chip in my direction and I'm up quicker than Westlife in a key change (2.19 into it) . They are my crack and have to go completely. I can't just have one. Impossible. Complete and utter salt addict and they are the one thing I can mindlessly pick at while watching tv/blogging/chatting. My name is Caroline and I am a crisp addict. 

No. They have to go.

Supplements. The big ones. I'm always asked what I take so:

Fish oil - I already take a minimum of 3000mg a day. I try and take anything up to 10,000mg a day. Working on maximising it as often as possible.

Zinc - I take 15mg a day. 

Vitamin D - I am a sun girl and undoubtedly suffer when it disappears - like now. I take 2000 iu units a day. 

Others to be thrown in when I feel I need them:

Floradix - I'm anaemic, so when I have a noticeable slump, I step it up.

Magnesium - in the evenings to help me relax and sleep.

B12 spray - I use this a LOT. I've escaped any winter cold thus far - coincidence? Maybe. I'm not taking any chances.

(Make sure you've done your research for what suits and won't suit you  if you want to start taking supplements)

And there you have it. (Some) of my New Year's Day rambling/plan/list.

Wherever you are celebrating New Year's Day I wish you the best of health and hope your plans come to fruition in 2013.

Oh! I forgot one last one. 

Wear sparkly, nicer shoes. I am a comfortable size 9 (11 US) and I live in trainers. Sod it. Bring on the nice shoes (sometimes).

Ok. That's it.

Cheat Sheet - Top Tips for Great Skin

I've noticed doing the Clinic these last two months that I am repeating a lot of the same basic tips week after week. None of which I mind, that's the point of the Clinic - but it did get me thinking that it might be useful to do a quick cheat sheet about basic care and how to get the most out of your skin.
Interestingly, most of the tips are based around diet and lifestyle - not particular products - but I will do a follow up of good products too...

Obviously everyone is different - but in general - these are your basics if you're wondering where to start....

• Cleanse your skin every night without fail - cleanliness is next to Godliness. Double cleanse if you are wearing make-up or sunscreen - which means most of us. I've already written a cheat sheet on cleansing - read that if you haven't already - incorporate the massage techniques here - and you're pretty much done.
  And a little tip for those of you that say you have no time: either take your make-up off as soon as you get home OR take your make-up off before you take your bra off (if you sleep in your bra then do the first tip!)
• Cleanse your skin every morning. It obviously doesn't have to be as intense as the night time - but a quick hot flannel and milk/balm/gel wouldn't go amiss to get rid of the overnight shedding. *gross* I know some brands say you don't need to cleanse your skin in the morning. That's OK. They're wrong. If you're body doesn't sweat/shed why do we have to change the bedding? Yeah. That's what I thought.
• Do not smoke. I won't dwell on this one because its obvious and I've preached before. Unfortunately, in my experience the majority of smokers don't care. They'd rather smoke than have good health. That's really the beginning and end of it. Also - sidebar - they are more likely, again in my experience, to have Botox/fillers/use fad products - like BB creams for example. Why? Because they aren't willing to do the work themselves. Sorry smokers - but in your heart of hearts you probably know it's true. And if you're in the minority who smoke and do everything else organically, you still smoke.
• Get some sunshine. The term 'everything in moderation' really applies here. For normal day-to-day use, I get my SPF from my make-up. But then I work indoors all day and live in the northern hemisphere. I of course use SPF if I am sitting on a beach - but no higher than 30 if I'm honest. Otherwise I wouldn't reapply and I'd look like a beetroot. I don't use skincare with SPF. I apply it separately in between moisturiser and foundation/primer. SPF is too active an ingredient and can interfere with other anti-ageing ingredients, making all of your expensive moisturisers potentially redundant.
  The fact is that yes, obviously too much sun is damaging to the skin. But so is too much chlorine. And too much pollution. Get out there and get some sunshine. We need it. And in the right dosage it can be amazing for your skin. Some brands would have us believe the sun is the ultimate enemy. That's only true if you don't respect it. Get some sun. Not a lot, some. Just don't be stupid about it. Read my SPF Cheat Sheet.
• Sugar. You need to think of sugar as the Devil. And fizzy drinks/soda as Liquid Satan. Empty calories. Drink water. Sugar is the easiest addiction to stop - after a few days you won't even think about that mid-afternoon chocolate. Trust me. One of the best things you can do for your health and skin.
• Stop eating crap. It's not rocket science. If 'cooking' to you means 'piercing the film', you are not cooking - you are reheating. And eating processed food. Which has no benefit to your health or skin. I'm not going to tell you what foods to avoid. You're not a moron.
  A tip - if you're a parent and you won't let your toddler eat what you are eating - why are YOU eating it?
• Consider supplementing your diet. If you have problem skin and don't take fish oil, try it - in large doses. If you are vegetarian try flax - but in my experience its not nearly as powerful. I am big on supplements and have posted a frequently about them - most recently, here.
• Cut down on dairy. Dairy is designed to take that cute calf and turn it into a 1500lb cow/bull in under a year. And it does a bloody good job of it. I have skimmed milk in my tea. That's about it these days. Yes, I've even cut back the cheese. *skimmed milk has been proven to be the unhealthiest milk to drink - typical that it is the one that I like.
• Watch your alcohol intake. It's extremely dehydrating and again is predominantly sugar. If you are disciplined and can have the odd glass of good red wine, fine. If not, you may want to reconsider altogether - especially if your idea of a good drink is beer or a Bacardi Breezer.
• Use quality skincare. I'm not talking about £400 creams, I'm just suggesting you step away from the £2.99 packet of wipes and moisturisers in the chemist/supermarket and step it up a gear. Outside of the organic market - up to around £150 you get what you pay for (in some circumstances - you still need to check the ingredients to see what you are paying for!). After that you're paying for packaging, the rent and payroll and holiday home of the name on the box. I fully get that the majority of us are on much smaller budgets - but honestly - you need to look at the £40-£100 mark for serums and moisturisers if they are hi-tech. Cleansers can all be around the £25 - £60 mark - but it would have to be a bloody good cleanser/larger size to get me to £60. If you want quality skincare and are willing to forgo the hi-tech, you can get amazing quality natural/organic products that are very affordable.
  
• A final tip - equate your skincare spending to what you would spend on a handbag or shoes. I'm not saying you should - I'm saying you should be willing to. If you would spend more on a bag than your face - you're reading the wrong blog.
  I welcome you with open arms, but you are reading the wrong blog. 

Spotlight on Supplements

I've been asked  a lot recently about supplements - what I would recommend and what I take myself. So when I was getting everything out this morning I thought I'd grab a quick picture and show you my current routine.

Left to Right:

Floradix - I've waxed lyrical about Floradix on here before. I was first put on Floradix 21 years ago by my midwife during my first pregnancy. I have Thalassaemia Trait which means I am permanently anaemic. When I'm pregnant or having my period its obviously worse. This single-handedly raised my HB levels 3 points. that is NO mean feat. I highly recommend this to anyone who has heavy periods, is low on energy, anaemic, pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are anaemic, or suspect you might be, ask your doctor for a blood test (while we still have an NHS). It's your right.

Beauty Works West YOUTH - I started taking these when they launched last year and I was working on a  project with BWW. They are essentially a brilliant blend of amino acids and marine plant extracts (superoxide dismutase). They were made by Dr Daniel Sister. I won't lie. I took them thinking they would help my face - you know - the post 40 saggy, baggy always-tired appearance? And they've actually done much more than that. I now notice my energy levels dip in the day if I have forgotten to take them in the morning. The huge amount of press that these have received recently is well-deserved.

Perfect for boys and girls 35+ who have lost their mojo a little! If you know what I mean when I say that - you need them.

Lambert's Starflower Oil -  This is my first bottle of Starflower Oil. I started taking it just over a month ago to help with CHRONIC breast pain. My breast pain HAS GONE. GONE.

