Coenzyme Q10, or simply CoQ10 (also called ubiquinone) is a compound found in human cells that exhibits antioxidant properties. Because of this, cosmetic manufacturers have included it in a number of skin care products. The theory is that applying topical agents which include CoQ10 will deliver its antioxidant benefits to the skin. Today, I’ll describe the compound in more detail and explain how it promotes healthy skin. I’ll also share the factors that can reduce the CoQ10 levels within your body.
Basics Of CoQ10
All human cells have traces of CoQ10 which help generate cellular energy. It has vitamin-like qualities and is produced efficiently in the body during the first 20 years of a person’s life. It acts as an antioxidant and can prevent the chain-reaction oxidation of molecules. However, by the time a person reaches 30 years of age, the body’s production of CoQ10 declines. This can lead to a number of damaging effects to the skin, including a breakdown in collagen fibers and elastin.
How It Benefits Your Skin
As an antioxidant, CoQ10 has a natural ability to neutralize molecular oxidation, thereby helping to limit damage generated by free radicals. When free radicals spread throughout the body, they cause damage at the cellular level. When that happens, collagen and elastin begin to break down and the skin starts to show signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. CoQ10 encourages the production of collagen fibers and elastin and can help to minimize damage caused by free radicals. There is also some evidence that suggests topical application of CoQ10 has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Factors That Reduce CoQ10 Levels
There are a number of things that can cause a reduction in CoQ10. Chief among them is exposure to the sun’s UV radiation, though you can prevent this happening by using an effective sunscreen. Another influence is age. When a person grows older, their body becomes less capable of producing CoQ10. Other factors that can reduce production include stress and certain medications. When levels decline, the compound can no longer help eliminate free radicals.
Is CoQ10 Vital For Skin Health?
CoQ10 is one of many useful antioxidants that can be incorporated into skin care products. There is evidence to support its effectiveness when applied topically and because it is a small molecule it penetrates skin easily. One study showed that Coenzyme Q10 had an effect in reducing crows feet (wrinkles around the eyes). Clinical studies are limited – by all means use producst with CoQ10, but keep in mind that it is one antioxidant of many.
Consider Credentials Face Firming Complex with its combination of DMAE, an ingredient that’s been shown to increase the strength of skin’s supporting network. It also contains a range of effective antioxidants including alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10 and Vitamin C ester.
Other effective antioxidant products that have demonstrated skin benefits include:
UltimaSkin Potent C Serum – A recently-released formulation that offers a potent 12% Vitamin C concentration to deliver its antioxidant benefits into the skin’s deep layers.
La Roche Posay Active C – This solution uses an active Vitamin C concentration to help eliminate wrinkles and fine lines while encouraging the production of collagen fibers.
Anthelios XL SPF 60 Sunscreen – Because exposure to UV radiation is one of the main factors that lead to CoQ10 depletion, it’s important to use a powerful sunblock. This formulation offers the highest level of protection available from UVA and UVB rays.
