We caught up with skincare experts Luzern to find out exactly what Coenzyme Q10 is and what it can do for our skin. Powerful Antioxidant Protection. Ubiquinone, also called Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is a natural lipophilic (fat-soluble) antioxidant present in the skin. It is one of the strongest lipid-soluble antioxidants known to protect cells from free radical damage. As antioxidants such as CoQ10 penetrate the skin, they can turn harmful free radicals into harmless compounds, thus stopping them from damaging cell membranes and destroying elastin and collagen. While stopping the bad from occurring, they can also multi-task to help stimulate collagen, boost cellular energy production in the skin, and even help fade hyperpigmentation or age spots. Since CoQ10 diminishes with age and is under the influence of external stress factors in healthy skin, it is important to look for skincare products with antioxidants, such as CoQ10. Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, & Antioxidants Free radicals are unstable molecules whose naturally paired electrons have been split up making it active in search of stealing another electron from a healthy cell to become stable. Every day, unbeknownst to the common us, we expose ourselves to free radicals; - the result of exposure to UV rays, smoke, pollution and other environmental sources. When the unstable cell steals an electron from the healthy cell; the healthy cell becomes impaired causing it to go search for an electron so it can be complete, which can cause an endless cycle of unhealthy cells in search of replacing their missing electron which if not stopped can wreak havoc on your skin! Oxidative stress occurs when you combine free radicals with oxygen, and the free radicals are greater than the body’s ability to detoxify them. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. When oxidative stress occurs, the free radicals can cause premature signs of ageing, uneven skin tone and texture, and even alter cell membranes and change DNA. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation. That is why it's important to constantly replenish and incorporate the right antioxidants into your skincare routine. Combined Forces Research has shown that certain key antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ubiquinol may cooperate with each other in a regenerative manner in the cell. They appear to work in synergy to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, each of these strong antioxidants has its own unique special role within the cells. Luzern liposome-delivered Coenzyme Q10 is a super antioxidant essential for all cellular activity. It is the “spark” that provides the energy cells need for collagen and elastin production, nutrient utilization, and a key component in fighting free radicals. Coenzyme Q10 can also be found in Luzern’s Alp Pure Cellular Renewal complex. This complex is a fusion of Biodyne TRF, CoQ10, Vitamin C, Edelweiss & Alpha Lipoic Acid. Created to optimize cellular energy, this complex facilitates the skin's repair mechanism to reduce the effect of oxidative damage & inflammation while enabling cells to withstand stress and regenerate properly. Benefits to Skin There are 5 ways in which CoQ10 benefits your skin. It energizes your skin. It protects against photo-ageing It rejuvenates skin by stimulating skin cell activity. It stimulates collagen production. It is a potent antioxidant that acts against oxidative damage. Be sure to look for this powerhouse ingredient in your skincare products as this is a necessary ingredient you’ll want to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. Shop here for Luzern
