Natural skincare for men has slowly become a popular topic. Women aren't the only ones looking for ways to improve the health and appearance of their skin. Men are too. CoQ10 is a nutrient that's becoming a go-to ingredient in men's skincare products. But why? What is it? What are its benefits?
Let's find out.
WHAT IS COQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring nutrient in the body. However, as you age, the body doesn't produce as much CoQ10 as it does when you're younger.
Even though CoQ10 is present in every cell of the body, it's most commonly found in organs that have the greatest energy demands like the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. It's also found in many of the foods we eat, such as organ meats (e.g. heart, liver, kidney), some muscle meats (e.g. pork, beef, chicken), fatty fish, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and oils.
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage often caused by free radicals. Oxidative damage can cause inflammation and can lead to abnormal cell functioning, which can result in certain health conditions like cancer, cardiovascular problems, and neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's disease).
CoQ10 also plays an important role in metabolism. That's because it helps generate energy in your cells. It's stored in the cells' mitochondria, which are in charge of producing energy. Within the cells' mitochondria, CoQ10 aids the body in making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is involved in energy transfer within cells.
4 BENEFITS OF TAKING COQ10 AS A SUPPLEMENT
1. REDUCE DAMAGE TO THE SKIN
Being the outermost organ in your body, the skin is constantly exposed to damaging agents that contribute to aging. UV rays are an external factor and are environmental. But there are internal factors that can damage the skin such as cellular damage and hormonal imbalances. Any of these factors can lead to drier skin that's more vulnerable to damage. This is why CoQ10 is present in some men's skincare products.
When you apply CoQ10 directly to the skin, you can reduce the damage caused by internal and external factors and may even decrease the depth of wrinkles. Remember how CoQ10 aids in energy production? This is a huge benefit for the skin because it increases energy production in skin cells and acts as an antioxidant, protecting against free radicals.
2. FIGHT AGING SKIN
Long-term exposure to certain internal and external factors can speed up aging of the skin. Because CoQ10 helps energize cell activity, the increased energy helps to repair that damage and ensure the health of skin cells. Plus, more active skin cells help get rid of toxins easily and make better use of nutrients. Increasing your CoQ10 intake, along with following a Dermatologist recommended skincare routine, can help you achieve healthier, younger-looking skin.
3. EVEN OUT SKIN TONE
CoQ10 also blocks out tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments. Therefore, CoQ10 can help fade and prevent dark spots. So if you have acne scars or just general discoloration, by taking a CoQ10 supplement or applying it topically, you may see an improvement in your skin's appearance.
4. PRODUCE MORE COLLAGEN
Collagen represents roughly a third of all proteins in your body. The protein is important for maintaining skin elasticity and increasing cell regeneration. CoQ10 is an essential nutrient to support healthy skin because it helps the body produce collagen.
If you're looking for more men's skincare tips or need help with creating a skincare routine for men, be sure to reach out to us today. At Himistry, we take pride in specializing in natural skincare for men.