What is Q10 and what are its affects on the skin

Q10 occurs naturally in all of our body cells. It is essential for energy production and thus jointly responsible for the basic functions of the skin - such as regeneration, growth and repair processes.

Let’s take a closer look at what Q10 is and what it is good for.

WHAT IS Q10 AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

The coenzyme Q10 (also called ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like substance. It occurs naturally in every cell of the body and makes a vital contribution there. It’s essential for energy production to fulfil the skin’s basic functions such as regeneration and repair.

As our skin is the outermost layer of the body, it is constantly exposed to various external factors, including oxidative stress caused by the sun’s UV rays. Plus, internal processes can cause the release of free radicals which cause further damage to our cells and accelerate signs of ageing.

What is coenzyme Q10’s role and why is it so effective in skincare?

Q10 fulfils two tasks at the same time: It provides energy and protects the cells as an antioxidant.

Energy generation

Q10 is particularly necessary for cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the “power plants” in our cells. In this way, it strengthens the heart, muscles and nerves.

Defense function

As an antioxidant, Q10 also fights off free radicals inside and outside the cells. Put simply, these are aggressive molecules that occur naturally in the body. In particular, UV radiation, stress and environmental toxins can increase the number of free radicals. If the concentration is too high, free radicals lead to oxidative stress. This can damage the cells and promote inflammation, but also accelerate skin ageing. This is why Q10 is so essential for smooth, healthy-looking skin.

1. Gives skin the energy it needs for natural repair & regeneration

One of the key benefits of Q10 is that it provides the cells in your skin with the critical energy needed for it to be able to repair and regenerate itself, meaning it is able to better carry out its basic functions.

2. More energised skin equals a more radiant complexion

Skin that is said to look youthful and energetic generally contains high levels of Q10. This is because, with the energy that Q10 is providing the skin, it can repair and regenerate at a faster rate to stay looking young and energised. On the other hand, as skin ages, its natural levels of Q10 begin to diminish, meaning it does not repair and regenerate as fast, so can look dull and tired. This is why as you age, adding Q10 products to your skincare routine can help you to maintain a radiant complexion.

3.  Help to reduce sun damage

Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps to defend skin from the adverse effects of sun exposure that is caused by free radicals. Reducing sun damage also helps to prevent sun-induced signs of ageing.

4.  Supports the production of collagen

Collagen makes up almost 80% of our skin and almost a third of all proteins in our body. Q10 helps to support the production of collagen, which helps to: increase cell regeneration, protect delicate organs, strengthen bones, tendons and joints and maintain skin elasticity.

5.  Helps to reduce the emergence of fine lines & wrinkles

With all the energy coenzyme Q10 provides the skin, and helping to support the production of collagen, it is a highly effective ingredient in creams that help to fight the signs of ageing skin - such as fine lines and wrinkles.

6.  Helps to promote an even skin tone

Q10 can help to prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots that are caused by an excess production of melanin. Q10 does this by helping to stop the production of tyrosinase which is the catalyst for melanin production.

AGEING AND Q10

Unlike most vitamins, our body can produce Q10 itself. At a young age, the skin is sufficiently supplied with it. In addition, we absorb it through food. Nuts, meat, green vegetables and cold-pressed vegetable oils, for example, are rich in Q10. But as we age, the levels of natural Q10 in our skin decrease. Due to the fact that it is such a vital antioxidant and crucial for the energy production process, a reduction in Q10 makes the skin more prone to increased stress and damage.

This makes it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles, and that’s why integrating products with Q10 into your skincare routine could help to maintain younger-looking skin for longer.

IN WHICH NIVEA PRODUCTS IS Q10 FOUND?

For beautifully glowing and younger-looking skin, try our NIVEA Q10 Product Range

NIVEA formulas with Q10 in anti-ageing products can support the skin’s natural defence mechanisms and the energy metabolism of the skin cells. Applied as a cream, serum or body lotion, the antioxidant is introduced into the skin. There it can help to capture free radicals and render them harmless - preventing early signs of ageing.

FOR THE FACE

The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle range offers a complete skincare routine:

1.  Apply the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Serum on cleansed skin

2. Apply the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream during the day or the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream at night

3. Apply the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream morning and night

Once a week apply the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sheet Mask on cleansed skin and leave on for 10 minutes.

SUNSCREEN

80% of premature skin ageing is due to the effects of UV radiation. For this reason, sunscreen is particularly effective in preventing light-induced skin ageing and pigment spots. A special sunscreen for the face with Q10 is ideal for mature skin.

BODY FIRMING Q10

With increasing age, the skin all over the body loses its firmness and elasticity. Try the NIVEA Q10 Plus Firming Body Care Products. Available in lotions, creams, firming cellulite gel and 7-in-1 multi power firming oil.

HAND CARE

Our hands are the first to show signs of ageing because they are more exposed and subjected to hand washing, sanitising and manual work.  NIVEA Q10 Anti-Age Hand Care is formulated to protect and care for the hands, firming skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Q10 FOR THE SKIN: BEIERSDORF IS A LEADER IN RESEARCH

The Beiersdorf researchers were among the first to research the use of Q10 in skincare. To this day, the Q10 products are in demand all over the world.

The NIVEA research team has been tracking down the effects of Q10 since the 1990s. Scientists have extensively studied the role of coenzyme Q10 in human skin and have been integrating it into skincare products since 1998.