In August 2021, Shaklee released Collagen-9, and we reviewed that in the September 2021 HQ (issue 37–5), so you should remember this sketch of our skin, as it reveals the role of collagen and elastin in supporting the skin layer.

The central, or dermal portion of skin contains a cell line called fibroblasts. Those cells synthesize collagen and elastin, the 2 important structural components that provide the “scaffolding” that supports the external, or epidermal layer of our skin.

These 2 proteins (collagen and elastin) are necessary for skin health because they provide both structural support and elasticity to our skin, like the ability to return to its original shape after being stretched by motions like smiling. [3]

Skin issues develop as we age, because of UV exposure, toxins absorbed by our skin, and insufficient antioxidant intake to protect our fibroblasts. [4]

As with collagen, elastin is also affected by age and the elements. Reduced levels of these proteins cause our skin to begin to sag, and that sagging is what causes wrinkles and deepening lines .

The Sculpting Wand contains an all-natural combination of ingredients to transport essential peptides into the dermal layer of our skin, to repair and support regions (such as our smile lines) that develop as our skin begins to sag from exposure to UV-induced photoaging [5] and insufficient phytonutrients in our diet. [6]

Our old friend Youth Complex helps protect and repair cellular DNA within our skin cells, while slowing the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Youth Complex includes muscadine grape, apple cell extract, Lotus japonicus and Schisandra chinensis extract, ingredients we reviewed in our YOUTH 2017 issue (issue 33–5).

Our other old friend Vital Repair+® Complex was also reviewed in issue 33–5. [7] Vital Repair+® is a patented mixture of 7 ingredients: Vitamin E, C, and A, along with Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), Grape Seed Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, and Beta Glucan. These combined ingredients will reduce UV radiation damage, while protecting cellular DNA from UV-related damage.

The Patent-Pending Polyphenol Blend should also remind us of Vivix the Anti-aging Tonic, because it contains a potent polyphenol blend shown to help slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin, to provide us with firmer-looking skin.

Shaklee mastered a double-patented, natural process that concentrates specific antioxidant-rich polyphenols from the muscadine grape. The Sculpting Wand provides an effective vehicle to deliver these healing nutrients directly into our skin.

The Wand also contains Snow Mushroom (Tremella fuciformis). Studies have demonstrated the role this extract plays in skin anti-aging, photoprotection, wound healing, and barrier protection. [8] The mushroom is naturally rich in fatty acids and high in enzymatic, collagen-boosting polysaccharides. [9] An extensive review of this mushroom found that Tremella polysaccharide can regulate the expression of Sirtuin protein in cancer cells, and participates in fatty acid oxidation, aging, inflammation, and other life processes. The Tremella polysaccharide also protects human skin fibroblasts, thus protecting the breakdown of dermal support structures. [10]

I find that last statement fascinating because these polysaccharides achieve their effects via stimulating the Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) cellular defense mechanism [11] which is also stimulated by the Vivix polyphenol complex. When Vivix was released in 2008 I reviewed all the research I could find to understand that mechanism [12] and at that time there was no mention of any other sirtuin-activating compounds (STACs) besides the polyphenols.

Once I had created the Polyphenols page [12] , I occasionally added updated articles, when I found one during down-time periods. This is what impresses me the most about Shaklee. They maintain a group of researchers who continually sift through the peer-reviewed literature looking for breakthroughs in nutritional research, and when they find a preponderance of material supporting a particular ingredient, they hunt for a supply, and then test it for purity and activity.

In the case of the muscadine grape, no one had ever taken the time to develop a method to capture those delicate natural compounds to create a full spectrum extract. That is WHY Shaklee spent more than 2 years working together with scientists at the University of Georgia to develop the perfect combination of Muscadine species (Vivix includes 12 different varieties), and to develop an extraction method that contains the optimum ratio of 12 different amazing polyphenols. (NOTE: The 2023 updated Vivix now contains 15 different polyphenols!) (Refer to issue 39#6 Welcome to Ageless)

Their level of competence and commitment to purity and efficacy is what we have come to expect from Shaklee, and they have never let us down!

The next YOUTH ingredient is Guava Ferment. As Shaklee states: This Amazonian botanical has been used for centuries for numerous purposes, including topically for skin and hair health. It boasts an impressive tannin and flavonoid profile and is especially rich in quercetin, phenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and essential oils to protect and retain moisture, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Researchers at Konkuk University (Republic of Korea) recently found that using different strains of a probiotic, to ferment guava, appears to release different phytonutrients that can either provide extensive antioxidant activities OR deliver antiglycation properties, depending on which characteristic they wish to capture. [13] I believe Shaklee added Guava Ferment for its protective antioxidant properties. I would love to be a fly on the wall in their Research & Development department.

The next YOUTH ingredient is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Niacinamide is one of the 8 forms of the B vitamins. Vitamin B3 promotes protein synthesis and improves skin texture and appearance.

