Zymes llc. CoQ10 Can Be Applied Topically to the Skin

CoQ₁₀ Can Be Applied Topically to the Skin

Skin, the largest human organ, protects the body from environmental stressors including pollution, infectious agents, ultraviolet radiation, and free radicals. Skin damage increases with age due, in part, to the change in balance between harmful pro-oxidants (free radicals, reactive oxygen species) and beneficial antioxidants in the skin. Antioxidants normally found in the skin include vitamin E, vitamin C and coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀). As with other vital organs such as the heart and brain, levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ in the skin decline with age. Coenzyme Q₁₀ functions in the skin as an antioxidant to reduce ultraviolet-induced oxidative damage and is the first antioxidant depleted in response to ultraviolet radiation.

Normal Skin Anatomy and Physiology

There are three layers to the skin. The outermost layer, the corneum, is composed mainly of dead cells. Under the corneum are the living layers; the epidermis and dermis. To be able to act as an antioxidant when applied to the skin, coenzyme Q₁₀ needs to penetrate and reach the living layers below. Studies have shown that topical application of coenzyme Q₁₀ is absorbed into the skin and penetrates into the living layers below.

When coenzyme Q₁₀ is topically applied and absorbed in the skin, the amount of coenzyme Q₁₀ increases in human sebum. ¹ Several studies in cells, animals, and humans have shown that coenzyme Q₁₀ is an effective antioxidant in skin cells and that free radical formation is decreased. ^{2, 3} These types of studies demonstrate the ability of coenzyme Q₁₀ to reduce oxidative stress in the skin. Topical application of coenzyme Q₁₀ has been shown to have beneficial effects in preventing damage and wrinkles due to sun exposure (photoaging) and due to the normal aging (chronological aging) processes. ³

Coenzyme Q₁₀ has been shown to be safe when topically applied. It does not cause skin irritation, even in people who have sensitive skin and suffer from stinging when certain cosmetics are applied. ²

References:

1. Passi S, De Pita, O, Puddu, P, Littarru, GP, Lipophilic antioxidants in human sebum and aging, Free Radic Res. 2002 36(4): 471-7.
2. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schanchtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stab F, Steckel F. CoQ₁₀, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors 1999;9:371-378.
3. Blatt T, Mundt C, Mummert C, Maksiuk, T, Wolber R. Keyhani R, Schreiner V, Hoppe U, Schachtschabel DO, Stab F. Modulation of oxidative stresses in human aging skin. Gerontol Geriatr. 1999 Apr: 32(2):83-8.

• Coenzyme Q₁₀
  • History of CoQ₁₀
  • What is CoQ₁₀?
  • Where Does CoQ₁₀ Come From?
    • CoQ₁₀ Biosynthesis
    • Dietary CoQ₁₀
    • CoQ₁₀ Can Be Taken as a Dietary Supplement
    • CoQ₁₀ Can Be Applied Topically to the Skin
  • What Does CoQ₁₀ Do?
    • CoQ₁₀ is Required to Produce Energy (ATP)
    • CoQ₁₀ is a Powerful Antioxidant
  • Lipid Solubility
• CoQ₁₀ and Health
  • CoQ₁₀ and Aging
  • CoQ₁₀ and Obesity
• CoQ₁₀ and Disease
  • CoQ₁₀ and Statin Therapy
  • CoQ₁₀ and Neurodegenerative Disease
  • CoQ₁₀ and Diabetes
• Become an Empowered, Educated Consumer
  • Anatomy of a Scientific Article
  • Understanding Statistics in Science and Medicine
  • Drug Discovery
  • How to Search the Scientific Literature
  • How to Find Out About Ongoing Clinical Trials
• Appendices
  • Glossary