Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is a relative newcomer in the realm
of skin care products and research. Many studies confirm
that this antioxidant coenzyme has powerful abilities
to fuel the energy process in cells. Coenzyme Q10 helps
converts the vitamins and nutrients we eat into food into
usable "cell food."
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant and a biologically active
quinone found in the membrane of the cellular mitochondria,
and is present in most of the organs and tissues of the
body. It is made up of organic non-protein coenzymes responsible
for carrying electrons in our cells. Furthermore, CoQ10
works to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a key
source of intracellular energy in the human body.
How Can CoQ10 Keep the Skin Healthy?
When we apply this coenzyme topically, CoQ10 has been
shown to neutralize free radicals in the skin cells. Oxidation
of the cells in our skins is one of the primary causes
of wrinkles and aging. Under optimal circumstances, our
skin should be able to produce enough of the enzyme to
prevent premature aging, but unfortunately, due to high-stress
lifestyles, improper diet and some medications, our natural
levels of CoQ10 in the body are significantly lowered.
After approximately the age of thirty, our skin naturally
begins to experience less-than-optimum levels of CoQ10.
Not only does this increase free radical presence, but
CoQ10-depleted skin is actually more at risk for environmental
exposures and damage from elements such as the sun, wind
and pollution. This depletion can also lead to reduced
production of elastin, collagen, and other crucial skin
molecules. Research shows that continual topical use of
CoQ10 is linked to cellular energizing properties which
aid skin cells in the ability to slow the process of wrinkling,
age-spots, as well as the formation of free-radicals.
Coenzyme Q10 is also well known ubiquinone, a fat-soluble
nutrient. This means that the coenzyme has the ability
to dissolve in the oils of the skin. Its size is small
enough to seamlessly penetrate our skin cells, a fact
which increases its effectiveness. In terms of benefits,
one of the main mechanisms of action of CoQ10 in the skin
cells is the ability to stabilize the skin's cell membranes.
The more stable the membranes of our skin cells, the less
likely we are to experience wrinkling, sun damage and
free radical oxidation. The collagen of the skin will
also have more pliability and strength with increased
levels of CoQ10. Overall, CoQ10 can improve the texture,
firmness and tone of the skin.
Where You Can Find CoQ10?
CoQ10 is available as ubiquinone in many skin care products,
including age serums, firming creams, treatments and other
body care products. The synthetic form of ubiquinone is
known as idebenone.
Did You Know?
A 1999 skin-research study in German researchers showed
that continual topical use of
CoQ10 around "crows feet" (the ubiquitous wrinkles
around the eye), were able to visibly reduce the appearance
of these wrinkles.
A study conducted in Italy on topical applications of
coenzyme Q10 to laboratory rats found that levels of CoQ10
were directly related to the ability to regenerate skin
cells. This suggests that the coenzyme may be able to
prevent some of the detrimental effects of photo-aging.
Usage Recommendations and Possible Side
Effects
Very few side-effects from topical application of CoQ10
have been reported, and usually most skin types do very
well with its use. Although it is generally very safe,
you should avoid topically applying CoQ10 if you have
a specific sensitivity to this coenzyme. Synthetic versions
of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone or Idebenone/Idebenol may
cause more irritation in sensitive skin types than natural
forms of the coenzyme.
Source:
Passi, S., et al., "The
combined use of oral and topical lipophilic antioxidants
increases their levels both in sebum and stratum corneum,"
Biofactors, 2003, 18(1-4):289-97
Blatt, T., et al., "Modulation
of oxidative stresses in human aging skin,"
Z Gerontol Geriatr., April, 1999, 32(2):83-8
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