If your boobs are so sore you have to carry them in your hands like a little bird and wince when you take your bra off - these have COMPLETELY fixed mine.

*the Lambert's website is really good for general information if you are interested in the area of supplements.

David Kirsch B12 Spray - David Kirsch is THE man when it comes to wellness and personal fitness.  The man who takes care of the bodies of Liv Tyler, Heidi Klum, Bobbi Brown and Anne Hathaway to name a few, coined phrases like: 'Keep it lean, clean and green' and my favourite - this one about people who have to eat meat: 'If it swims or flies, you can eat it'. I heard this the same week my father was diagnosed with heart disease and have drastically cut my red meat intake. And I mean drastically. Anyway: I digress.

The B12 Spray, I think, is the main reason I avoided getting any kind of real flu or heavy cold this winter. The one day I had a really bad scratchy throat was the one day I forgot to take it in the morning and travelled to Paris for work. I couldn't speak by 3pm (not handy for meetings) - I got home that night - took a double dose, another double dose in the morning and it had gone within 48 hours.

B12 is essential for energy, immune function and if you are female - it stops you going completely loopy at that time of the month. If you don't yet use it, you'll wonder how you functioned without it when you do.

Perricone MD Omega 3 - this one I have been taking almost as long as the Floradix, but I tend to dip in and out of how often I take these. I usually get back on the bandwagon when my skin goes bad (like now) and I crave crap food (like now). I try and take at least 6000mg a day. If I can I take 9000mg a day - a huge dose I know, but it really does kill off any food cravings alongside improving brain function and helping my hormonal acne breakouts.

Perfect for - any age, any sex, Omega oil (3) is recommended for literally anyone. If you are veggie, switch for flax oil.


That's it. My current routine that I keep coming back to. I would just mention that although trained in supplements, I am not a qualified nutritionist or doctor - this routine works for me. If you are interested in supplements, look at your lifestyle, health issues and if you are in doubt ask your doctor. Although for me, I have always found better advice on places like the Lambert's, Kirsch or Victoria Heath websites. Doctor's tend to be prescription happy - and I'm not....



*Although I have worked with BWW and DK I will not benefit financially from any links to the brands and websites listed. The above are a mixture of purchases and gifts from the companies involved.

Murad Cellulite Trial Results

At the beginning of June I grabbed my six 2 Litre pack by the horns and decided to take Murad up on their offer of trialling their Body Care System consisting of Firm and Tone Dietary Supplements along with the Firm and Tone Serum and the Body Firming Cream (original post here).
I thought I would be posting results in 4 weeks but it has taken slightly longer because I was waiting for all of the product to run out. 

Dr Howard Murad is a highly respected dermatologist based in California and has been ahead of his game for years. Murad is the top-selling 'Dr' line in Sephora stores in the USA. (full brand review to follow)

As I previously explained I don't care that much about my butt.  And frankly, anything that says firming is going to be put to the test on me - hard.  J Lo would be proud of my rear - it's large - I do believe Sir Mix A Lot wrote a song just for me here.

Me on the way to the Co-op.

But I'm always interested in trying to shift my baby belly.  Pre-offspring I used to be able to lay a ruler across my stomach - hipbone to hipbone.
Suffice to say those days are long, long, long, long (one for each child) gone. My penchant for fizzy drinks (I know) has aided it - along with my allergic reaction to all things exercise.

Whilst it's not huge or anything - and my kids were very good to me stretch-mark-wise - it certainly lacks 'tone' shall we say?! And no - there shall be no pictures. Get a grip. No-one needs to be seeing that.

Everything is sold separately but the kit pictured above is what I was using - it is priced at £135.00 - a saving of around £40 compared to buying the 3 items separately. Not cheap. But I suppose it depends on what you use normally. Two high-end cellulite creams used once a day each and 11 quality supplements a day would add up to substantially more.

