Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is getting more and more recognition as a powerful ingredient for your skin because of its ability to delay visual signs of aging. This potent, energy-producing antioxidant is a little miracle worker in terms of combating wrinkles and boosting your skin's natural complexion and glow.
CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is full of antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors, energizes the skin, and helps your skin retain moisture. In addition to its ability to help even out skin tone, it helps reduce dullness and tightens up the skin.
There are many benefits CoQ10 can potentially provide for younger looking skin. For example, replenishing skin cells, improving skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and working as an antioxidant. CoQ10 can be found in various skincare products and is an ingredient that mixes well with others.
A human study shows that CoQ10 reduces wrinkles by nearly 25% and promotes smoother skin by up to 82%. Laboratory analysis reveals how CoQ10 restores mitochondrial function in aged skin. Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. Vanessa Pavey, ND, in May 2022.
Reduces fine lines and tightens skin
CoQ10's ability to increase elastin production also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging as well as tightening skin for a firmer appearance.
When applied, CoQ10 supports the body to produce more collagen and elastin proteins needed for a firm, elastic skin. Every time you slather on a highly CoQ10-loaded serum, it sinks in the skin, where it promotes the increase of fibroblasts (the ones that secrete collagen) at the cellular level.
CoQ10 positively influences the age-affected cellular metabolism and enables to combat signs of aging starting at the cellular level. As a consequence topical application of CoQ10 is beneficial for human skin as it rapidly improves mitochondrial function in skin in vivo.
Research has connected CoQ10 with increased cellular energy and blood flow which can help support the high energy demands of your hair follicles. CoQ10 may also stimulate the gene responsible for producing different types of hair keratins, especially the ones that are reduced during aging.
Several clinical studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. However, it may take 4 to 12 weeks to see any change.
While naturally occurring CoQ10 can be digested for energy, it can do a number of things in skincare products too. In terms of skincare, it's usually in toners, moisturizers, and under-eye creams, promising to help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Whether you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, have more moisturized skin, or clear up redness, the best vitamins to meet your needs include vitamins E, C, A, D, B, and K.
Scientists from the Institute of Cosmetics in Ljubljana, Slovenia report that 150 mg per day of CoQ10 (Q10Vital) for 12 weeks were associated with reduced wrinkles around the eyes, and around the mouth and lips, compared with placebo.
For our patients, daily supplementation of CoQ10 can lead to doubling their weight loss over several months with the same calorie intake. Also, CoQ10 improves stamina and motivation to exercise, which further helps to achieve an optimal weight.
CoQ10 supplementation is associated with increased energy levels. As with other supplements that boost energy levels, CoQ10 users have reported side effects such as slight stomach upset, headaches, feeling jittery or “wired,” and experiencing mild insomnia.
CoQ10 has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although findings are mixed, CoQ10 might help reduce blood pressure. Some research also suggests that when combined with other nutrients, CoQ10 might aid recovery in people who've had bypass and heart valve surgeries.
Although coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is best known for its role in heart health, few people know that CoQ10 also plays a vital role in metabolic function and fat burning.
It should be noted that taking CoQ10 close to bedtime may cause insomnia in some people, so it's best to take it in the morning or afternoon ( 41 ). CoQ10 supplements can interact with some common medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants and chemotherapy drugs.
There's no standard guideline for the best time to take CoQ10. However, the general rec is to take CoQ10 in the morning with a meal, due to its potential energizing effects. * But like all supplements, CoQ10 isn't one-size-fits-all—so it's possible that a later-in-the-day dose might work for you.
Tamoxifen and CoQ10
Its principal mechanism is to block estrogen-receptor sites on cancer cell membranes, thereby reducing the cell-proliferating effects of estrogen.
CoQ10, vitamin E, and cosupplementation led to decreased serum total testosterone levels (P < 0.001) compared with those of the placebo group. CoQ10 supplementation in combination with vitamin E significantly improved in sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) levels compared with other groups (P = 0.008).
Improved Brain Health
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that in 18 people with depression found that 400 to 800 mg/day CoQ10 for a month decreased the severity of depression symptoms and significantly improved symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and difficulty concentrating or brain fog.
As has already been mentioned, CoQ10 is sometimes associated with fatigue.
The intake of natural vitamin E products helps against collagen cross linking and lipid peroxidation, which are both linked to aging of the skin.
CoQ10 is safe for most people after the age of 18 and is encouraged for anyone with mitochondrial dysfunction, over the age of 35, or anyone trying or planning to conceive.