is
a relative newcomer to the skin
care industry. Yet, its value for general health and nutrition
is rather well known and well researched.
CoQ10 has at least two important
roles in the body
First, it is one of the essential cogs in the biochemical
machinery that produces biological energy (ATP) inside the
cells. Second, CoQ10 is an antioxidant. It helps neutralize
harmful free radicals, which are one of the causes of aging.
Under perfect conditions, the body can produce as much CoQ10
as it needs. However, various factors, such as aging, stress
and some medications, can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the
body. As a result, the ability of cells to withstand stress
and regenerate declines. Unfortunately, the levels of CoQ10
in the body almost inevitably decline with age. In fact, CoQ10
is regarded as one of the most accurate biomarkers of aging
since its decline correlates so well with the aging process.
In some studies, rodents treated with supplemental CoQ10 lived
up to 30 percent longer than their untreated counterparts.
The effects of CoQ10 supplements on human longevity remain
unknown. On the other hand, it was proven useful in treating
certain human diseases, including heart failure and hypertension.
What can CoQ10 do for your
skin
Theoretically speaking, CoQ10 (in a skin cream, for example)
can be helpful. In most people over thirty, levels of CoQ10
in the skin are below optimum, resulting in lesser ability
to produce collagen, elastin and other important skin molecules.
Besides, CoQ10-depleted skin may be more prone to the damage
by free radicals, which are particularly abundant in the skin
since it is exposed to the elements. Thus, CoQ10 may boost
skin repair and regeneration and reduce free radical damage.
Furthermore, CoQ10 is a small molecule that can relatively
easily penetrate into skin cells.
Based on this rationale as well as the drive to put new products
on the marker, some companies introduced skin care products
with CoQ10. It is unclear whether these products are effective.
Firstly, theoretical effectiveness does not always result
into practical benefits. Second, very few real studies indicating
possible practical skin benefits of CoQ10 have been conducted
so far. Arguably, the most encouraging was a 1999 study by
German researchers who reported that long-term use of CoQ10
reduced crows feet (wrinkles around the eye).
Even if CoQ10 can be effective in treating skin aging, it
is unclear whether popular CoQ10 products contain sufficient
concentration of active CoQ10. (Keep in mind that CoQ10, just
like vitamin C, can be inactivated by oxygen from the air.).
You can get around this problem, however, by preparing your
own CoQ10 cream where you can ensure proper freshness and
concentration.
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