Stiefel Laboratories has launched Revaleskin, a skin care line that captures the all natural antioxidant properties of Coffeeberry as a means of tapping into the never-ending search for effective anti-aging treatments. Coffeeberry is the fruit of the coffee plant and its flesh has proven to contain highly powerful antioxidant properties containing free radicals that in clinical trials shown to be effective in treating signs of skin aging. Short and long term benefits of Coffeeberry were revolutionary when added to a moisturizing and nuturing face cream.

What is particularly significant about the launch of this anti-aging skin care line is that it taps into two of the biggest trends in the cosmetics industry at the current time - the move towards all-natural cosmetics combined with consumer interest in anti-aging treatments to turn back the clock on their skin.

The CoffeeBerry ingredient not only has the advantage of being naturally-derived, it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. This property alone makes it highly effective in the treatment of fine line, sunspots and other photoaging-induced symptoms found in all skin types. When first launched in late 2007 it was available nationwide as a professional skin care line, which means it was sold only through aesthetic physicians and dermatological practices throughout the US.

"Revaleskin can improve the skin's appearance so quickly because its primary ingredient, CoffeeBerry, is abundant in four powerful polyphenol antioxidants which help prevent and reduce superficial damage from sun exposure and free radicals," said Jim Hartman, senior vice president, US sales and marketing, Stiefel Laboratories.

"It's having four polyphenols -- chlorogenic acid, condensed proanthocyanidins, quinic acid and ferulic acid -- that makes the CoffeeBerry even more potent than such robust antioxidants as green tea, pomegranates, blueberries, vitamin C and vitamin E," he added.

The company says the new line comprises a three-step system: a day cream containing an SPF 15 to prevent damage, a night cream and a facial cleanser, which will retail at a premium rate of between $40 and $110 for each item. Evidence of the line's efficacy is provided by two studies, one carried out by David McDaniel at the Institute of Anti-Aging Research in Virginia, the other carried out by Zoe Draelos from the Dermatology Consulting Service, based in North Carolina, which entailed a 12-week study using 50 female volunteers aged 30 to 50.

Both of the studies concentrated on determining the efficacy of the CoffeeBerry ingredient, which showed that the regime could help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without allergic reactions.

"During our study, we began to see improvement in skin texture after three weeks of application," said Draelos. "After 12 weeks of use, there was a statistically significant improvement in overall skin appearance as characterized by better skin tone and increased skin brightness.

"Skin care should be considered part of daily health maintenance much like exercise, teeth brushing, and taking vitamins," Draelos continued. "Skin is the largest body organ and represents what we present first to the world; it should be treated with the utmost care. Men and women need to do everything they can to protect and maintain skin health."

Clinical Evaluation of Antioxidant Effects of REVALÉSKIN™

METHODS -Patients were randomized into two groups: Full-Face Subjects (n=20) used REVALÉSKIN™ only and Split-Face Subjects (n=10) used REVALÉSKIN™ on one side of their face and its vehicle on the other side for six weeks. Full-Face subjects had right, left, and full-face views photographed at Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 study visits. Split-Face subjects had right, left, and full-face views photographed at Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 study visits with the Canfield VISIA-CR photo system.

In the Split-Face group further randomization occurred, splitting into groups of five using REVALÉSKIN™ on the opposite side of the face (five on the left and five on the right) to minimize any possible bias from sun exposure. The primary efficacy parameter was the proportion of subjects who had investigator-assessed improvement in skin appearance. Tolerability was measured by investigator-assessed erythema (skin redness) and irritation after 12 weeks of use.