As with all B vitamins, niacin also helps convert food into energy by aiding digestive enzymes. Specifically, niacin is a major component of NAD and NADP, two coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism and energy production within the mitochondria, the ‘nuclear reactors’ found within every cell. Furthermore, NAD and NADP play roles in cell signaling and making and repairing our DNA, while providing antioxidant protection. [14]

The second new product is the YOUTH Ageless Smoothing Wand for Eyes. [15] This product contains most of the ingredients we just reviewed, as well as:

Rose Water Ferment. As Shaklee states: Rose blossoms are rich in vitamins and amino acids. The fermented blossoms allow micronutrients to become bioavailable to the skin. Rose blossom ferment is known to be a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids that provide skin-brightening properties.

An interesting chapter found on ScienceDirect [16] reviews various uses of rose water extract, and a quick Google search for rose water reveals that The Big G recently discontinued bragging about the number (millions) of ‘hits’ for a given topic like this because it is simply overwhelming.

Hyaluronic Acid rapidly penetrates the epidermal layer to hydrate our skin from the inside. It also acts as a molecular sponge to help hold water in the upper layer of the skin, forming a protective barrier that holds tight to the skin's surface, to reduce water loss.

Hyaluronic acid is very good at retaining water. A quarter-teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold about one and a half gallons of water. That is why hyaluronic acid is often used for treating dry eyes. It is also used in moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments, and serums. [17]

It also makes our skin more flexible. Hyaluronic acid helps skin to stretch and reduces skin wrinkles and lines.

It is best known by chiropractors as that slippery stuff that makes our joints move so smoothly (when we are young-ish). All these characteristics make it a natural addition to the Smoothing Wand.

Glycolic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA); AHAs are naturally occurring acids found in sources such as fruit and milk. Shaklee’s Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. Because molecules of glycolic acid are smaller than those of other AHAs, that means that glycolic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin to help attract and maintain moisture.

AHAs enhances skin rejuvenation by promoting apoptosis in skin cells, boosting collagen and elastin synthesis, and improving skin texture and luminosity. [18]

Patent-Pending Polyphenol Blend has been shown to help slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin to reveal firmer-looking skin. Developed using a double-patented, natural process that concentrates specific antioxidant-rich polyphenols.

After Vivix was released and I created the Polyphenols page, which I must admit was the MOST exciting peer-reviewed literature I have ever read. [12] If you go there, please take your time. Read one article, and then take a break. Let it seep in slowly. NOTE the table at the top of the page that starts with “If there are terms in these articles you don't understand” because those 3 links will be your tools for making sense of the denser scientific terms you will run across.

Caffeine is derived from beans like coffee, cacao, kola nuts, and other plants, including tea leaves, yerba mate, and the guarana berry. Caffeine quickly and deeply penetrates the skin and works to stimulate surface skin cells as well as cells beneath the epidermis to promote circulation. [19]

Researchers at the Department of Dermatology of a university hospital measured the penetration properties of caffeine in human skin [19] and found that hair follicles provide the most effective route for increased penetration of substances into our skin layers.

Between the research we just reviewed, along with the early photos provided on both product pages [2], [15] and on the closed FaceBook's Sharing Shaklee page, you can get a strong sense of how effective these 2 wands can be. [20] Sharing Shaklee is easy to join, and because it is a ‘closed’ page you can ‘talk shop’ freely.

The best news of all is that you can purchase BOTH Wands as a package (YOUTH Ageless Duo], and you will save about 6 dollars over purchasing both items separately! [21]

Vita-Lea Methylated [23] was designed specifically for those who require methylated B vitamins. There is some controversy in medical circles over methylating B vitamins because our body routinely adds a methyl- group to folate and cobalamin absorbed in our diet, to transform them into the ‘active’ forms.

Shaklee’s Vita-Lea Methylated is vegetarian, gluten-free, nondairy, and Star-K Kosher. Vita-Lea Methylated is formulated with all 23 of the essential vitamins and minerals we expect, including 100% DV or more of vitamins A, C, D, E, K and all 8 of the B vitamins, including methylfolate and methylcobalamin.

These B vitamins are in their methylated, or bio-active forms, immediately ready for use by your cells. It also contains essential minerals like calcium, iodine, zinc, magnesium, and N-acetylcysteine [24], a powerful antioxidant.

Shaklee produced an extensive Vita-Lea Methylated Product Sheet for our in-depth review. [25]

Vita-Lea Gummy [26] We have all met people who have difficulty swallowing tablets, so Shaklee has continued to expand their Gummy options.

Meology Kids [27] was a big hit in early 2022, and provided impetus to explore an adult version for those in need.

Vita-Lea Gummy provides 12 essential vitamins and minerals, including key nutrients of concern, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, niacin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenate, iodine, and zinc. Because of the format, gummy vitamins cannot provide as many nutrients as tablets do. When formulating this product, Shaklee focused on including all the critical nutrients to ensure that it meets the key nutritional needs for most people.

Shaklee produced an extensive Vita-Lea Gummy Product Sheet for your in-depth review. [28]

Additionally, Shaklee prepared a detailed review of the complete Vita-Lea line for your convenience, titled as the Vita-Lea Family Product Sheet. [29]

Reviewing new Shaklee products is always one of my favorite summer pass-times, and I hope you will enjoy this review as much as I did!