Article Summary:
- The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 and its role in enhancing cellular metabolism synergistically protect the skin from oxidative stress.*
- The bioavailability and absorption of a CoQ10 supplement depend largely on the type of formulation.
- Tesseract’s CoQ10 Pro® is a unique formulation developed for the targeted delivery of CoQ10 molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for optimal absorption.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is widely known for its antioxidant properties and is used as a nutritional supplement to inhibit the adverse effects of oxidative stress on vital cellular components.* Although CoQ10 is endogenously produced in the body, the level of CoQ10 decreases with age or due to certain pathological conditions. Depleted levels of CoQ10 can adversely affect various health functions, including the skin.
As the most voluminous organ of the body, the skin is exposed to external stress factors, including prolonged sun exposure and pollution. The production of free radicals due to oxidative stress triggered by both intrinsic and extrinsic stress factors damages many of the skin’s cellular components.
Skin cells (cutaneous cells) require a high amount of energy and significant cellular metabolism to resist these harmful effects and regenerate and repair tissues. Low CoQ10 levels are associated with a decline in both cellular energy production and mitochondrial activity, which can impair cellular and tissue functions. This can lead to visible structural alterations of the skin, such as:
- Thin and dry skin
- Fine and coarse wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity
- Rough-textured appearance
- Sagging skin
Several studies indicate the beneficial role of CoQ10 in promoting healthy skin and hair.* Below, we discuss Coenzyme Q10’s skin benefits and different CoQ10 supplements available for supporting healthy skin.*
Coenzyme Q10 Skin Benefits — An Overview
The wide use of Coenzyme Q10 as a nutritional supplement to support optimal skin health, especially the dermis layer, lies in its capacity to enhance cellular energy metabolism and its antioxidant effects.* The following table highlights some Coenzyme Q10 skin benefits established through various research studies.
| Coenzyme Q10 Skin Benefits* | |
| Stimulating collagen production*: Collagen is a necessary protein for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and hydration. A study1 on the effect of CoQ10 on cultured human skin fibroblast** showed that CoQ10 increased the mRNA expression of type I, IV, and VII collagen, along with other critical proteins such as elastin and HSP47.* **Dermal fibroblasts are the main cell type present in the dermis, the skin connective tissue. | |
| Enhancing cellular metabolism*: An in vivo study2 on keratinocytes — the most dominant cell type in the epidermis, has revealed the positive influence of CoQ10 in enhancing the mitochondrial function of aging skin cells.* | |
| Mitigating oxidative damage to skin*: Studies3 show that CoQ10 is effective against UVA-mediated oxidative stress in keratinocytes, inhibiting oxidative DNA damage and suppressing the expression of collagenase — the enzyme that breaks down collagen in dermal fibroblasts following UVA radiation.* | |
| Limiting seasonal deterioration of viscoelasticity: A placebo-controlled study4 on the effects of daily supplementation of CoQ10 on skin parameters showed the intake of CoQ10 limited seasonal deterioration of skin viscoelasticity—the property that results in stability and flexibility of the skin.* |
Although there are multiple CoQ10 skin benefits, the antioxidant molecule in its natural state displays low solubility and poor oral bioavailability, stability, and permeability, which hinders its therapeutic effects. Recently developed supplement formulations have enhanced the absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 in the body.
Different Types of CoQ10 Supplements
Although a balanced diet can provide a sufficient amount of CoQ10, additional supplementation can be required for particular health conditions. Coenzyme Q10 supplements are usually available in soft gel capsules, hard shell capsules, sprays, tablets, and topical creams. The following table briefly discusses these different types of CoQ10 supplements.
| Softgel/ Hard Shell Capsules | Spray | Tablets | Topical cream |
| Formulated to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of CoQ10. | Oral sprays are developed for small, tailored dosages. | CoQ10 chewable tablets have enhanced palatability to accomplish patient compliance. | The topical application of CoQ10 is shown5 to increase CoQ10 levels on the skin surface. |
It is worth noting that the efficacy and benefits of CoQ10 supplementation vary depending on the formulation. Among alternative approaches to enhance CoQ10 absorption, CoQ10 nanoparticles display promising results.
The CoQ10 Pro® developed by Tesseract Medical Research is a hypoallergenic, solubility-enhanced CoQ10 formulation for optimal absorption and bioavailability. The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables targeted active ingredient delivery at the desired point in the intestinal tract for unprecedented absorption. The revolutionary formulation helps keep your skin healthy and protected from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your cardiovascular health.*
Citations:
1Mine Y, et al. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition 2022;77(1):29-33. doi:10.3164/jcbn.20-187
2Prahl S, et al. BioFactors (Oxford, England) 2008;32(1-4):245-55. doi:10.1002/biof.5520320129
3Hoppe U, et al. BioFactors (Oxford, England) 1999;9(2-4)371-378. doi:10.1002/biof.5520090238
4Žmitek K, et al. BioFactors (Oxford, England) 2017;43(1):132-140. doi:10.1002/biof.1316
5Knott A, et al. BioFactors (Oxford, England) 2015;41(6):383-390. doi:10.1002/biof.1239
