You may have heard of the supplement “CoQ10” before, often used for cardiovascular health. But did you know that CoQ10 can also be used in anti-aging skincare? While not common in the United States, anti-aging skincare products from countries like Japan and France frequently contain coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, an antioxidant. Although CoQ10 is primarily sold as a supplement for heart health and fertility in the US, you should consider including CoQ10 in your skin care regimen.
“CoQ10 is a very important molecule in the skin, but it isn’t talked about nearly as much as other antioxidants like vitamin C and E,” Dr. Farris, a clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, explained. This CoQ10 molecule is essential to the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is the set of processes that occur in the mitochondria, the cell’s “powerhouse,” and produce energy for your cells.
Though it is possible for your body to produce CoQ10 naturally, as you age, these levels decrease. Plus, many people in the United States take medications that deplete CoQ10 levels in the body, such as statins. Reduced energy production by cells is a result of this decline in CoQ10, which can contribute to aging.
CoQ10 not only aids in the synthesis of energy but also functions as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals, which are unstable molecules created by the body in response to exposure to certain substances, such as tobacco smoke and UV light. Free radicals directly harm DNA, cell membranes, and proteins like collagen and elastin. Further harming the skin’s extracellular matrix, they also activate the synthesis of enzymes that break down collagen. This causes the skin to sag and wrinkle, according to Dr. Farris.
Antioxidants is one of the skin’s natural ways to protect itself from free radicals. However, the body’s natural endogenous antioxidant system decreases in efficiency with age, making supplementation essential for a youthful glow. According to some research, supplementing with CoQ10 to replace what is lost due to natural aging may help delay the onset of visible signs of aging.
How to get the benefits inside and out
The top layer of the skin is protected by CoQ10, according to dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Baron, MD, FAAD, FACMS, who is double board certified. CoQ10-containing topical treatments can be absorbed into the skin directly and “will immediately act to reduce the aging effects of the sun,” according to Dr. Baron. If used on a daily basis, they also have an anti-aging effect.
In a 2015 study involving over 70 adult women, it was discovered that topical CoQ10 treatments can boost antioxidant capacity and lower free radical levels in skin that is under stress. CoQ10 complements other antioxidants and anti-aging components well, according to Baron. Using retinol and CoQ10 together, for instance, can penetrate all layers of the skin because they are both fat-soluble.
Other great ingredient pairings with CoQ10 are green tea extracts, vitamin C and vitamin E as these are used for skin protection, brightness, cell production stimulation, and sun damage repair. According to Dr. Baron, CoQ10 gives these ingredients more strength and improved penetration into all skin layers. AlumierMD’s skincare and sunscreen formulations are packed with antioxidants to replenish and protect the skin from free radical damage.
You can (and should) also utilize oral CoQ10 supplements. A daily dietary supplement of CoQ10 was found to reduce wrinkles and fine lines in a 2016 study. However, this does not imply that taking CoQ10 supplements will magically treat wrinkles. “It might slow down the breakdown of lost collagen and elastin, but it won’t replace it,” stated Dr. Baron. Which is why, like any realistic and effective treatment plan, using multiple active ingredients is best to address concerns. CoQ10 has so many benefits beyond skin including cardiovascular health/heart health, blood pressure, and neurological health. Remember, food is medicine too! CoQ10 can also be found in meat, fish, and nuts as a good dietary source of this antioxidant.
An experienced medical aesthetics provider can guide skin treatment options. Our licensed physician offers comprehensive aesthetics consultations and free discovery calls. Learn more about Natural Medical Aesthetics and the aesthetic services that we offer in Meridian / Boise!
