Frequently Asked Questions

Does PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment work better than other topical antioxidants?

Yes. Idebenone, found in PREVAGE® MD [1% Idebenone], is scientifically shown to be more effective than other topical antioxidants in protecting your skin against environmental stressors known to cause skin aging.¹ These other antioxidants include kinetin (used in Kinerase®), coenzyme Q10 (Q10 Plus Wrinkle Control products from Nivea®), lipoic acid (used in N.V. Perricone M.D. Cosmeceuticals®), vitamin C, and vitamin E (found in many anti-aging products).

  1. McDaniel DH, Neudecker BA, DiNardo JC, Lewis JA II, Maibach HI. Idebenone: a new antioxidant—part I. A relative assessment of oxidative stress protection capacity compared to commonly known antioxidants. J Cosm Derm. 2005;4(1):10-17.
  2. Kinerase is a registered trademark of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. Nivea is a registered trademark of Beiersdorf AG. N.V. Perricone M.D. Cosmeceuticals is a registered trademark of N.V. Perricone M.D., Limited.

What can idebenone 1% do for my skin?

Idebenone 1% anti-aging treatment helps correct the skin damage that you already have and also protects your skin from future damage. The antioxidative power of PREVAGE® MD has been clinically shown to reduce the signs of skin aging in only 4 weeks.²

In a recent survey of 18 subjects with severe to moderate photodamage:

  • 72% of subjects reported reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • 78% of subjects reported reduction in roughness and dryness
  • 78% of subjects reported improvement in skin softness and smoothness
  • 61% of subjects reported improvement in firmness, tightness, and elasticity
  • 67% of subjects reported improvement in overall appearance

In addition, a majority of subjects reported an overall improvement in their skin’s healthy appearance after just 4 weeks of use.

Fine lines and wrinkles, roughness and dryness, and a lack of firmness and elasticity are generally regarded as signs of sun damage.

To learn what environmental stressors are doing to your skin, click here.

  1. Data on file, Allergan, Inc. DiNardo JC. Four-week clinical expert grader evaluation of PREVAGE® MD (1.0% idebenone) for the treatment of photodamage. 2005.

How is PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment different from the products sold in the department store?

There are many different types of anti-aging treatments available. Some of them now contain antioxidants. Only PREVAGE® MD has 1% idebenone. PREVAGE® MD is available only from your doctor.

How do I use PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment?

Skin reactions to PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment may be more likely to occur within the first several days of using the product. For this reason, before beginning to use PREVAGE® MD on a regular basis, apply a small amount of product (less than one pump) daily for several days to a small area of skin in the area you plan to use the product. If any itching, burning, redness, or swelling occurs during this trial period, wash the product off and discontinue use. Contact your dispensing physician to discuss your reaction and to receive a refund. If no reactions occur, follow the instructions below.

Test usage of PREVAGE® MD
  1. Skin reactions to PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment may be more likely to occur within the first several days of using the product.
  2. For this reason, before beginning to use PREVAGE® MD on a regular basis, apply a small amount of product (less than one pump) daily for several days to a small area of skin in the area you plan to use the product.
  3. If any itching, burning, redness, or swelling occurs during this trial period, wash the product off and discontinue use. Contact your dispensing physician to discuss your reaction and to receive a refund.
  4. If no reactions occur, follow the instructions below.

Regular usage of PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment

If you have normal skin sensitivity, after following the “Test usage of PREVAGE® MD” instructions and if no reactions are seen, begin using PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment once a day for the first week, and, if tolerated, twice a day from then on. If any itching, burning, redness, or swelling occurs at any time while using the product, wash the product off, discontinue use, and consult your dispensing physician as needed. Skin reactions may be more likely in individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies to cosmetics, hair dyes (para-phenylenediamine (PPD), bleaching agents (hydroquinones), sulfa compounds, or jewelry.

Even though PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment protects your skin against environmental stressors, it is not a substitute for sunscreen. Always use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 every day.

How much PREVAGE® MD should I use?

Push the pump down once or twice to dispense a pea-size amount. Thoroughly massage PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment into your clean, dry face and neck twice a day or as instructed by your doctor.

Can I use PREVAGE® MD in combination with other products?

Skin reactions to PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment may be more common in individuals who are using multiple skin care products. If you are currently on an aggressive skin care regimen, your skin may become more sensitive to PREVAGE® MD.

In general, apply PREVAGE® MD directly after cleansing your skin and before applying any other products.

Will PREVAGE® MD cause any skin reactions?

Skin reactions to PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment may be more common in individuals who have recently had certain medical skin care procedures. If you have recently undergone laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, medium to deep chemical peels, or any other aggressive skin therapies, you should wait 7 to 10 days before starting to use PREVAGE® MD. It is important that you first perform the “Test usage of PREVAGE® MD” instructions as outlined above. If you do not experience a reaction following this test, begin using PREVAGE® MD once every other day for the first week of use.

During this time, if you experience any itching, burning, redness, or swelling, wash the product off, discontinue use, and consult your physician. If you do not experience any skin reactions during this one-week period, increase product usage to once a day for the next week and to twice a day the following week.

Are there any special instructions for using PREVAGE® MD?

If you are using retinoids or other products dispensed or prescribed by your doctor, ask about the appropriate use of these products in combination with PREVAGE® MD. And, if you are currently on an aggressive skin care regimen such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or medium to deep chemical peels, your skin may become more sensitive to PREVAGE® MD. Discuss with your doctor when you should begin using PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment after your procedure. To view complete PREVAGE® MD Patient Instructions, click here.

Is PREVAGE® MD a sunscreen?

No, PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment is not a sunscreen. After applying PREVAGE® MD, you should also apply a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15.

What is the difference between PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment and AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids)?

AHAs are obtained from fruits, sugar cane, and sour milk and are found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreens. AHAs act primarily as exfoliants, helping to shed the outermost layer of the skin to make it look smoother and less wrinkled.

PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment works differently. It contains idebenone, an antioxidant that scavenges harmful free radicals in the cells of your skin and protects it from damage from external environmental stressors such as UV light, air pollution, ozone, and cigarette smoke, to name a few. PREVAGE® MD also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin roughness and dryness, and evens skin tone to restore youthful-looking skin.

Where can I get PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment?

You can purchase PREVAGE® MD only at selected doctors’ offices.

PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment is distributed solely to doctors and should be used under physician supervision. Since PREVAGE® MD is only dispensed in doctors’ offices, Allergan cannot authenticate any product purchased over the Internet. PREVAGE® 0.5% is available at department stores and prestige retailers.

Do I need an appointment with a doctor to get PREVAGE® MD anti-aging treatment?

Although PREVAGE® MD is available only through doctors, most offices do not require an appointment to purchase it.