Cosmetics what is coenzyme

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, coenzyme Q10) is a substance that can combine with proteins in the human body and take part in the production of energy. It was first used in medicine. Scientists have found a connection between the concentration of this substance in energy-intensive organs (heart, brain, liver) and their diseases. So, the more coenzyme, the less chance of developing diseases. That is why the coenzyme began to be produced in the form of medicines. And only after that it became a lifesaver for those who want to preserve their youth.

Manufacturers add Q10 to many skin care products. But why is it needed? First of all, the substance is intended to moisturize the skin, nourish and rejuvenate. Coenzyme also stimulates the supply of energy to cells, which in turn affects their regeneration (skin rejuvenation occurs). This substance can be found in products for the skin around the eyes, face, décolleté, as well as in body milk and hair care products. It is included in both budget and luxury cosmetics.

But, unfortunately, not all products contain a high enough concentration of the substance to achieve the desired results, so we advise you to study the composition before purchasing the product. Experts also advise storing the product closed, since coenzyme Q10 is quickly destroyed in contact with oxygen.

The traditional source of this substance is algae, which is mined in the Sea of ​​Japan. They are dried, washed, evaporated, and crushed. The resulting powder is then added to cosmetics or mixed with other drugs.

Experts advise using skincare products with coenzyme Q10 after 30–35 years. At this age, production and synthesis decrease, so the skin needs protection and support. At the same time, cosmetologists do not advise pregnant and lactating women to use cosmetics with this substance.

In recent years, Coenzyme Q10 has become so popular that its name and powerful antioxidant properties are now known not only to specialists, but also to ordinary beauty users. You will learn the benefits of this substance for the skin in our article.

1. What is Coenzyme Q10
2. Functions in the body
3. Indications for use
4. Restrictions on use
5. Benefits for facial skin

What is Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as coenzyme Q10, coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinone, are odorless and tasteless orange pigments. They are a group of fat-soluble coenzymes that are found primarily in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Ubiquinone serves as a component of the chain of movement of charged particles and takes part in oxidative phosphorylation.

The term “coenzyme Q” was introduced in 1955 to designate a substance found in almost all living cells. And two years later its chemical structure was established. The main source of coenzyme Q10 is seaweed.

The second most popular name for coenzyme Q10 is ubiquinone. It comes from the words ubiquitous - “omnipresent” and quinone - “quinone”. The substance got its name because it was found in the cells of almost all living beings.

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the leading ingredients in cosmetics © iStock

Functions in the body

The coenzyme Q10 molecule is similar in structure to vitamins E and K and, like these substances, is also a powerful antioxidant. However, the action of the coenzyme in the human body is not limited to this function.

In addition to protecting cells from the negative effects of free radicals, it:

charges cells with energy and stimulates their regeneration;

regulates metabolic processes in cellular tissue;

Helps maintain optimal skin moisture levels;

increases the rate of collagen production;

inhibits age-related destruction of elastin fibers of the epidermis, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the depth of wrinkles;

has anti-inflammatory and calming effects;

accelerates skin healing;

restores the antioxidant activity of tocopherol (vitamin E).

Coenzyme is used in moisturizing and anti-aging beauty formulas © iStock

Indications for use

Coenzyme Q10 exists not only in cosmetics, but also in the form of a dietary supplement. Experts can recommend taking it in this form in a number of cases:

elderly patients, since with age the synthesis of this substance decreases and reaches a critically low level by the age of 80;

for heart diseases and as a prevention of heart attack;

for athletes - to strengthen muscles;

smokers, since they have noticed a significant decrease in the content of coenzyme Q10 in the body.

Coenzyme Q10 – a powerful antioxidant © iStock

Restrictions on use

As a component of cosmetic products, coenzyme Q10 has no restrictions. However, keeping in mind individual intolerance, it is still recommended to test cosmetics based on this substance on the skin in the elbow area before use.

Benefits for facial skin

As a well-proven antioxidant, ubiquinone is increasingly used in anti-aging and moisturizing cosmetics.

In cosmetics, coenzyme Q10 is contained, for example, in serum for a youthful look Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes from Vichy. This multi-tasking product cares for both the skin around the eyes and eyelashes.

Free radicals damage lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. However, lipids and proteins can be destroyed and synthesized again, so damage to these molecules causes either cell death or temporary disability. Nucleic acid damage, on the other hand, can accumulate and cause chronic changes in cell functioning. It is DNA damage that carries the greatest danger and is the cause of both aging and tumor degeneration of the cell. Damage to mitochondrial DNA disrupts the energy of the cell, and the free radicals that the defective respiratory chain begins to produce damage the cellular genome. All this suggests that it is the mitochondrion that can be the clock that counts the biological age of all organisms.

There is evidence that animals that have a long life expectancy have low levels of free radical production in the mitochondria. For example, birds, which have a high metabolic rate, nevertheless live long lives, unlike rodents, whose lives are short. This is explained by the fact that intensive metabolism in birds is combined with a low level of free radical production in the mitochondria.