It was 3 products and over 10 weeks on trial - I'm trying to keep it concise but bear with me:

The Firm and Tone Serum is the reason it took so long to post this. It is only just running out. Not bad going. I have used this religiously every morning after showering since the beginning of June. Around 75 days. It is very lightly textured, absorbs easily and there is absolutely no sticky feeling after applying.
This is supposed to 'refine uneven skin texture and improve skin firmness and elasticity' and I do think it has done that.  The skin on my stomach is definitely firmer and 'pinker'. It has certainly improved the 'look' of it.

The Body Firming Cream is 'clinically proven to increase skin firmness and hydration levels by 40% in 15 minutes'. I am a habitual addicted body lotion/cream/butter user. I mean addicted. I do NOT get dressed before slathering myself in the stuff - any and all, everyday without fail (unlike my good friend over at Get Lippie who doesn't agree with it like this - but that's ok - she can give them all to me). I think this is why I was not overawed with the cream - it didn't do enough to warrant me thinking I would buy it instead of my usual 15 bottle selection.  Although to be fair to Murad it has excellent web reviews (outside of its website) with one woman even using it on her face for the firming action. Also - it didn't last as long as the serum - about half the time in fact.

I did really like that there was no camphor in these products - traditionally used in cellulite creams to mimic the 'burn' but absolutely pointless - a bit like the 'lash inserts' in mascara ads.

What I really want to focus on is the Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack.
The pack contains sachets of supplements helpfully labelled 'day' and 'night'. As a longtime supplement taker it does make life very easy. I can normally be found on a Sunday night decanting everything into my large pill box from Muji (highly recommended - here). With these, I just tore the strip of Day off and threw them in my handbag and left the Night ones by the kettle to remind me when I came home.  That bit didn't always work.  I found that it was harder to take the Night tablets - I would either forget at dinner or be so tired I would go to bed and forget... Either way - I had Night tablets lying around days after I had finished the Days - if you know what I mean. I just took them in the morning...whatever suits - they are not specific to PM - it's repeat dosages with slight changes in quantity.

If you have read my previous warblings you will know I have a thing for supplements anyway - my usual suspects (switching between addicted use and sporadic) are:

Magnesium (relaxes my stiff neck/joints/stops me grinding my teeth/helps you 'go')
Iron (anaemic)
Zinc (hair/nails)
Flax Oil (skin)
Fish Oil (brain *fail*)
Folic Acid (*prescribed for good HB count in blood - not for babies)
Vitamin B (so I don't stab my husband - or anyone else - but mainly my husband)
Vitamin C (skin)
Vitamin D (mood/skin/bones)

So I'm no virgin on the pill front - but these supplements did something I had never experienced before.
They cut my appetite in half. IN HALF. Now, I don't know particularly WHY - or HOW - they don't appear to have anything in them that I have not taken before - they are listed as:

MultiVitamin (obvious)
Connective Support Complex (amino acids?)
Essential Fatty Acids (fish/borage etc)
Cell Energizer (CoQ10 etc?)

Nowhere on the box does it say 'stop you pigging out supplement' - but something about taking these all together does exactly that. Have to say I was shocked. It's not that I would call myself hard to please and cynical - but well, I am hard to please and cynical.

I found myself arguing with the voices in my head (stay with me) 'No I can't possibly be full - keep eating' and then I would have that awful 'TOO full' feeling. I am a plate-clearer, as in finish mine and the pick at the kids/husbands/strangers plates. I found it hard to finish a meal while I was taking these. Wow. That sentence can go in the 'words you never thought you'd say category'. My husband eyed me suspiciously as I pushed the plate away night after night saying 'I'm full'. NOT what he is used to poor chap.
And it's not just me - I spoke to other people (outside of the business) who used them and the reaction was the same. 'I don't know what it is but they are amazing etc...'

So would I purchase? The supplements without doubt yes. I love supplements and I'd save on food so why not?! The serum yes in preparation for bikini (*laughs to self*) or if I had definite new stretch marks - after baby/weight gain/loss etc. The cream I would be less inclined to purchase purely because as I said before, I don't have real issues with my cellulite or stretch marks - but it is hard to find a negative review online for either of these two.
If cellulite is your thing you could be on to a winner - if it's stretch marks you're worried about remember they still need to be PINK if you are to have any chance of getting rid of them.  It shows that there is still a blood flow to the area - so straight after birth or large weight gain or loss is best. If they are 10 years old you best be getting used to them!

