Quick Question: What Can I Use When My Skin Reacts to Idebenone?
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.
anything you have found that is cheaper with coffeeberry or idebenone?
Comment by sofi76 | April 19, 2008
For coffeeberry, unfortunately, no. I don’t have specific information verifying this, but I believe that the form of coffeeberry that is tested to have the highest ORAC score is patented or licensed exclusively to Revalé Skin. I may be wrong on this, though.
As far as idebenone goes, it is also in Cellbone Technology’s c15ie Serum, which I have used in place of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. It’s pretty good. In general, though, I see idebenone most in Elizabeth Arden-branded products.
Hope this helped!
Comment by futurederm | April 24, 2008