The Skin Benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10, also known as coenzyme Q, is a naturally occurring and abundant enzyme found in every cell of the human body. This precious nutrient plays key roles in various physiological functions including energy production, neutralizing reactive oxygen species, and cellular regeneration – just to name a few. In a healthy and youthful body, CoQ10 is produced effortlessly and plentifully. However, as the body ages biologically; whether naturally or rapidly from various stressors, the body loses its ability to manufacture adequate levels of CoQ10. This results in further aging as the cells no longer regenerate as rapidly and therefore become more vulnerable to stress. Due to the obvious correlation between CoQ10 levels and biological aging, supplementing with CoQ10 has increased in popularity. It has gained special interest in the world of natural health, anti-aging and specifically, skin health.

CoQ10 and Your Skin

The skin benefits of CoQ10 are plentiful. In general, the less CoQ10 present in the skin, the less healthy it tends to be. CoQ10 assists the process of collagen synthesis and elastin production. We talk a lot about collagen in our posts due to its highly important role in maintaining the integrity and structure of the skin matrix. The loss of collagen and elastin is the number one factor in aged, wrinkled and saggy skin. Additionally, CoQ10 is one of the more powerful antioxidants in the body. Something else we discuss often is the role of oxidative stress in the aging process. Oxidative stress causes damage to skin cells. Therefore, inhibiting and minimizing oxidative stress is key for keeping the skin young and healthy. Another way CoQ10 assists in healthy skin is by increasing the absorption of other essential skin-nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E. These two vitamins and antioxidants have protective qualities to the skin, aid in collagen production, and keep the blood vessels healthy – supplementing with CoQ10 helps to enhance their abilities.

Using CoQ10 to Slow Aging, Protect & Revitalize Your Skin

The supplementation of CoQ10 is an intelligent way to protect your skin from the damage of free radicals, while simultaneously invigorating your skin’s appearance by aiding in the production of collagen and elastin. You can acquire CoQ10 via diet, supplementation and even topical use to effectively help fight the signs of aging. The best food sources of CoQ10 include: • Grass-fed beef • Wild-caught, fatty fish (mackerel, herring, sardines) • Pastured chicken • Rainbow trout • Sesame seeds • Pistachio nuts • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Oranges • Strawberries • Pastured eggs If you choose to supplement with CoQ10, it is recommended that adults take at least 200 milligrams daily to experience maximum benefits. Also, most supplement dosage varies depending on age and weight; generally speaking, the older and heavier your body, the higher the dose you will need. A final tip, as with most supplements, CoQ10 supplements can be potentially allergenic. This is simply because the human digestive system is designed to digest food and not supplements. Because of this, topical supplementation can be much more effective. If you’re interested in the anti-aging, skin benefits of CoQ10, we recommend eating a diet rich in CoQ10. Also, we invite you try the new Alitura Gold Serum, specially formulated with this miraculous nutrient!