COQ10 Benefits and How it Can Help Your Skin
- In the world of antioxidants, coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) is a big deal. Produced naturally by the body, this coenzyme can be found in foods like organ meats, avocados and fish.
- Like other dietary supplements, the benefits of CoQ10 depend on the dosage amount. It supports energy production and mitochondrial function—and it may even reduce signs of aging in your skin.
- Want the ingredients to support brain and body energy? Get CoQ10, plus PQQ and Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil, in Bulletproof Unfair Advantage.†
The name “Coenzyme-Q10” sounds a little sci-fi, but it’s a potent antioxidant that your body naturally produces. Also called CoQ10, ubiquinone or ubiquinol, CoQ10 plays a key role in cell growth and maintenance.[1] And when you supplement with CoQ10 beyond what your body produces, you support extra CoQ10 health benefits like energy production and mitochondrial function. Plus, your skin can benefit from supplementing with this critical compound.
Here are a few of the benefits of CoQ10, including the ways this antioxidant protects against oxidative stress, supports heart health and gives your brain and body a mental and physical boost.†
What is Coenzyme q10 (CoQ10)?
CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that your cells use for energy and support to protect against oxidative damage and free radicals. It is a coenzyme, which means that certain enzymes in the human body need it to function properly.
Your body produces CoQ10 naturally, but the levels of CoQ10 you make and store decline with age.[2] To keep your levels of CoQ10 up and combat CoQ10 deficiency, you can get coenzyme Q10 from foods like organ meats, oysters, cruciferous vegetables, avocados and fish that are high in fatty acids like mackerel and sardines.
The thing is, to reach the daily dose you get in a typical CoQ10 supplement, you would have to eat a large amount of some of these foods—like more than 150 avocados, pounds of mackerel and hundreds of oysters. Going with CoQ10 supplementation is a lot easier.
And when you learn about the benefits of CoQ10, you’ll quickly realize how much it affects different parts of the body.
Health benefits of CoQ10 for skin
A randomized controlled trial study conducted at the Institute of Cosmetics in Ljubljana, Slovenia found that taking Coenzyme-Q10 (ubiquinol) reduced several signs of aging in the skin.[3]
Researchers measured the effects of CoQ10 on things like hydration, skin thickness and elasticity (stretchiness), and they tracked the appearance of visible wrinkles. They found that daily coenzyme q10 supplementation with 50 and 150 mg of CoQ10 over the course of 12 weeks improved every single one of these measures compared to a placebo.
Similarly, scientists in the cosmetics industry have extensively researched CoQ10 as an ingredient in topical creams.[4]
Over time, and with lots of studies and clinical trials, researchers found that CoQ10’s properties may help with aging from several angles.†
CoQ10 and how your skin cells produce energy
CoQ10 helps mitochondria make energy for your skin cells, which makes your skin cells work better and stay younger.[5]
When you’re young, your skin cells get their energy from mitochondria using oxygen. As you age, your energy metabolism in your skin cells shifts to a non-mitochondrial pathway. Scientists think that shift triggers the breakdown in skin structure that contributes to wrinkles and sagging skin.[6]
Research shows that CoQ10 supports improved mitochondrial function in the human body, and one study showed that it preserves your mitochondria so that your skin cells can get their energy via mitochondria longer, instead of switching to anaerobic energy production that contributes to skin structure breakdown.[7]
More Supplements From Bulletproof
CoQ10 and structural proteins
CoQ10 turns on genes that make key proteins for skin structure and turns off genes that make collagenase, the enzyme that breaks down collagen. This protects the collagen you have and allows your skin to produce more.[8]
You want to produce more collagen. This structural protein supports hydrated skin, skin elasticity and skin plumpness. The human body also uses collagen to build everything from connective tissue to tendons. Learn more about why your skin needs collagen to stay young.†
Pro tip: Bulletproof Collagen Protein gives your body the building blocks it needs for healthy hair, skin and nails.† Available in many different forms, it’s easy to incorporate collagen protein into your favorite drink, smoothie or morning cup of Bulletproof Coffee for a multi-dimensional form of support.
CoQ10 is protective against cell damage
As an antioxidant, CoQ10 protects your skin cells against free radicals and oxidative stress from elements like the sun and pollution. In addition, it may help reduce effects from occasional overexposure to UV rays, which helps prevent signs of premature aging.[9]
Researchers have also shown that CoQ10 combats the appearance of dark spots, which gives a youthful, even skin tone.† [10]
CoQ10 side effects
CoQ10 supplements are generally safe when used as directed, however, some people may experience an upset stomach and other digestive side effects when supplementing with CoQ10. When in doubt, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. And always be sure to read the labels. As with any dietary supplement, make sure you’re getting science-backed ingredients, not added sugar, soy or other junk.
How to choose a CoQ10 supplement
Which form of CoQ10 supplement is right for you? Like other dietary supplements, you’ll get different health and wellness benefits based on what amount of CoQ10 you use. If you want skin benefits, look for CoQ10 in amounts between 50 and 150 mg (that’s the studied amount).
If you’re looking for CoQ10 to support energy production and cell health, go with Unfair Advantage. This next-level energy supplement combines CoQ10 with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in the active form, all packaged with Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil.†
These ingredients work together to fuel your mitochondria and help power your brain and body. Even better? Unfair Advantage is caffeine-free, so you can take it anytime—whether you’re prepping for a packed day of high-level meetings, a late-night study session or your next big workout.
Want to learn more about ways to support your brain and body? Check out our list of natural energy supplements.
Sign up for early access to sales, product launches, the latest Bulletproof news and more!
This article has been updated with new content.