CoQ10: A skin-rejuvenating antioxidant
Did you know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ? You may not realize it, but with the help of antioxidants, your skin does a great job protecting your vital organs from exposure to harmful microorganisms, injury, and other factors.
At the same time, however, the skin is vulnerable to harsh elements like ultraviolet rays. Sun exposure can cause oxidative stress, a phenomenon characterized by high levels of unstable free radicals—atoms that are capable of wreaking havoc on cells and triggering diseases—as well as low levels of antioxidants.
This is where the importance of CoQ10 comes into play. A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 is naturally found in your mitochondria, the part of your cell that generates energy and serves as your “battery.” Your skin cells use CoQ10 in order to support growth and function as well as to perform other biological processes—which, in turn, ensures that your skin remains healthy and youthful.
Unfortunately though, as you age, CoQ10 levels in your body begin to deplete. You may notice signs of skin aging such as wrinkle formation and loss of elasticity, among others.
But here’s some good news: Your body can absorb more CoQ10! Read on to find out the wonders that CoQ can offer your skin.
CoQ10 may help improve skin density and other health parameters
A clinical study published in the Nutrients journal investigated the effects of a test syrup containing the following active ingredients on the skin for 12 weeks:
- Hydrolyzed fish collagen
- Water-soluble CoQ10
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Biotin
Following the observation period, the researchers found that the women who consumed the supplement exhibited improvements in their skin through the following parameters:
- Dermis density
- Skin smoothness
- Reduced periorbital (eye area) wrinkle area
- Total wrinkle score
However, the researchers also note that there were no significant effects on the supplement group’s skin hydration, dermis thickness, TEWL, and viscoelasticity observed.
More studies published in the Nutritional Cosmetics: Beauty from Within journal report the following findings of CoQ10’s effects on the skin:
- CoQ10 supplementation enhanced the growth of human dermal fibroblasts, cells that produce different types of collagen. This reveals the nutrient’s potential ability to rejuvenate skin cells and help mitigate cellular damage that can contribute to wrinkling formation and skin aging.
- A combination of 50 milligrams of oral CoQ10 and topical use of 0.05% CoQ10 for 60 days resulted in improvements in wrinkle depth.
- Daily oral intake of 60 milligrams of CoQ10 for two weeks improved wrinkle surface area and volume per unit area around the eyes in adults.
Clinical implications
While these and other existing studies do not verify CoQ10’s ability to stop aging or prevent and cure skin conditions, they point to the nutrient’s potential in helping individuals protect their skin against harmful factors and restore youthfulness.
In addition, bear in mind that taking supplements alone will not guarantee optimal skin health. Nonetheless, CoQ10 may still be consumed to supplement your efforts in staying healthy.
If you have any progressing or serious skin conditions, seek medical attention.
Get the most out of CoQ10’s potential benefits by making other healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a well-balanced diet, constant hydration, regular exercise, and adequate sleep—all of which contribute to your holistic health.
Recommended dosage
The typical recommended intake for patients with cardiovascular conditions ranges from 90 milligrams to 200 milligrams daily, but the dosage may vary depending on your preferences or the advice of your healthcare provider.
It is highly advised to consult with a medical professional before taking CoQ10 supplements, especially if you have any existing health conditions or chronic illnesses.
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