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What if we told you that there was an oft-forgotten beauty ingredient that fights signs of ageing, evens skin tone, boosts collagen, and neutralises free radicals? It might sound too good to be true, but the multitasking heroine CoQ10 is that ingredient. It’s a naturally occurring enzyme that is essential for the function of almost every cell in the body. Read on for why it’s a powerhouse for anti-ageing and the best products to use to get the most out of it.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a nickname - its full name is Coenzyme Q10 and it’s an antioxidant that we produce in our body, one that is used in almost every cell we have for growth and repair which is why it’s such a popular dietary supplement.
While we all make it, the levels of CoQ10 start to deplete the older we get. We steadily produce less and less from around the age of 20. So, topping up our levels with our diet (think meat, fish, and nuts) and topically (with CoQ10-rich serums and creams) means we can continue to reap its benefits if we give our bodies a helping hand.
Why is it so good for our skin?
As an antioxidant:
Ageing can be accelerated by free radical damage. Also known as oxidisation, free radical damage comes from environmental factors like pollution and the sun. Because it’s an antioxidant, CoQ10 can neutralise free radicals so they don’t start to break down our healthy cells and tissue which can cause dull, wrinkled, or tired skin.
As an anti-ageing ingredient:
CoQ10 is necessary for mitochondrial function. A quick school science refresher: mitochondria generate energy from our food and give it to our cells. The younger we are, the easier this is. With this extra boost of energy, it encourages the production of collagen (which gives skin its plump) and the repair of those skin cells (by nourishing the mitochondria) that have sustained damage both from ageing and the environment which shows on our skin as wrinkles and hollowness.
As a treatment for hyperpigmentation:
Age spots, sunspots, and darker freckles increase as we get older. All these types of hyperpigmentation are caused by concentrated melanin and to create melanin, we need the enzyme tyrosinase. CoQ10 has been shown to block this enzyme and, when applied topically, can work to reduce the appearance of those uneven patches.
As a collagen booster:
Collagen is basically the glue that holds our tissue and skin together. It’s vital for its structure and function so when it starts to naturally break down as we age, we lose that ‘plump’ and bounce. CoQ10, being the all-rounder that it is, encourages our body to produce more collagen - which of course we love.
Where can I find it?
We wouldn’t tease you with an ingredient this naturally powerful if we didn’t know exactly where to find it. Our collection of four CoQ10 products includes COQ10 Booster Oil, Replenishing Night Cream, CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate, and the Rejuvenating Overnight Mask. Since our bodies make it already, it’s recognised easily by our skin making it ‘skin-identical’. It’s vegan, easily absorbed, and plays well with other actives like vitamin C so we can use it every day – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
