Quick Question: What Can I Use When My Skin Reacts to Idebenone?
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.
Resveratrol can help you to lead a long and healthy life so says Dr. Oz.
Resveratrol Supplements can help you control your weight naturally
by increasing energy, reducing cravings, and limiting your appetite.
According to Wikipedia, Consumer Lab, an independent dietary
supplement and over the counter products evaluation organization,
published a report on 13 November 2007 on the popular resveratrol
supplements. The organization reported that there exists a wide range
in quality, dose, and price among the 13 resveratrol products
evaluated. The actual amount of resveratrol contained in the
different brands range from 2.2mg for Revatrol, which claimed to have
400mg of “Red Wine Grape Complex”, to 500mg for Biotivia.com Transmax,
which is consistent with the amount claimed on the product’s label.
Prices per 100mg of resveratrol ranged from less than $.30 for
products made by Biotivia.com, jarrow, and country life, to a high of
$45.27 for the Revatrol brand. None of the products tested were found
to have significant levels of heavy metals or other contaminants.