CoQ10: The Antioxidant Shield

Coenzyme Q10 is found in skin surface lipids that form the outer barrier of the skin.

Our skin is exposed daily to environmental stressors. That's why it is important for it to maintain strength to combat oxidative damage that comes from pollution, UV radiation, infections, etc.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant naturally present in all human cells. It is also found in skin surface lipids that form the outermost barrier of the skin, thus always exposed to environmental stressors. CoQ10 gets converted to ubiquinol, which helps maintain sufficient cellular energy levels and combat oxidative damage from pollution, UV radiation, infections, etc. It protects lipid membranes, lipoproteins, mitochondria, and DNA by scavenging free radicals. Oxidative stress damages skin cells and consequently induces premature cell death, leading to decreased thickness of the epidermis and a reduction in collagen-producing cells, both present in aged skin. The amount of antioxidants in our body diminishes with age, and according to studies, CoQ10 is no exception. CoQ10 skin levels decrease significantly as we age. Over time, the impaired protective function of the skin can manifest as lines, loss of elasticity, and other signs of ageing.

CoQ10 gets converted to ubiquinol, which helps maintain sufficient cellular energy levels and combat oxidative damage from pollution, UV radiation, infections, etc.

Studies have shown that the topical application of ubiquinone results in increased ubiquinone levels not only on the skin surface but also in the deeper layers of the epidermis, where it is partially transformed into the active form, ubiquinol. Cells exhibited elevated energy metabolism, a significant decrease in free radicals, reduced wrinkle depth, and increased production of type IV and VII collagens. This means that CoQ10 can penetrate the oily skin barrier and replenish lowered CoQ10 concentrations.

In conclusion, topical application can benefit people of all ages by helping combat external oxidative stress, which is known to promote skin ageing, and by supplementing age-dependent decreased levels.

Skeletal formula of Coenzyme Q10. (Roger Burger, via Wikimedia Commons)

References and further reading:

• Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects

• Coenzyme Q10 protects against oxidative stress-induced cell death and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells