Q10 is on everyone’s lips. Every second skincare range advertisement mentions Q10. But what is Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short), known as Ubiquinone by professionals in the SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE industry, is a vitamin-like substance found naturally in every cell of the body. It’s essential for energy production in each cell to fulfill the skin’s basic functions – such as regeneration, growth, and repair processes.
In the SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE industry, we are taught that our skin is the outermost layer of the body and our largest organ. It is constantly exposed to various external factors, including the sun’s UV rays, which have an oxidizing effect on our skin, forming free radicals. Free radicals in turn accelerate the skin’s aging process.
Q10 is a naturally produced body enzyme. It is one of the most fundamental antioxidants. Antioxidants are shields applied to your skin to combat all factors that contribute to aging skin such as UV radiation, Infrared radiation, and ozone pollution.
When you’re younger your body can produce as much CoQ10 as required for energy. As we age, aging and stress slow down the CoQ10 production process, and the body’s supplies diminish. This in turn slows down the regeneration of cells in the body. Q10 found in products recommended by your SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapist will combat these effects.
CoQ10 works similarly to another powerhouse ingredient: Vitamin C, the most common antioxidant applied topically for its anti-aging effects. CoQ10 has also been shown to use the same pathway to neutralize free radicals
What is coenzyme Q10’s role in skincare?
Q10 fulfills two tasks simultaneously: It provides cellular energy and protects the cells as an antioxidant.
Q10 is necessary for cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the “power plants” in our cells. In turn, it strengthens various organs such as the heart, muscles, and nerves.
As an antioxidant, Q10 fights off free radicals inside and outside the cells. For this reason, Q10 is so essential for smooth, healthy-looking skin.
What are the benefits of Q10?
Some benefits of Q10 for the skin include:
1. Gives skin the energy it needs for natural repair & regeneration
2. More energized skin equals a more radiant complexion, which allows skin that appears youthful and energetic. CoQ10 likes the limelight and tends to interfere with some of the processes that cause uneven skin tone, resulting in a revitalized complexion.
3. Coenzyme Q10 assists in reducing sun damage due to its powerful antioxidant properties that help to defend the skin from the adverse effects of sun exposure caused by free radicals. Decreasing sun damage helps to prevent sun-induced signs of aging.
4. Q10 supports the production of collagen, which makes up almost 80% of our skin and almost a third of all proteins in our body. An increase in collagen helps to increase cell regeneration, protect delicate organs, strengthen bones, tendons, and joints, and maintain skin elasticity.
5. Q10 helps to reduce the surfacing of fine lines & wrinkles. Due to all the energy, Q10 provides the skin, helping to support the production of collagen.
6. Q10 Helps to Promote an Even Skin Tone by preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by an excess production of melanin. Q10 helps to stop the production of tyrosinase which is the catalyst for melanin production. Q10 is an effective de-pigmentation skincare ingredient that can reduce skin discoloration.
7. It protects the skin from environmental stressors. Our skin takes a daily beating from pollution, UV rays, and other outdoor elements. CoQ10 uses its antioxidant properties to protect the skin by counteracting these effects.
8. It energizes the skin working to invigorate and strengthen it, making it more efficient at soaking up nutrients that keep it healthy.
9. It helps your skin retain moisture by helping your skin kick impurities to the curb, making it easier to hang onto the moisture it already has.
10. It fights dullness and tightens the skin, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
11. It can help prevent future skin damage. Your skin becomes stronger and therefore more capable of resisting damage from environmental stressors over time.
12. It’s safe to mix with other ingredients. Due to CoQ10’s fat-soluble nature, it plays nicely with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. It can also enhance everything from aloe vera and acai to green tea.
Who should use it?
CoQ10 is great for users of all ages. Apart from very small children, CoQ10 is n suitable for people of all ages. It shields skin to the very top. It can neutralize short-term harmful effects and counteract age-related damage. Those with vitiligo should consult their dermatologist before use.
Where is Q10 naturally found?
Thanks to science and some dietary know-how, you can give your body a boost by taking supplements or eating certain foods – legumes, fruits, veggies, and some oils, too.
Which products contain Q10?
Q20 is mainly derived from fermented natural yeast. Once isolated, it goes into vitamins, supplements, and cosmetic products that you can apply topically.
Like its popular friend vitamin C, CoQ10 can enhance serums, moisturizers, and toners, under-eye creams giving skin a jumpstart and helping to even tone, firm skin, and diminish the look of wrinkles.
How often can you use Q10?
A SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapist would advise you to apply it daily. CoQ10 is well-tolerated by most people and can be applied regularly without issues. You can incorporate products that contain Q10 into both your morning and night-time skincare routines.
CoQ10 can be used daily in your morning and night skincare routines. It should be applied before any heavy moisturizers.
The good news is that it is safe to mix with other ingredients. It works well with Aloe Vera, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid. It is advised to mix Q10 with similar ingredients for the best results.