Idebenone Overview

Skin wrinkling is part of the aging process and cannot be avoided. Emotional stress, substance abuse, poor diet, physical inactivity, lack of sleep are all known to negatively affect the skin as well as the body.

However, there are means to at least mitigate the effects of time and environment on our skin. Idebenone is another common ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams but entered the world of skin care only recently. It is an organic compound of the quinone family and is promoted as a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an important component of the lipid membranes surrounding the cells and the various organelles (little organs) inside the cells. CoQ10 is also an important member of the "Electron Transport Chain" (ETC) within the mitochondria, the "power plants" of the cell.

How Does Idebenone Work?

Idebenone has multiple health functions - anti-aging, energy and cognition enhancement, organ protector, free radical fighter. Idebenone is reputed to promote the development of NGF (nerve growth factor) in the brain, can reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and treat wrinkles.

These benefits have been known for quite some time already. Scientists began investigating the capability of Coenzyme (CoQ10) to fight heart failure and slow the progression of some neurological conditions as early as the 1970's. Recently CoQ10 has been shown to improve skin wrinkles and some skin care companies decided that CoQ10 analogs might do a better job. Idebenone proved to be more effective than CoQ10 in protecting cells from the free radical damage.

Idebenone is thought of as a wrinkle reducer but is actually more of a skin protector. Idebenone shields the skin from the elements, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothens skin texture.

Age is not the sole cause of skin wrinkles; free radicals form in the skin in response to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is among the major causes of wrinkling and other signs of aging. Antioxidants help protect against free radical damage.

Risks and Side Effects

Animal studies have shown no harmful effects during pregnancy, but as a precaution, this product should not be taken during the first three months of pregnancy and during nursing. On the bright side, the uncertainty about idebenone is largely about effectiveness, not safety. Idebenone is considered safe. It has a very good safety record. It can be bought even without a prescription and is classified as a nutritional supplement. �However, similar to other anti wrinkle creams, idebenone also has adverse effects. Gastrointestinal disturbances like epigastria and diarrhea, trembling, convulsions, dizziness, headaches, anxiety and uneasiness and sleep alterations are among the possible adverse effects.

The safety and the other beneficial effects come at a price, literally. Idebenone can cost as much as $120 dollars per ounce. But it is money well spent if it does what it is supposed to do, that is keep the effects of environmental exposure and aging at bay.