More information on Murad can be found here.
Specific information on the products I used can be found here.

Murad Trial Update/Supplement Tips

One week in...
I started trialling Murad's Cellulite Solution just over 2 weeks ago - original post here.

Do I still have cellulite? Obviously. BUT - I have noticed a few changes in my habits..

• I am eating less. Yes. Really. I thought it could be down to the heat... but I really seem to be eating LESS in general.  
• I am persevering with the supplements - despite the definite whiff of vitamin B (GAG).  I am however, admitting to breaking the habit occasionally and am not giving myself a hard time about it. I honestly think that most people would do the same and so consider this a REAL trial!
• I am drinking an inordinate amount of water.  Again - could be down to the heat - but I've never kept a jug on my desk at work for ease before!

 I have dipped in and out of taking supplements for years.  Never completely habitual, but always taking SOMETHING... so here - a few of my faves and some tips that you may find helpful if you want to supplement yourself..

• One of my all-time favourites is Floradix.

I have been taking this on and off for over 19 years. It was recommended to me by my midwife to boost my HB levels in pregnancy.  It contains organic iron, herbs, vitamins and is basically a brilliant boost if you are run down in ANY way.

• Vitamin D - more of that here. Get some. Today.
• Folic Acid - have been taking this since I was 13 and started my periods. It's not just for pregnancy. Read up about it - your body needs this to synthesize and repair your DNA - get to it.
• Magnesium - this was recommended to me on my first day (many years ago) at The Organic Pharmacy. I went for a health check-up - (something they do for all their staff - nice eh?) and mentioned that I had a very stiff neck and had done for years - I was also grinding my teeth at night.  I was prescribed magnesium and have never looked back.  It made a difference overnight - amazing. Taken at night it also aids sleep.
• Omega oils -fish or flax for vegetarians - too many known benefits to list here - but everything from skin, hair, nails, brain function, cholesterol and heart disease can be aided by these wonder oils.

And just quickly!

• Never take iron with calcium (i.e. a glass of milk) - they work against each other. Take iron with vitamin C  - orange or apple juice
• Never take iron before bed - take it in the morning - personally gives me wild dreams and keeps me up all night if I do
• Always take vitamin B and any oil supplement BEFORE food. Otherwise you'll be burping fish and thus gagging for hours afterwards. Ugh.

Murad Cellulite Solution Regimen Trial

I have a confession to make.

I'm not bothered about my cellulite. I know the media tells me I should be - but really, I've got more important things to worry about. And anyway -it's behind me- I don't even have to look at it - so why stress?

 *NOT my arse. But what a great picture.

I mean, I'm 40 - and I've had 4 large kids (I know I remind you of this often - but if you had sprung forth a total of 38.25lbs of human from your loins you would probably wear it like a Blue Peter badge too) - I'm SUPPOSED to have cellulite.
However, what I do NOT appreciate is the slightly 'baggy' baby belly that Max left me with. Yes Max - it's your fault that Mummy can't show her midriff even slightly without sucking it all up REALTIGHT.

Max caring not a JOT about his mother's stomach.

So - being the awkward cow that I am - when I got the chance to trial the Murad Cellulite Solution - my first thoughts were - EXCELLENT - baby belly here I come. 

So. I started last Saturday. The regime entails taking two packets of supplements, one in the morning and one at night and using a serum and cream on the affected area of bottoms and thighs (stomach).

 

So far it's surprisingly easy.  I have already noticed a general improvement in the skin on my face.  And applying the serum/creams is no hard labour for me. I grease myself like a chicken pre-roast every day anyway.

I may be going nuts but I think the supplements are also improving my sleep.

So, we'll see - will I look like THIS afterwards?:

Helena Christensen looking fabulous - for a change.

Err. No. But that's OK.  Watch this space.