Everything You Need to Know About Coenzyme Q10

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Among the compounds that really remove the aging signs, experts identify coenzyme Q10. In this article, you can read about what you should know about coenzyme Q10, where to find it and how to use it.

Ubiquitous Component

Ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance. It was discovered by British scientists in the 1950s, having isolated from the mucous membrane of the equine intestine.  Experts realized that the elements of this group are contained in every cell of a living creature, so the original name of the component is derived from the word “ubiquitous”.

After Frederick L. Crane obtained coenzyme Q10 from a bovine heart, it was found that most of the ubiquinone is contained in the heart muscle, kidneys, brain, and liver. Later, chemist Peter Mitchell found that this substance plays a significant role in antioxidant processes, after which people began to use coenzyme in the vascular system and gastrointestinal system disease treatment. 

Now the substance is extracted from algae growing in the Japan Sea ​​. Algae are dried, washed, evaporated and as a result, an orange tasteless and odorless powder appears.

Ineffective Inside - Good Outside

Coenzyme Q10 was used by doctors until a study of the Cochrane Library showed that the supplement was ineffective for people who have circulatory system diseases. It turned out that, although the element provides the body with energy and removes free radicals, it does not increase efficiency.

After some time, cosmetologists drew attention to development. They suggested that when applied to the skin, the coenzyme will work more efficiently than when taken as a dietary supplement. Scientists at the University of Oklahoma proved that Q10 stimulates skin regeneration, maintains water balance in cells, helps in the production of collagen, heals wounds, and protects against photoaging.

For a long time, experts were not able to saturate the creams with coenzymes. On the one hand, they easily fell into the epidermis, because they were fat-soluble but on the other hand, they disintegrated when heated to 48 degrees, which makes it difficult to connect them with other components in the usual way. In addition, ubiquinone lost its properties during a long stay in the air.

The problem was solved by liposome technology which is the sealing of coenzyme into lipid vesicles. The technique itself is expensive, which affects the final price of the product, so remember that the cheapest creams may be ineffective. Coenzyme Q10 is often found in anti-aging cosmetics based on fat like serums, creams, and emulsions.

How to Use Coenzyme Q10

Beauticians recommend using cosmetics based on coenzymes after the age of 35. It is believed that by this age the body produces less ubiquinone so it needs to be restored. However, nothing prevents you from buying Q10 now. It can help you to get rid of skin yellowness (especially if you smoke a lot), regulate the production of sebum, hide vascular asterisks, swelling under the eyes, and correct small facial wrinkles.

Coenzyme can be combined with aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid. It can be used during morning and night skincare routine. It should be applied to cleansed skin before moisturizing. Coenzyme Q10, like other antioxidants, is not addictive so you can use it as long as you need it. If you see that it stops work, most likely you achieved the maximum possible result.

Before you start using cosmetics with Q10 content consult a dermatologist to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction to this substance. Otherwise, you will have to stop the course. In addition, contraindications include up to age 14, pregnancy, the period of breastfeeding, hypotension, a tendency to sudden changes in pressure, and vitiligo.