The Concern
Dear Nicki,
I have been using idebenone for the past two weeks. Unfortunately, I have noticed that my skin has been getting red and irritated, but I want a superior antioxidant treatment. Can you recommend some for me?
-R
The response
Ahh, yes, irritation from idebenone. This is not at all uncommon - I experienced it a few years ago myself, and have read about some other customers getting a similar reaction.
However, before I go any further, I just want to remind you that I am not a dermatologist or physician yet, only a student, so please keep that in mind. 
With that said, some antioxidant treatments have been found to have antioxidant capacity superior to idebenone that you may wish to try.
The first is a cream containing 1% resveratrol.
In a surprising 2008 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a cream with 1% resveratrol was found to have 17 times the antioxidant effects of 1% idebenone (as determined by ORAC score)! 17 times! I found that to be extremely exciting, especially considering that my skin can’t tolerate idebenone. One cream I recommend with approximately 1% resveratrol (exact concentration not listed) is Cellex C Advanced Tightening Cream ($116.00, Amazon.com). Containing an impressive 17.5% ascorbic acid in addition to resveratrol, the vitamin C alone in this cream should scavenge free radicals, suppress hyperpigmentation, stimulate collagen production and enhance sunscreen protection, provided that the formulation is kept free from air and light.
The second is a cream containing (yes, I said it again) CoffeeBerry.
In a 2007 study, CoffeeBerry was reported to have the highest ORAC score of any measured or reported skin care ingredient. Available in the RevaléSkin line in concentrations from 0.1-1.0%, the line offers superior antioxidant protection.
So there you have it - all the excellence of idebenone protection, without the irritation (hopefully). As the mechanisms of action of all the different antioxidants is still largely being determined, it is your best bet to use a variety of antioxidants, to guard all the potential pathways. And, as always, consult your dermatologist if you have questions or concerns with a new product.
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April 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Quick Questions |
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Sometimes, a girl can only drink so much Gatorade. That’s why I was excited as an avid runner (and skin care enthusiast, in case you haven’t noticed ) to discover Snapple Antioxidant Water. Available in seven tasty flavors, the water includes antioxidants, vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish the body after a workout and - yes - help the skin.
Does water really have benefit for your skin?
According to Dr. David Bank, author of Beautiful Skin, the answer is yes. According to Bank, you should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, although “if you are making more than one trip to the bathroom an hour, you’re probably drinking too much for…it to do your skin any good.” Good to know!
Because Snapple Antioxidant Water tastes delicious and is non-carbonated, it makes for an easy way to get in 20 ounces of your 64 ounces each day.
Does drinking antioxidants and vitamins have benefit for the skin?
Yes. In fact, a 2006 study in The Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology suggests that ingesting an ingredient is more beneficial than topically applying it. However, the study also goes on to state that the best treatment is both eating and topically applying beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins.
What does the water taste like?
The water is pretty delicious. It is non-carbonated, and I haven’t tried any of the flavors I don’t like. (For the record, my favorite is Orange Starfruit, hands down.) I like to drink Snapple Antioxidant Water in place of Gatorade because it contains similar levels of electrolytes, but also has additional beneficial ingredients (see below for a chart by flavor). However, because Snapple Antioxidant Water contains calories and sugar, I only drink it in place of Gatorade, and stick with regular water and green tea the rest of the day.
What are the seven flavors? What does each contain?
- Tropical Mango and Orange Starfruit (my favorite!): Vitamins A and E, electrolytes and a complete dose of Vitamin C help protect the body against free radicals.
- Raspberry Acerola and Grape Pomegranate: Vitamins A and E, Grape Seed Extract, plus electrolytes to help keep you refreshed after an exhausting workout.
- Strawberry Acai and Dragonfruit: Vitamins A, E and B, Caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng and Ribose, plus electrolytes to keep you awake.
- Agave Melon: Vitamins A and E, plus a double dose of electrolytes assist in restoring the body after any endurance and strength activity.
Overall opinions
I love Snapple Antioxidant Water, and now drink it in place of Gatorade. It tastes great and has a plethora of beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and electrolytes for after a workout. I give this one an enthusiastic 9/10, with a -1 just because it contains calories and sugar, and therefore shouldn’t be used in place of water, only Gatorade or sports drinks.
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April 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Edible Skincare, Product Reviews |
one comment
Looking for a fresh new fragrance this spring? If you love a rich, yet sweet floral, I highly recommend Bath and Body Works’ new Blushing Cherry Blossom ($11.00 for the body cream, BathandBodyWorks.com).
Don’t be expecting a fragrance with just fruity notes or cherries. In fact, the fragrance reminds me of a sweet, musky floral more than anything else. According to the Bath and Body Works website, the fragrance top notes are: Mandarin, Leafy Green Accord, Sparkling Quince, Lush Berries, and Fresh Melon. The mid notes are: Rose Damascena, Super Hedione (Captive), White Jasmin (Captive), and Rose Juliette Greco. Finally, the base notes are: Musk (Captive), Violet, Soft Amber, and Creamy Sandalwood. Quite a change from the more singular Cucumber Melon from a few years ago!
Blushing Cherry Blossom is currently available in home fragrance, eau de toilette, and body lotion in addition to the cream (shown above). Due to the additional hydrating ingredients in the body cream, I always prefer the body cream to the body lotion (as discussed in this November 13, 2007 blog post.)
While I usually wear lighter, less floral fragrances, this is definitely pretty. Give it a try!
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April 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Cosmetic Dermatology News, Product Reviews |
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