Coenzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone, and by its name, you can tell it’s everywhere, from the cells in your body to your beauty products.
What is Coenzyme Q10 ?
This oil-soluble vitamin like substance is present in the mitochondria, the sub-cellular organ responsible for energy production, of most living cells and is vital to its function.
Although relatively new, it is quite well known and fairly well researched. it is related structurally to its superstar cousin, Ibedenone, and that itself has thrown some light and attention onto itself.
Coenzyme Q10 : anti aging fighter?
Besides its role in cellular respiration, Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant. It helps neutralize harmful free radicals, which are one of the causes of aging. Oral Coenzyme Q10 supplements have been used as adjunctive treatments for coronary heart disease, wellness, and even longevity. However, the value of oral supplementation remains debatable.
What about Topical Coenzyme Q10 ?
Coenzyme Q10 levels in the skin are gradually depleted as we are exposed to the external environmen and as we age. Coenzyme Q10 theorectically will help prevent free radical damage, and also stimulate collagen and elastin production.
The reasons why Coenzyme Q10 will make a good antioxidant:
- It is a natural substance that is already present in our skin. Applying more of it serves to replenish the diminishing supply in our cells.
- It is a small molecue, facilitating its absorption into our skin
- Like other anti oxidants, it protects our skin from environmental damage
- It stimulates collagen and elastin production, aiding our skin to repair itself.
- Like Vitamin C, it works synergistically with Vitamin E for added benefit.
Before you stock up on Coenzyme Q10
Again, many manufacturers have jumped onto the band wagon, producing lotions and potions with Coenzyme Q10 . However, it is unclear these products contain Coenzyme Q10 in sufficient concentrations. Like Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10 undergoes oxidation in the air, and special care needs to be taken during its formulation to ensure this. It is unclear whether manufacturers take this into consideration.
Although tests done on animals and in the lab are promising, there are fewer definitive studies conducted on human skin demonstrating the benefits of the antioxidant.
Conclusion
We must separate marketing from science, whatever the beauty houses like us to think. Coenzyme Q10 is still a new comer. Despite that, it has shown more promise than many of the active ingredients which are saturating the skin care arena now. It’s definitely a worthy contender to look out for.
