CoQ10: The secret ingredient that can unlock better skin health

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In today’s post, we’ll be exploring the health benefits CoQ10 can have on your skin. We’ll be tackling the science behind CoQ10 and how it can give you healthier, younger-looking skin. Benefits of CoQ10 include improved skin hydration, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhanced overall skin health and texture. You’ll also learn what the best dietary sources of CoQ10 are, so you can incorporate healthy CoQ10-rich foods into your daily healthy eating routine. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with a better understanding of how CoQ10 can help your skin and where to get it.

The Science Behind CoQ10

CoQ10 helps your body produce the chemical compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which the body uses as fuel to keep it energized. You may be familiar with the phrase, “the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell!” ATP is produced in the mitochondria, which is why it’s known as the powerhouse of the cell. ATP plays a key role in the energy production of a cell, including skin cells, so having enough CoQ10 is important for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Benefits of CoQ10 for Skin Health

Energy production and mitochondrial activity decline with age due to disrupted cell and tissue functions which are associated with older-looking skin, including dry skin, wrinkles, and sagging. CoQ10 helps your body produce ATP which is used to energize cellular processes, which help maintain your skin’s elasticity and firmness.

According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, using a topical cream containing CoQ10 was associated with an increase in production of hyaluronic acid. Skin cells naturally produce hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is used to retain moisture, protecting against dry skin and sun damage. The study found that skin hydration levels increased and was associated with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Dietary Sources of CoQ10

Foods high in protein and fat are typically good sources of CoQ10. Consider organ meats like heart, liver, and kidney that are all rich in CoQ10.  Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are also good sources of CoQ10. There are also plenty of great vegetable sources of CoQ10, such as whole grains, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower (Ernster & Dallner, 1995). Finally, a study by Saini (2011) found that nuts and seeds such as peanuts, sesame seeds, and pistachios are good sources of CoQ10. Incorporating one or more of the above listed foods are great ways to help boost your body’s CoQ10 levels.

Try these Supplements

It can be challenging to get adequate amounts of CoQ10 through diet alone. For example, although fatty fish such as salmon and sardines contain CoQ10, you would need to consume large amounts to achieve the recommended daily intake. Additionally, as we age, our bodies may become less efficient at synthesizing CoQ10 from food sources (Ernster & Dallner, 1995).

Platinum Naturals Super Easymulti 45+ and Easymulti 60+ are two fantastic supplements that both contain CoQ10. Taking either one can help ensure that you're getting a therapeutic dose of this vital nutrient. Additionally, both products make use of Platinum Naturals’ Omega Absorb™ delivery system, which allows your body to better absorb the CoQ10 contained within each product. Super Easymulti 45+ and Easymulti 60+ are both easy and convenient ways to ensure your body is getting the CoQ10 it needs to support healthier, younger-looking skin.

  

References: 

Alehagen, Urban et al. “Still reduced cardiovascular mortality 12 years after supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 for four years: A validation of previous 10-year follow-up results of a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in elderly.” PloS one vol. 13,4 e0193120. 11 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0193120
Barcelos, Isabella Peixoto de, and Richard H Haas. “CoQ10 and Aging.” Biology vol. 8,2 28. 11 May. 2019, doi:10.3390/biology8020028
Brand, M D et al. “The role of mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics in ageing and disease.” The British journal of dermatology vol. 169 Suppl 2,0 2 (2013): 1-8. doi:10.1111/bjd.12208
Ernster, L., & Dallner, G. (1995). Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1271(1), 195-204. doi: 10.1016/0925-4439(95)00028-3
Folkers, K., Vadhanavikit, S., Mortensen, S. A., & Biochemical rationale, R. (1990). For the use of coenzyme Q10 in heart disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 585(1), 159-174. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1990.tb27940 
Francisco M. Gutierrez-Mariscal, Elena M. Yubero-Serrano, Jose M. Villalba & Jose Lopez-Miranda (2019) Coenzyme Q10: From bench to clinic in aging diseases, a translational review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59:14, 2240-2257, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2018.144231 
Inui, M et al. “Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ10 on UVB-induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo.” BioFactors (Oxford, England) vol. 32,1-4 (2008): 237-43. doi:10.1002/biof.5520320128
Knott, Anja et al. “Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects.” BioFactors (Oxford, England) vol. 41,6 (2015): 383-90. doi:10.1002/biof.1239
Lin, Tzu-Kai et al. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,1 70. 27 Dec. 2017, doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
Nakahara, K., Kawai, S., Yagi, K., Goda, T., Tobe, K., Yasuda, K., & Hashimoto, Y. (2015). Association between intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ubiquinone containing coenzyme Q10 with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 29(1), 8-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2014.08.010
Saini, Rajiv. “Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient.” Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences vol. 3,3 (2011): 466-7. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471