CoQ10: The Biomarker of Aging

It seems as if, every day, you are hearing of a new skincare ingredient that is supposed to treat all of your concerns. And, in most cases, those ingredients are just passing fads that won't stand the test of time.

In this particular situation, however, that is not the case. Although the buzz on CoQ10 has been more supplement-based, it had been a hero ingredient in Japanese beauty for years now, making it a sought-out ingredient whose effects are quite noticeable. 

Keep reading if you want to know why this ingredient is so beneficial for your skin. 

So, What is CoQ10?

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, Vitamin Q or, simply, Q10 is an oil-based vitamin substance that is found in the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) and is also an antioxidant involved in several biological functions, such as helping produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping cells both inside the body and in the skin healthy. 

As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps neutralize harmful free radicals, which are one of the causes of aging. Free radicals are molecules that attack the proteins in your body. When they come into contact with collagen or elastin proteins, they 'steal' elections, which changes the shape of the protein, thereby making it useless. Once a protein is no longer in its original state, it can no longer serve its purpose. 

Free Radicals take their toll 

As we age, and free radicals take their toll on the collagen and elastin in our skin, it begins to lose its elasticity and strength. When we're younger, we are able to produce as much CoQ10 as we need for energy, but as we get older, aging and stress slow down its creation process, and our supplies diminish. This is a natural process that cannot be reversed or halted. Finding the solution to this will be when we find a solution to aging, which is basically impossible (for now.)

Keeping a healthy diet of antioxidant-rich fruit as well as using moisturizers, creams, and lotions containing CoQ10 can definitely help your skin to fight free radicals and remain young, elastic, and strong. But, it's important to note that even if you look after your mitochondria through a healthy diet and regular exercise, the CoQ10 levels still decline naturally as you age. 

Since the decline of CoQ10 production is so correlated with your skin's aging, it provides proof that Coq10 is one of the most prominent biomarkers of aging. However, it can be replenished. 

How Can CoQ10 Benefit Your Skin?

Used as a cream, CoQ10 can help your skin look young by counteracting environmental damage that leads to premature dullness, dryness, fine lines, and elasticity loss. You can find it in toners, moisturizers, and under-eye creams, and it's a great ingredient for overall body creams and lotions. Several studies indicate that CoQ10 is also great for applying before and after sun exposure to treat burns and sun damage. 

Basically, starting to use a CoQ10 cream in your 20's is one of the best time and self-care investments you can make - but, skin at any age can reap the benefits of this powerful ingredient, both short term and over time. 

Other benefits include:

• Energizes cell activity
• Reduces sun damage
• Evens out skin tone
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production
• Replenishes skin cells 
• Helps soothe skin
• Helps reduce the damage of free radicals 
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines 

In Sum...

Although the use of CoQ10 in topical creams is a fairly new phenomenon in the United States, it has been widely used in the past by K-Beauty brands, which are currently dominating the skin care industry. And, while most of the trends that come out of K Beauty are just passing fads, this one is likely to stick. Be sure to keep your eyes out for a No BS Antioxidant CoQ10 Cream coming soon.