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Whether you're 20 or 60, no one wants tired-looking, wrinkled skin. Unfortunately, the environment often works against you - cold weather, the sun's UV rays, pollution, and smoke all contribute to premature aging.
Introducing Ubiquinone - this vitamin-like substance naturally occurs in your body cells and helps your skin cells regenerate and repair. In a nutshell, it helps protect your skin and it's vital to cell development and functioning.
Problem solved, you might think. Unfortunately not. As you age, the levels of Ubiquinone in your skin decrease. Combine this with the aforementioned environmental factors that have been shown to deplete your skin's Ubiquinone reserves over time and you'll see why you may need to give your body a helping hand.
In today's blog, we give you everything you need to know about Ubiquinone and how you can integrate it into your skincare routine.
Let's start with the basics.
What is Ubiquinone?
Ubiquinone is also known as coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. It's a coenzyme because it needs other enzymes to function properly.
It was first discovered in 1957 by Frederick Crane at the University of Wisconsin. He sent a sample to Karl Folker, who was a researcher at Merck, Sharpe and Dohme (a pharmaceutical company) and he identified Ubiquinone's chemical structure.
The breakthrough for Ubiquinone happened in 1974 when a Japanese company developed ubiquinone which was identical to what our body naturally produces. This made it widely available and affordable.
What are Ubiquinone's skin benefits?
1. Reduces sun damage
As much as we all love getting a tan - we need to be extremely careful spending time under the sun because our skin gets damaged if it's overexposed to UV rays. CoQ10 helps defend your skin from the effects of sun exposure.
2. Replenishes skin cells
Q10 provides your cells with the energy they need to repair and regenerate. This allows them to better eliminate toxins. However, as we age, the natural levels of CoQ10 start to diminish - meaning our body doesn't create CoQ10 naturally. That's why adding a product containing CoQ10 will pick those levels back up. As a result, you'll be left with a radiant complexion and healthier skin.
3. Stimulates collagen and elastin production
As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, which causes "saggy" skin. CoQ10 helps our body produce collagen and elastin, which also helps with: increasing cell regeneration, protecting delicate organs, strengthening bones, tendons, and joints, as well as maintaining skin elasticity.
4. Evens out skin tone
Ubiquinone blocks tyrosinase (an enzyme that causes the excess production of melanin). By doing this, it helps prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
5. Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
Due to the energy that CoQ10 provides our skin and the support in the production of collagen, it is an ideal ingredient in eye serums since it tightens the skin around the eyes and reduces wrinkling.
How long does it take for Ubiquinone to work?
Depending on your body's Ubiuinonal levels when you start, you'll usually see results within two to three weeks.
However, the key to seeing results is sticking to your skincare routine and applying the products as it's instructed.
Who should not use Ubiquinone?
People who suffer from vitiligo should use Ubiquinone with caution. Ubiquinone blocks tyrosinase, which is a copper-enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin and other skin pigmentations. It is absolutely crucial for people with pigmentation issues.
By using Ubiquinone if you have vitiligo, you risk worse cases of pigmentations and discoloring.
If you have sensitive skin, or you have a history of skin issues, talk to your dermatologist before you include Ubiquinone in your skincare routine.
How do you use Ubiquinone?
You can find Ubiquinone as an ingredient in a long-range of skincare products, including creams, moisturizers, and eye serums.
You apply it directly to your skin and gently rub it on the troubled area. For ultimate results, look for products that also contain Vitamin C and E, since they work very well in conjunction with Ubiquinone.
A great example of a product that uses Ubiquinone to its fullest potential is our very own iZone eye serum! This super-concentrated gel reduces the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, dark circles, and even dry skin around your eyes.
