Aged skin is strongly correlated with abnormal mitochondrial function, elevated oxidant levels, and a decline in CoQ10 levels. This decline is evident with aging, irrespective of UV radiation exposure, but is exacerbated by excessive UV radiation, leading to oxidative stress. This reduction in CoQ10 is also associated with diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and a shift from lipolysis to glycolysis for sustaining energy metabolism.[1] For these reasons, CoQ10 is believed to offer skin protection due to its role as a mitochondrial factor and antioxidant.[2]
In vitro studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 may improve skin elasticity by increasing elastin expression[3] and preserving collagen.[4] CoQ10 may also have anti-wrinkle effects by protecting against UV damage,[5] and depigmentation potential[3] with more pronounced effects in cells purposely depleted of CoQ10.[6]
Furthermore, the application of a cream containing 0.01% of CoQ10 twice daily for a week, both in older and younger individuals, increased and preserved mitochondrial membrane function, suggesting a potential benefit of using CoQ10 in anti-aging skin care products.[1]
Additionally, a few studies have used combination therapies, usually with vitamin E, retinyl palmitate (highly bioactive form of vitamin A), grape seed extract (as oil), and linseed oil, and found that topical application of these combination therapies protected against UV and reduced wrinkling in aged subjects.[7]
References
- ^S Prahl, T Kueper, T Biernoth, Y Wöhrmann, A Münster, M Fürstenau, M Schmidt, C Schulze, K-P Wittern, H Wenck, G-M Muhr, T BlattAging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin careBiofactors.(2008)
- ^Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stäb F, Steckel FCoenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizerBiofactors.(1999)
- ^M Zhang, L Dang, F Guo, X Wang, W Zhao, R ZhaoCoenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitroInt J Cosmet Sci.(2012 Jun)
- ^Thomas Blatt, Gian Paolo LittarruBiochemical rationale and experimental data on the antiaging properties of CoQ(10) at skin levelBiofactors.(2011 Sep-Oct)
- ^Inui M, Ooe M, Fujii K, Matsunaka H, Yoshida M, Ichihashi MMechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ10 on UVB-induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo.Biofactors.(2008)
- ^López LC, Quinzii CM, Area E, Naini A, Rahman S, Schuelke M, Salviati L, Dimauro S, Hirano MTreatment of CoQ(10) deficient fibroblasts with ubiquinone, CoQ analogs, and vitamin C: time- and compound-dependent effects.PLoS One.(2010-Jul-30)
- ^Felippi CC, Oliveira D, Ströher A, Carvalho AR, Van Etten EA, Bruschi M, Raffin RPSafety and efficacy of antioxidants-loaded nanoparticles for an anti-aging application.J Biomed Nanotechnol.(2012-Apr)