If an increase in the production of free radicals in mitochondria is the cause of aging, then by reducing the production of radicals, we are able to slow down aging and prolong youth. There are different ways to reduce the oxidative load on mitochondria. The most popular is limiting calorie intake. By reducing the amount of food consumed daily, we reduce the flow of oxidized molecules into the mitochondria, which means we relieve the respiratory chain. The results indicate that calorie restriction leads to a marked increase in life expectancy in experimental animals. It is clear that we cannot completely stop consuming food and oxygen, since then there will be nothing to produce energy from. Another way to slow down mitochondrial aging is to reduce your intake of polyunsaturated fats and replace them with monounsaturated fats. Proponents of this method argue their point of view by the fact that it is polyunsaturated acids that are susceptible to oxidation, while monounsaturated ones are much more stable. There is evidence that the aging of mitochondria is slowed down by acetyl-E-carnitine, which increases the efficiency of the respiratory chain. Finally, the accumulation of damage in mitochondrial DNA can be prevented by the introduction of antioxidants, which will catch free radicals before they can cause irreparable damage. Based on these considerations, coenzyme Q10, which is a natural protector of mitochondria from oxidative stress, can become a real elixir of youth. Coenzyme Q10 plays the role of an antioxidant not only in mitochondria, but also in biological membranes and blood plasma. Moreover, its antioxidant effect is associated not only with the direct interception of free radicals, but also with the fact that coenzyme Q can reduce tocopherol (vitamin E). The problem with all antioxidants is that in the process of fighting free radicals they oxidize and lose activity. Therefore, antioxidants usually work in pairs or entire groups, in which different antioxidants support and restore each other (antioxidant synergy). Coenzyme Q10 restores vitamin E, and due to its lipophilicity, it does this better than the well-known tocopherol reducer ascorbic acid. Coenzyme Q10 itself does not need partners, since the cell has enzyme systems that ensure its restoration.

It would seem that a fat-soluble substance that restores cell energy, has an antioxidant effect, and can slow down aging is an ideal ingredient for cosmetic compositions. However, until recently, coenzyme Q10 could only be found in some whitening creams, the action of which is based on blocking the biosynthesis of tyrosine. The fact is that coenzyme Q10 is synthesized from the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. Whitening creams that block tyrosine synthesis disrupt the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 in the skin. As a result, the skin ages faster. The introduction of coenzyme Q10 into whitening creams helps reduce their side effects.

In this case, cosmetics compensate for the lack of coenzyme Q10 caused by exposure to other cosmetic ingredients. It is known that the content of coenzyme Q10 also decreases in aging skin. Why not use coenzyme Q10 in anti-age cosmetics? And so, at the Beauty Institute in Moscow, a series of creams for aging skin Nivea Visage Q10 was tested. The results showed that creams with Coenzyme Q10 increase the moisture content of the skin, increase its elasticity and reduce the depth of fine wrinkles. This suggests that Coenzyme Q10 may well be not only a dietary supplement, but also an effective cosmetic ingredient.

Apparently use of coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics was limited by purely technical difficulties. This substance requires fairly careful handling, it cannot be heated above 50 ° C, it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight, and in addition, the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 is completely lost during oxidation. On the other hand, if you use CoQ10 as a dietary supplement, there is a good chance that only a tiny amount of ubiquinone will reach the skin cells, since it will be absorbed by those cells that need it most. Typically these are liver and heart muscle cells, which require huge amounts of coenzyme Q10. Of course, by applying coenzyme Q10 to the skin, we will get the effect much faster, especially since, like any fat-soluble antioxidant, it easily penetrates the epidermal barrier.

So, what effect can we expect by introducing coenzyme Q10 into cosmetic products? As a fat-soluble molecule, it is able to penetrate the epidermal barrier and reach the living layers of the epidermis. It can be included in liposomal creams along with other antioxidants. At the same time, coenzyme Q10 will promote the regeneration of tocopherol, which will allow the use of this antioxidant in lower concentrations. In addition to the antioxidant effect characteristic of other antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10 will improve the energy of skin cells by supporting the normal functioning of mitochondria. Systematic use of coenzyme Q10 will reduce oxidative damage to mitochondria and significantly delay the onset of age-related skin changes. External use of coenzyme Q10 can be supplemented by the use of nutritional supplements, however, in this case, coenzyme Q10 will be primarily distributed between the cells of the brain, heart and liver.

Currently, ubiquinone is obtained from special algae that are mined off the coast of Japan. Ready-made coenzyme Q10 is a powder that requires fairly careful handling. It cannot be heated above 50° C, which must be taken into account when using coenzyme Q10 as a cosmetic ingredient. The effectiveness of cosmetics containing coenzyme Q10 will be determined by how well coenzyme Q10 has retained its properties. Today, coenzyme Q10, not without reason, is considered the most promising ingredient that can revolutionize anti-age therapy.

The author expresses gratitude to Professor, Doctor of Chemical Sciences for advice and assistance in preparing the material. Natalya Grigorievna Khrapova, Institute of Biochemical Physics named after. N.M. Emanuel.