Vital Proteins Radiance Boost: Powerful Blend of Botanical Extracts For Skin Health

As we age, some degree of deterioration is inevitable. But not all of it: if we control certain factors in our lifestyle and environment, we can minimize the amount of aging that takes place in our body.

Vital Proteins Radiance Boost

Vital Proteins Radiance Boost has not just one, but two unique ingredients from NuLiv Science to nourish and hydrate your skin

It’s important to work out, eat right, and be healthy on the inside. But let’s face it: most of us want to look good too. Most of us want to look good too. Most of us want to retain that smooth, youthful glow that our skin had when we were kids.

What can we do when it comes to our skin?

NuLiv Science has answers for you: we love their patented botanical extracts Astrion, which we’ve written about at length before, and Verbasnol, which we’ve seen incorporated in other awesome products.

But how cool would it be if you combined the two?

Enter Radiance Boost from Vital Proteins, formulated to keep your skin hydrated and intact. Let’s take a look at how it does this, but first, check prices and availability through PricePlow’s partner stores:

Vital Proteins Radiance Boost – Deals and Price Drop Alerts

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Radiance Boost Ingredients

From a single two capsule dose of Radiance Boost you get the following:

  • Astrion: Encompassing Regulator of Skin Health – 250 mg

    Vital Proteins Radiance Boost Ingredients

    The Vital Proteins Radiance Boost Ingredients

    Healthy skin is largely about three things:

    1. High collagen integrity,
    2. High concentrations of hyaluronic acid, and
    3. Depressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity.

    If these conditions are not met, the skin begins to winkle, loses hydration and color, and eventually, is prone to disease.

    Enter Astrion from NuLiv Science. Containing purified extracts of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica, both of which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, Astrion has been shown to support all three key factors in skin health. The result is nourished, radiant skin that looks healthier and younger.

    Astrion works because of the bioactive compounds in its two botanical extracts:

    1. Astragalosides (from Astragalus)
    2. Asiaticoside and other triterpenes (from Centella)

    Astragalosides (AST) are saponins derived from Astragalus membranaceus. They benefit human health in a myriad of ways, ranging from antioxidant and cardioprotective activity to anti-asmathic and immunoregulatory. Unlike many orally-administered antioxidants, astragalosides are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and protecting neurological tissues.[1]

    There are four different astragalosides: AST I, II, III, and IV. Typically, all of the astragalosides are studied and administered together, as part of a full-spectrum Astragalus extract, such as NuLiv’s. However, there is some research examining the effects of individual astragalosides.

    Astragaloside research: Protect skin cells and prevent collagen reduction

    Astrion

    Astrion: A patented combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica extracts, Astrion provides skin rejuvenation and hydration through enhanced
    endogenous production of collagen & hyaluronic acid

    For example, a 2014 study found that AST IV not only “prevents collagen reduction from UV radiation,” but also reduced MMP expression in irradiated cells.[2] A study from 2012, this one testing the effects of AST II, found that it protects a type of skin cell in the dermis (called fibroblasts) from exposure to ultraviolet light and increasing their viability by a whopping 142.8%.[3]

    Both of these studies found that AST treatment is beneficial even for cells that aren’t exposed to radiation, because of the way that astragalosides work to directly support the maintenance of collagen.[2,3]

    Asiaticoside research: Stimulate hyaluronic acid production and collagen synthesis

    Asiaticoside is a triterpene derived from Centella asiatica. It’s one of the few biologically active compounds in Centella, and is regarded as the “active ingredient” in Centella. Most Centella extracts are standardized for Asiaticoside, even though Centella also contains a compound called madecassoside that has similar effects.

    A research review from 2013 found that centella extracts, because of their asiaticoside and madecassoside content, were capable of the following:

    • Increasing levels of protein, collagen, and hydroxyproline in skin wounds[4]
    • Increasing the metabolism of lysine and proline, two collagen precursors[4]
    • Stimulating hyaluronic acid production in skin wounds[4]
    • Stimulating collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts[4]
    The effects of Astrion from NuLiv

    Astrion’s mechanism of action

    Now that we’ve dispensed with the scientific explanation of how Astrion works in theory, we should ask: how well does it work in practice?

    Astrion Nutrients

    Astrion Drives Nutrients

    From 12 different in vitro studies funded by NuLiv, we see that Astrion increases the synthesis of collagen type I by 60% in epidermal cells and by 80% in dermal cells, and increases the synthesis and secretion of type III collagen in dermal cells by 30% and 80%, respectively. It also boosts hyaluronic acid production by 20% in epidermal cells.[5]

    In Astrion’s first clinical trial, subjects who used it reduced the appearance of skin wrinkles by 15% and melanated sunspots by 17%, resulting in skin with a smoother, more blemish-free appearance.[5]

    You can read more about Astrion in our article titled NuLiv Science Astrion: Deep-Acting Skin Health Ingredient.

