What does Q10 do to your skin?

What does Q10 do to your skin?

Coenzyme Q10 is one of those familiar-sounding ingredients that is heavily promoted as being super helpful for us, but we don’t necessarily understand why. Let’s dive into this enzyme, heralded as one of the best anti-aging ingredients, to see exactly what it does for our skin.

What Is Coenzyme Q10?

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10, is an enzyme that exists in every cell of our bodies. Our bodies naturally produce it (though production diminishes as we age), and it aids in cell growth and maintenance.

NYC esthetician Nichelle Temple, owner of Inderma Studio, explains how important this multifunctional compound is. “It’s said to boost energy and speed recovery from exercise,” she says. “It also functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and keeping cells healthy,” meaning it can help prevent premature aging.

What Else Does CoQ10 Do?

Lots. First, it helps produce 95% of the body’s energy. CoQ10 also plays a crucial role in many chemical reactions in our cells, Temple explains. “CoQ10 is vital in making skin look younger and maintaining a healthy metabolism.”

As we age, our bodies are less able to naturally produce CoQ10. This depletion, Temple notes, contributes to “the skin’s inability to quickly produce collagen and elastin.” Cue sagging. A deficiency of CoQ10 “can cause the skin to wrinkle, and the body may struggle to lose extra weight because of the decrease in cells’ energy.”

While our bodies are less able to naturally produce CoQ10 as we age, the cosmetic and health industries are ready to help with an array of products that incorporate this enzyme, supplementing for any deficiency and working its magic on our bodies.

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits (and Some Fave Skin Care Products)

  1. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    1. Restorative - Luzern Laboratories Force De Vie Creme

    Why We Love It: Offering a luminous glow, the cream works on many levels, encouraging collagen growth, diminishing fine lines and neutralizing free radicals—all thanks to CoQ10.
    What the Experts Think: This cream is great because it offers benefits for just about anyone, Temple says, “It’s deeply hydrating for dry, sensitive and mature skin types.”
    Reviews Say: “A little goes a long way. My skin glows and my little wrinkles are gone. It’s worth every penny!”

    Buy now with free delivery

  2. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    2. Strengthening - Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil

    Why We Love It: Helping to fight premature aging with CoQ10 and renew the skin’s texture and appearance, this oil delivers antioxidants and leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.  
    What the Experts Think: “Rosehip oil is full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that already do wonders for your skin.” Temple adds, “Including CoQ10 to the blend [helps] soften fine lines and strengthen the barrier function of the skin.”
    Reviews Say: “This product smells delicate and lovely. I look forward to putting it on both morning and night. It feels nourishing, luxurious and hydrating. And I love the fact that it is all natural.”

    Buy now with free delivery

  3. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    3. Calming - Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner

    Why We Love It: This toner calms inflammation with a soothing blend of extracts, brightens the complexion and diminishes fine lines due to CoQ10.
    What the Experts Think: For soothing skin without drying it out, “an alcohol-free toner is the best route,” says Temple. “I’m [also] a huge fan of hyaluronic acid for its hydrating and plumping effects.”

    Reviews Say: “Hands down the best product in my routine. It makes [my] face feel extremely fresh and light, it reduces redness and it goes on super easily.”

    Buy now with free delivery

  4. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    4. Toning and Smoothing - Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum

    Why We Love It: This serum is loaded with antioxidants, including CoQ10, which fights free radicals and plumps the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. 
    What the Experts Think: Temple points out that this serum is “ideal for all skin types,” due to its multitasking nature. Not only does it smooth and tone skin, it hydrates and speeds up cell recovery.
    Reviews Say: “This feels so good on my skin. It gives a nice layer of moisture that kind of wakes up my skin and feels really nice before putting on any other moisturizers or makeup. I use it every day and I love it.”

    Buy now with free delivery

  5. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    5. Balancing - Éminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser

    Why We Love It: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, this cleanser purifies the skin by removing bacteria to prevent breakouts. The CoQ10 helps neutralize free radicals and reduce the signs of aging.
    What the Experts Think: This cleanser, Temple notes, offers a “rich blend of vitamins to protect and cleanse with the bonus of CoQ10.” It’s a nice, big dose of natural goodness.
    Reviews Say: “My skin adores this cleanser. I was recommended this brand by my esthetician and it has quickly become my favorite. I noticed such a difference in my skin with this cleanser. I’m very oily and tend to break out on my cheeks and chin. This has helped calm my skin so much.”

    Buy now with free delivery

  6. 6. Protective - Dr. Dennis Gross Sheer Mineral Sun Spray

    Why We Love It: Providing the essential defense against the sun’s rays and fighting free radicals thanks to CoQ10, this spray goes on sheer (not oily) with a matte finish and long-lasting effects.
    What the Experts Think: Most sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB rays, but Temple notes that the addition of CoQ10 in this one helps protect you from free radicals in the environment, too!
    Reviews Say: “I have almost used up 3 bottles of this product it’s that good! It is loaded with some of the best antioxidants for your skin, they seriously are not playing around just look at the ingredient list, and not only that but at 12% Zinc you know you’ll be getting the protection you need from UV rays.”

    Buy now with free delivery

  7. What does Q10 do to your skin?
    Buy now with Dermstore

    7. Energizing - DHC Coenzyme Q10 Eye Cream

    Why We Love It: This soothing, velvety cream hydrates and minimizes fine lines. Shea butter nourishes while CoQ10 helps energize and restore youthfulness to the eye area.
    What the Experts Think: Temple highlights the “great ingredient list” and the inclusion of CoQ10 to “protect against premature aging.”
    Reviews Say: “CoQ10 Eye Cream is the best eye cream I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a LOT. It goes on with ease, is not greasy and makes my crows feet less noticeable. This one’s a ‘keeper.’”

    Buy now with free delivery

Does CoQ10 make you look younger?

A study shows that skin cells supplemented with CoQ10 have healthier mitochondria. Adding to this is evidence from a clinical trial showing oral CoQ10 supplementation improved the appearance and youthfulness of aging skin. These findings suggest that CoQ10 supports youthful function in tissues throughout the body.

Is cq10 good for your skin?

the skin, CoQ10 can reduce sun damage and increase antioxidant protection. Supplementing with CoQ10 may also help decrease the risk of skin cancer.

How does Q10 work on skin?

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) is a compound that's naturally present in our skin, one that energizes skin cells, which results in antioxidant effects, protecting our skin from oxidative damage. As we age, Q10 levels drop. This leads to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and decreased elasticity.

Does CoQ10 help with sagging skin?

There do not appear to be any studies showing that CoQ10, or any other supplement, can tighten loose skin, but there is some evidence that several other supplements may help to reduce wrinkles and/or increase skin elasticity.