Coffee Berry Extract

Coffee berry extract is considered the next big ingredient introduced to the skin care market. This antioxidant is highly acknowledged and supported by numerous dermatologists and is accredited with the American Academy of Dermatology. Coffee berry extract is collected from the coffee cherry, which is the external, fleshy coating around the coffee seed. It is harvested before it is ripe, as this is when it contains the highest amounts of antioxidants.

In the past, coffee berry extract has been used in foods and supplements because of its extraordinary amount of antioxidants. Its value in skin care products was previously ignored because the fruit decays so quickly. However, now a method has been devised to obtain the nutrients prior to the fruit decaying and sustaining this level of antioxidants.

Antioxidants, found in this revolutionary extract, are molecules that inhibit oxidation, or reactions promoted by oxygen. Coffee berry contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals before they attach themselves to the skin cells membrane and destroy or compromise the cell. Once a skin cell has been damaged by free radicals, the production of other skin cells is damaged as well.

Because coffee berry extract comes from a fruit, it is considered safe and natural and ideal to use on those with sensitive or reactive skin types. In fact dermatologists have speculated that it may even soothe easily irritated skins and educate it to become less reactive.

Coffee berry extract has been tested and backed by clinical studies, results showing that the fruit has higher antioxidant levels then pomegranates, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even green and white tea. In regard to green tea, coffee berry extract was found to display an antioxidant volume 10 times greater. In addition, coffee berry extract has been shown to protect against the sun's destructive UVA and UVB radiation. Coffee berry has been proven to show significant improvement in hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and the skin's appearance in general. When compared to other anti-aging, free radical fighting skin care ingredients, coffee berry extract has the potential to eliminate the need for other antioxidants, with scientific evidence to support its claims.

In one independent lab study, a 1% coffee berry extract was used on one part of the face and a basic moisturizer on the other. After 3 weeks use of the products, evaluators calculated that the side of the face on which coffee berry extract was used showed substantial improvement in tone and texture. A 46% percent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles was assessed, as well as a 64% increase in skin smoothness and a 79% increase in skin hydration.

Although still a relatively new addition to the skin care world, coffee berry extract can be found in Revaleskin Day Cream, Night Cream and Facial Cleanser.