Beat the sniffles and combat colds with the best vitamin C products to keep you fresh this winter
With 94 per cent of Brits admitting they spread germs by holding on the snotty tissues, we need all the help we can get to stay in shape
According to new research 24 per cent of workers predict they'll be struck down with such a stinking cold or bout of the flu this winter, they'll be forced to take a couple of days off.
The fact that a grubby 94 per cent of us admit to spreading pesky germs by holding on to snotty tissues instead of putting them into the bin must
have something to do with it.
Today I’ve had a look at ways to help combat the winter cold and the vitamin C beauty products to boost your complexion….
FRUIT
Supplements won’t help prevent a cold but taking regular vitamin C may shorten the duration symptoms. There are lots of pills on the market but ethical health company Aduna have produced sachets of powdered pulp from the fruit of the African baobab tree which contains loads of antioxidants and fibre. Each little sachet contains about a third of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C. Mix into food or a smoothie.
I tried it in water. It looked a bit murky and has a sort of sherbet, grapefruit flavour. Not unpleasant, quite refreshing. Will keep taking. The sachets are really convenient.
MANUKA HONEY
The honey from nectar collected by bees foraging on the manuka bush in New Zealand contains amazing antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant
properties - great when it comes to preventing and dealing with colds.
It contains four times the nutritional content of normal honey and each has Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), to grade purity and quality.
10-15 is a useful level, 16+ is superior. Comvita are the world’s leading manufacturer. I tried their UMF10 - quite thick, sweet and great on yoghurt. To fight cold symptoms you should have 3 teaspoons a day. Yum!
VITAMIN C BUDGET
Sanctuary Spa 1 minute flash facial - £14 for 75ml.
This claims to give a brighter, fresher and more radiant complexion with just one use. Powered by three different kinds of vitamin C - including superfruit kakadu plum, the world’s highest source. You smooth this onto dry skin, add drops of water, massage to activate and leave on for a minute before washing off. I loved the smell, a bit like orange cake!
I used this on a morning before getting in the shower. It made me feel wide awake and my skin definitely had a glow afterwards. My skin felt moisturised too.
Would definitely use again. Great way to wake up!
MID RANGE
This works light time cleanse & glow - £30 for 75ml.
This claims to banish signs of sleep and tired looking skin with the ultimate vitamin C cleanser. You massage into dry skin, dampen fingers and massage for one minute. Then rinse off or leave for 10 minutes for a treatment. This yellow cream has a gorgeous aromatherapy relaxing smell, goes onto skin like an oil but add water and it becomes a creamy wash. I used as a 10 minute mask and my skin was definitely hydrated. I would use this again as a treatment mask a couple of times
a week. My skin had a glow. Most moisturising.
LUXURY
The Obagi Professional-C 10% Serum starts from £67 - 30 ml.
This is a scientifically-engineered formula to deliver the benefits of vitamin C deep into your skin to stimulate collagen production and give a greater antioxidant benefit and reduce visible signs of ageing - fine lines and wrinkles.
This is a very light watery serum and you only need a couple of drops for your entire face. This really does give you a lovely glow. After using for a week friends said I looked ‘well’. That will do for me! Expensive, but great. My favourite.
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COMPETITION
The flu vaccine is the best way of effectively preventing flu - and also protects you from passing it on to your family and friends.
Nationwide pharmacy chain Well has 780 branches across the UK, and is offering 100 readers a FREE vaccine this flu season. For a chance to
win, email [email protected] with “WELL” in the subject line.
Ends midnight next Sunday. 18+ UK and ROI excluding NGN Ltd and promotional partner staff and family. Prize non-transferable. No cash alternative.
Administered at the professional discretion of a pharmacist.