woman who smiles

What is Coenzyme Q10?

The body’s natural antioxidant helps to maintain youthful-looking skin. Discover more about how Coq10 works, its benefits for skin, and the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle skincare routine.

What's in this article?

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 is a vital antioxidant naturally produced by the body and contributes to the function of all body cells, you may also hear it referred to as CoQ10 or Ubiquinone. It is present throughout the body and is necessary in cell energy production in the mitochondria. 

What is Coenzyme Q10 for Skin?

The skin's own Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant to ward off free radicals that are responsible for accelerated skin aging and damage, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. Q10 also supports the production of Collagen and Elastin, essential proteins that keep the skin firm and resilient. 

The skin's natural levels of Q10 begin to decline with age, making it more susceptible to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Due to this, skincare products with Q10 could help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in as little as 2 weeks for younger-looking skin. 

How does Coenzyme Q10 work?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the cellular energy production process, acting specifically within mitochondria, often considered the “energy powerhouses” of cells. 

Here's how skin’s own Coenzyme Q10 works, which can be different to how it works in skincare products as it will be sourced from elsewhere and be impacted by other ingredients in the formula: 

young girl applying Nivea Q10 face cream
  • Energy Production: Coenzyme Q10 is vital for the energy production process in cells, including skin cells. It assists in transferring electrons between enzymes, aiding the conversion of nutrients into cellular energy. This energy is crucial for various skin cell functions. 
  • Antioxidant Defense: Coenzyme Q10 also acts as a potent antioxidant. It helps neutralize harmful free radicals generated by stressors such as UV rays and pollution. By doing so, Q10 helps protect cells, including skin cells, from damage, which can contribute to aging and other skin concerns. 
  • Skin Firmness and Elasticity Improvement: Coenzyme Q10 could also promote the synthesis of Collagen and Elastin*, essential proteins for maintaining skin's structure and elasticity. Collagen contributes to skin firmness, while Elastin enables it to stretch and regain its shape. Q10 may stimulate the genes responsible for producing these proteins, promoting healthier, youthful-looking skin. 
    *According to in vitro studies
  • Support for Cell Regeneration: Coenzyme Q10 also contributes to the cellular repair processes. It helps maintain the overall health of cells, allowing them to function optimally and recover from damage more efficiently. This can be particularly beneficial for skin cells exposed to environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.
An important caveat for skincare products containing Coenzyme Q10 is that they do not all necessarily work in this exact way. This is because the Q10 formulations of skincare serve a different purpose to that of the natural Q10 found in skin, the effectiveness is also impacted by all of the ingredients in the product – not just the Q10. 

5 Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 for the skin

Having bountiful levels of Q10 present in skin is fantastic for many purposes. Here are several of the key benefits of having high levels of skins own Q10 (again, these are different from benefits of skincare products containing Q10 as not all benefits transfer to product formulations): 

  1. Powerful Antioxidant Protection: Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals. These free radicals are generated by factors such as UV radiation, pollution and stress and can lead to premature aging and skin damage.  

  2. Boosts Collagen Production: Coenzyme Q10 may stimulate the genes responsible for Collagen production*, helping to maintain skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, ultimately promoting a more youthful-looking complexion. 
    *According to in vitro studies 

  3. Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles: Q10's indirect ability to support Collagen production* and its antioxidant properties work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use of Coenzyme Q10 can help smoothen and firm the skin, giving you a more youthful and radiant appearance. 
    *According to in vitro studies 

  4. Helps Protect the Skin Barrier: By neutralizing free radicals, Q10 could help protect the hydro-lipid barrier from external factors. As this barrier is essential for retaining water in the skin, this could help the skin maintain its hydration. 

  5. Fights the Signs of Aging: Coenzyme Q10's multi benefits make it good for target anti-aging. By helping alleviate oxidative stress,  CoQ10 can help you maintain a more youthful look for longer. 
    *According to vitro studies 

 

Facts Overview

Q10 Facts:

Benefits: Coenzyme Q10 acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to combat free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. 
 
Application: Q10 is commonly found in skincare products such as serums and creams. Applying it directly to the skin could help improve its appearance, texture and condition. 
 
Uses: Q10 is often used in skincare routines to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping skin appear energized. 
 
Special Features: Q10 is suitable for various skin types and can be integrated into both morning and evening skincare routines. 
 

NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Skincare Routine

The following skincare routine with NIVEA Q10 products could help to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, for younger and firmer-looking skin in just 7 days. Remember to begin your morning and evening skincare routines with a deep cleanse to prepare skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients of the care products. 
woman using Nivea Q10 Anti wrinkles cream

Day time routine:

  • Eye Cream: Your delicate eye area is subject to mechanical stress through blinking and other facial expressions, therefore it's a good idea to give it targeted treatment. The NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream is specially formulated for the delicate eye area and helps to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles and dark circles under eyes, for firmer feeling skin. 
  • Day Cream: These help to provide essential moisture throughout the day whilst also offering additional defense against environmental stressors. The NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle SPF 30 + Firming Moisturizer visibly reduces wrinkles in four weeks and tangibly firms your skin in 7 days while nourishing your skin for 24 hours. 
  • Targeted Wrinkle Filler: If you wish to address specific wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes or nasolabial folds then apply the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Specialist Targeted Wrinkle Filler as the last step in your routine. Combining pure Q10 with Bioxifill Peptides, the serum helps to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 5 minutes, helping to smoothe deep wrinkles* over time. 
    *with regular use 
 

Night time Routine

Switch up your routine in the evening to include products formulated to nourish your skin overnight as you sleep. Begin with a deep cleanse to remove any dirt, debris, makeup or other skincare products that have built up on your face throughout the day. 

  • Night time Serum: apply serum immediately after cleansing and before eye cream and moisturizer. Serums are lightweight products that help to target specific concerns. The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Repair Ultra Serum helps to support skin's own natural nightly repair process to reduce moisture loss and ease the appearance of wrinkles. 
  • Night Cream: a night cream helps to provide overnight nourishment and support the skin's natural processes whilst you sleep. The NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Moisturizer intensively nourishes skin overnight, helping to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin. Apply after your eye cream and before the NIVEA Targeted Wrinkle Filler. 
 
woman using q10 anti wrinkle night cream

Coenzyme Q10 for the Body

CoQ10’s use is not only limited to easing signs of aging on the face, it is also commonly used in body care products. The NIVEA Q10 + Vitamin C Body Firming Cream helps to provide firmer-feeling skin in 10 days thanks to its hydrating and antioxidant-enriched formula. Apply this lotion daily in the morning and evening all over your body for well-nourished skin. 

 
NIVEA Q10 Body Lotion

Discover NIVEA Q10

Beiersdorf scientists have been examining how skin’s own Q10 and supplementary Q10 via skincare products impact the skin for many years. Due to its ability to help ease the appearance of signs of aging, supplementary Q10 has been used in NIVEA formulations for decades. 
 
The NIVEA Q10 range rejuvenates the look of your skin with the powerful antioxidant and energizer CoQ10. The entire NIVEA Q10 range is specially formulated to protect skin from environmental stressors and allow it to express your emotions freely, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  
Discover NIVEA Q10
Summary

Q10 in Skin Care - Takeaway

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential natural antioxidant that plays an important role in achieving youthful-looking skin by helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin naturally produces its own Q10, however these levels dwindle with time. Supplementing levels of Q10 through skincare products can have cosmetic benefits but will not have the same effect as having high levels of natural Q10. 

NIVEA Q10 Skincare Products

Q10 FAQs

What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body. It plays a vital role in energy production at the cellular level and is also known for its skin benefits. 

What are the benefits of Coenzyme Q10 for the skin?

Q10 can help protect the skin from free radicals, slow the breakdown of Collagen or support its production*, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a radiant complexion. 
*In vitro studies 
 

How can I incorporate Coenzyme Q10 into my skincare routine?

You can include Q10 in your skincare routine by using products like serums, moisturizers and eye creams containing Q10. These should be applied after cleansing and before applying sunscreen during the day. 

Is Coenzyme Q10 safe for all skin types?

Coenzyme Q10 is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Tolerance to skincare products will further depend on other ingredients in the formula. NIVEA Q10 products are tested under dermatological control to check their tolerance. However, if you are concerned or have a pre-existing condition, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist or skin care professional for personalized advice and to ensure compatibility with your specific skin type . 

Can I get enough Coenzyme Q10 from my diet?

Coenzyme Q10 can be produced naturally by the body but it is also present in certain foods such as meat, fish, organ meats and nuts. It is generally present in sufficient quantities in most people but its concentration in the skin tends to decrease with age. Topical application of CoQ10 in skin care products is often recommended to achieve targeted benefits.

How long does it take to see results from Coenzyme Q10 skincare products?

Results may vary from person to person, as well as the formula used and the presence of other ingredients. Although it is possible to observe a filling effect in a few minutes for certain products, it is advisable to use the products regularly for several weeks for more marked results. 

Can Coenzyme Q10 be used with other skincare ingredients?

Coenzyme Q10 can be used with many other skin care ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Retinol. However, the stability and compatibility of the ingredients will depend on the formula, so it is important to use products from recognized and reliable brands and follow the product instructions. 

Is Coenzyme Q10 only beneficial for anti-aging purposes?

Although coenzyme Q10 is known for its anti-wrinkle properties, it can be used in your twenties to protect the skin against free radicals and maintain its overall appearance and youthful glow. 

Where can I find skincare products with Coenzyme Q10?

You can find Q10 products for skincare in NIVEA's dedicated Q10 product range, which is readily available in many drugstores, supermarkets and online retailers.  

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THIS

INTERESTING TIPS FOR YOU