    Make no mistake, Astrion is the star of the show in Radiance Boost, but Vital Proteins isn’t done with NuLiv Science’s novel ingredients just yet:

  • Verbasnol (Rehmannia glutinosa) Leaf Extract – 25 mg

    Rehmannia glutinosa flowers

    The beautiful, fragrant flowers of Rehmannia glutinosa

    Verbasnol, a trademarked ingredient from NuLiv Science, is a botanical extract derived from the leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa. A powerful antioxidant, it protects the skin and gives it a radiant glow by neutralizing free radical damage.[6] In addition to fortifying the skin with nutrients and antioxidants, it protects the skin from environmental damage[6,7] and helps maintain the hydration and elasticity.[6]

    Much of Verbasnol’s power comes from verbascoside, a photoprotective and antioxidant compound that increases type I procollagen synthesis, inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, and prevents the development of skin conditions, including certain types of acne and yeast infections.[6,7]

    Verbascoside also inhibits the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This reduces the production of sebum—an excess of this oily substance has been identified as a cause of acne.[8] It also reduces the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that darkens the appearance of the skin by synthesizing melanin.[6,7]

  • Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate)

    Did you know that a vitamin A deficiency can damage your skin and hair? If not, worry not — most people don’t.

    Being deficient in vitamin A significantly raises the risk of developing a variety of skin conditions, including eczema.[9] And in patients who already have eczema, pharmaceutical preparations with vitamin A activity have been shown to alleviate their condition by attenuating inflammation in the skin.[10-12]

    But how many of us need vitamin A supplementation? Turns out, a lot of us: approximately 45% of the American public doesn’t get enough vitamin A from food.[13]

  • Vitamin C – 80mg (89% DV)

    Vitamin C is famous as an antioxidant, but few know that it’s essential for collagen production. A large research review examining 10 different research studies concluded in 2018 that vitamin C significantly increases the synthesis of collagen type I and decreases oxidative stress in the skin.[14,15]

  • Hyaluronic Acid

    NuLiv Science Astrion Benefits

    NuLiv Science Astrion is one of the brand’s several research-backed novel ingredients

    We’ve discussed strategies to boost the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the body with Astrion, but HA levels can also be increased by direct supplementation.

    Hyaluronic acid is an osmolyte, meaning it has an affinity for water. When present in the extracellular matrix of skin cells (which is where collagen also resides), its ability to attract water helps the skin retain water and stay hydrated.[16]

    Most commercial preparations of hyaluronic acid are topical, so the natural question is: does orally-administered HA benefit the skin as well? Research studies designed to answer this question have found that, yes, ingested hyaluronic acid moisturizes dry skin.[17]

  • Ceramides

    Ceramides are produced by the body when we’re young, and help the skin maintain hydration and elasticity.[18] As we age, ceramide production declines, causing our skin to wrinkle and crack.

    Vital Proteins Radiance Boost

    Is your skin feeling dehydrated today?

    Fortunately, ceramide supplementation has been shown to offset this natural decline in production. Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found that 30mg/day of orally-administered ceramide powder improved the hydration of the skin and reduced the appearance of skin aging.[19] Another independent study found the same effects after three months of supplementation.[20]

  • Vitamin E (as α-Tocopheryl acetate)

    Vitamin E is also famous for its role as an antioxidant, but did you know that it can also help expand blood vessels and protect against free radical damage?[21] Both of these things are definitely beneficial for all cells in the body, including the skin. Alpha tocopherol is the form of vitamin E that predominates in skin tissue,[22,23] so we’re glad to see it used here, where it can protect skin cells against free radical damage.[24]

  • Pantothenic Acid

    An unsung hero of skin health, pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5) helps regulate epidermal barrier function[25] and has skin-softening effects.[25] In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study—the “gold standard” of medical research— pantothenic acid was shown to significantly improve the symptoms of acne in adults.[25]

    Moreover, pantothenic acid deficiency has been shown to prevent the growth of new skin cells and inhibit collagen production.,[26] And for healthy people,nd topical application of B5 moisturizes and improves the overall integrity of the skin.[27]

  • Zinc

    Astrion Hyaluronic Acid

    Astrion increased hyaluronic acid synthesis and hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene expression.[5]

    Dry skin is a classic symptom of zinc deficiency,[28] as are various types of skin rashes,[29] so if you’re concerned about maintaining the health and youthful appearance of your skin, you definitely want to get enough zinc. So crucial is zinc for skin function that the mineral has been shown to accelerate wound healing[30] and reduce skin ulcers in diabetic patients.[31]

    Zinc also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects,[32] something that generally benefits skin health. Low zinc status is a risk factor for acne,[33] and zinc’s ability to fight inflammation is probably why it acne-induced swelling and redness.[34]

Conclusion

Radiance Boost from Vital Proteins is a compelling formula that offers something different from most of what you’ll find on the market. We’ve written about both Astrion and Verbasnol in the past, but love seeing them used together – especially alongside hyaluronic acid. If you’re taking an HA supplement all alone, why not take this instead? It’s reasonably priced and based on a unique blend of proprietary ingredients, it’s worth a try for anyone who cares for their appearance as they age.

Vital Proteins Radiance Boost – Deals and Price Drop Alerts

Get Price Alerts

No spam, no scams.

Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.

Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

About the Author: PricePlow Staff

PricePlow Staff

PricePlow is a team of supplement industry veterans that include medical students, competitive strength athletes, and scientific researchers who all became involved with dieting and supplements out of personal need.

The team's collective experiences and research target athletic performance and body composition goals, relying on low-toxicity meat-based diets.

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References

  1. Costa IM, Lima FOV, Fernandes LCB, et al. Astragaloside IV Supplementation Promotes A Neuroprotective Effect in Experimental Models of Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(7):648-665. doi:10.2174/1570159X16666180911123341 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6712289/
  2. Chen B, Li R, Yan N, Chen G, Qian W, Jiang HL, Ji C and Bi ZG: Astragaloside IV controls collagen reduction in photoaging skin by improving transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling suppression and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-1. Mol Med Rep 11: 3344-3348, 2015 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25591734/
  3. Hong, M.J., Ko, E.B., Park, S.K. and Chang, M.S. (2013), Inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus root on matrix metalloproteinase-1 collagenase expression and procollagen destruction in ultraviolet B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing nuclear factor kappa-B activity. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 65: 142-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01570.x
  4. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(1):46-49. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.33378
  5. NuLiv Science. “Astrion Ingredient Research.” https://blog.priceplow.com/wp-content/uploads/astrion-overview.pdf
  6. NuLiv Science; “Verbasnol Ingredient Information”; 2020; https://nulivscience.com/ingredients/verbasnol
  7. NuLiv Science; “Verbasnol Research Overview”; 2020; https://blog.priceplow.com/wp-content/uploads/verbasnol.pdf
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  11. Efficacy and Tolerability of Alitretinoin for Chronic Hand Eczema Under Daily Practice Conditions: Results of the TOCCATA Open Study Comprising 680 Patients Thomas L. Diepgen, Egon Pfarr, Thomas Zimmermann DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1256 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22281779/
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  15. Goluch-Koniuszy ZS. Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause. Prz Menopauzalny. 2016;15(1):56-61. doi:10.5114/pm.2016.58776; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4828511/
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  17. Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J. 2014;13:70. Published 2014 Jul 11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-70
  18. Tessema, Efrem N., et al; “Potential Applications of Phyto-Derived Ceramides in Improving Epidermal Barrier Function.”; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology; Karger Publishers; 14 Apr. 2017; https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/464337
  19. Bizot, Valérie et al. “Improving Skin Hydration and Age-Related Symptoms by Oral Administration of Wheat Glucosylceramides and Digalactosyl Diglycerides: A Human Clinical Study.” Cosmetics 4.4 (2017): 37. Crossref. Web. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/4/37/htm
  20. Guillou, S, et al; “The Moisturizing Effect of a Wheat Extract Food Supplement on Women’s Skin: a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.”; International Journal of Cosmetic Science; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Apr. 2011; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20646083
  21. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin E.” Nih.gov, 2016; https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
  22. Thiele, Jens J., et al. “Depletion of Human Stratum Corneum Vitamin E: An Early and Sensitive in Vivo Marker of UV Induced Photo-Oxidation.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 110, no. 5, 1 May 1998, pp. 756–761, 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00169.x; https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)40076-4/fulltext
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  24. Tanaka, H., et al. “The Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species on the Biosynthesis of Collagen and Glycosaminoglycans in Cultured Human Dermal Fibroblasts.” Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 285, no. 6, 1993, pp. 352–355, 10.1007/BF00371836; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8215584/
  25. Yang M, Moclair B, Hatcher V, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014;4(1):93-101. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0052-3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4065280/
  26. Kobayashi D, Kusama M, Onda M, Nakahata N. The effect of pantothenic acid deficiency on keratinocyte proliferation and the synthesis of keratinocyte growth factor and collagen in fibroblasts. J Pharmacol Sci. 2011;115(2):230-4. doi: 10.1254/jphs.10224sc. Epub 2011 Jan 18. PMID: 21258175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21258175/
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  29. Nistor N, Ciontu L, Frasinariu OE, Lupu VV, Ignat A, Streanga V. Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A Case Report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(20):e3553. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27196457/
  30. Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, Lee PHU, Steinberg SM, Ma J. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16. Published 2017 Dec 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5793244/
  31. Momen-Heravi M, Barahimi E, Razzaghi R, Bahmani F, Gilasi HR, Asemi Z. The effects of zinc supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen. 2017 May;25(3):512-520. doi: 10.1111/wrr.12537. Epub 2017 May 9. PMID: 28395131 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28395131/
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  33. Rostami Mogaddam M, Safavi Ardabili N, Maleki N, Soflaee M. Correlation between the severity and type of acne lesions with serum zinc levels in patients with acne vulgaris. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:474108. doi:10.1155/2014/474108 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4135093/
  34. Bae YS, Hill ND, Bibi Y, Dreiher J, Cohen AD. Innovative uses for zinc in dermatology. Dermatol Clin. 2010 Jul;28(3):587-97. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2010.03.006. PMID: 20510767. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20510767/

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