de Luca C, Deeva I, Mikhal'Chik E, Korkina L. Beneficial effects of pro-/antioxidant-based nutraceuticals in the skin rejuvenation techniques. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2007 Apr 15;53(1):94-101.

 

Type of study: Animal testing, In vivo

 

Key finding: Effective antioxidants RRR-alpha-tocopherol, and coenzyme Q10 along with mild pro-oxidants, and enhancers of a specific immune defense (soy phospholipids, L-methionine) are beneficial at the blood and the skin levels and offers formulations for successfully lowering permanent adverse effects in dermocosmetology.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 is an alternative safe and beneficial intervention tool for rejuvenation of the skin.

 

Modern technologies of skin rejuvenation include many physical and chemical intervention tools--laser irradiation, oxygen and ozone therapy, chemical peels, plastic surgery operations--affecting by different mechanisms the sensitive physiological free radical/antioxidant balance in the skin. All these interventions induce from mild to severe tissue damage, providing beneficial biochemical stimuli for skin re-epithelization and rejuvenation. Paradoxically, free radical production in the course of tissue inflammation helps to combat free radical damage consequent to the ageing process. We have studied two animal models (experimental burn and trichloracetic peeling), reproducing on the Wistar rat the effects generated by the commonly practiced aesthetic medicine procedures of laser resurfacing and chemical peels, demonstrating that the severe oxidative stress induced both systemically and on skin can be modulated by the oral pre- and post treatment administration of specific nutraceutical formulations. Potent antioxidants (RRR-alpha-tocopherol, coenzyme Q10), enhancing antioxidant defences, coupled with mild pro-oxidants, enhancers of a specific immune defense (soy phospholipids, L-methionine), at the blood and the skin levels, proved in fact to be beneficial in vivo, on the rat, for skin healing, trophism and accelerated re-epithelization. Data obtained allow us to predict the possibility of innovative protocols for dermocosmetology, enabling successful lowering of the risk of permanent adverse effects, and prolonging the duration of the beneficial effects of dermocosmetologic procedures.

 

 

 

Fuller B, Smith D, Howerton A, Kern D Anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Mar;5(1):30-8. 

 

Type of study: Ex vivo

 

Key finding: Coenzyme Q10 suppresses the UV radiation or interleukin 6-induced inflammatory response in dermal fibroblasts, blocks the UVR induction of the matrix-eroding enzyme, MMP-1, and in combination of carotenoids suppresses inflammation.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 along with carotenoids, when topically applied on skin, may increase protection from inflammation and premature aging due to exposure to sun.

 

Background: CoQ10 (ubiquinone, coenzyme Q10) and carotenoids are popular antioxidants used in many skin care products to protect the skin from free radical damage.

 

Aim: To evaluate the effects of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids on the production of inflammatory mediators in human dermal fibroblasts treated with UV radiation (UVR) and to investigate the possible synergistic effects of these two antioxidants.

 

Methods: Normal human dermal fibroblast cell cultures were exposed to either 50 mJ of UVR or to IL-1 and then incubated with various concentrations of either CoQ10, the colorless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, or to combinations of these antioxidants. After 24 h in culture, cells and spent medium were harvested and assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1). In addition, the ability of the carotenoids to protect CoQ10 from oxidation by the reactive oxygen species (ROS), hyperchlorite, was also determined.

 

Results: Human fibroblasts respond to UVR or to IL-1 by increasing the production of various inflammatory mediators including PGE-2, IL-1, and IL-6 and proteases such as collagenase (MMP-1). Treatment of fibroblasts with 10 microm of CoQ10 suppressed the UVR- or IL-1-induced increase in PGE-2, IL-6, and MMP-1. The combination of carotenoids and CoQ10 produced an enhanced inhibition of these three inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, the colorless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, protected CoQ10 from degradation by the ROS, hypochlorite.

 

Conclusion: CoQ10 is able to suppress the UVR- or IL-1-induced inflammatory response in dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, this compound can block the UVR induction of the matrix-eroding enzyme, MMP-1. Finally, the combination of carotenoids plus CoQ10 results in enhanced suppression of inflammation. The results suggest that the combination of carotenoids and CoQ10 in topical skin care products may provide enhanced protection from inflammation and premature aging caused by sun exposure.

 

 

 

McDaniel D, Neudecker B, Dinardo J, Lewis J 2nd, Maibach H. Clinical efficacy assessment in photodamaged skin of 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005 Sep;4(3):167-73.

 

Type of study: Human trial

 

Key finding: Idebenone, an antioxidant similar to Coenzyme Q10, when topically applied in photodamaged skin it was observed that the roughness or dryness and fine lines or wrinkles of skin declined, skin hydration increased, and overall global assessment of photodamaged skin improved.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 may be useful in improving  skin damage from exposure to sun.

 

Idebenone is an antioxidant lower molecular weight analogue of coenzyme Q10. Previously, idebenone was shown to be a very effective antioxidant in its ability to protect against cell damage from oxidative stress in a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and in vivo methods, including its ability to suppress sunburn cell (SBC) formation in living skin. However, no clinical studies have been previously conducted to establish the efficacy of idebenone in a topical skincare formulation for the treatment of photodamaged skin. In this nonvehicle control study, 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone commercial formulations were evaluated in a clinical trial for topical safety and efficacy in photodamaged skin. Forty-one female subjects, aged 30-65, with moderate photodamaged skin were randomized to use a blind labelled (either 0.5% or 1.0% idebenone in otherwise identical lotion bases) skincare preparation twice daily for six weeks. Blinded expert grader assessments for skin roughness/dryness, fine lines/wrinkles, and global improvement in photodamage were performed at baseline, three weeks and six weeks. Electrical conductance readings for skin surface hydration and 35 mm digital photography were made at baseline after six weeks. Punch biopsies were taken from randomly selected subjects, baseline and after six weeks, and stained for certain antibodies (interleukin IL-6, interleukin IL-1b, matrixmetalloproteinase MMP-1, collagen I) using immunofluorescence microscopy. After six weeks' use of the 1.0% idebenone formula, a 26% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 29% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. For the 0.5% idebenone formulation, a 23% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 27% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 30% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. The immunofluorescence staining revealed a decrease in IL-1b, IL-6, and MMP-1 and an increase in collagen I for both concentrations.

 

 

 

Yutaka Ashida1, Haruyo Yamanishi, Takatomo Terada, Norihito Oota, Kyoichi Sekine, Kazuo Watabe1. CoQ10 supplementation elevates the epidermal CoQ10 level in adult hairless mice. Journal BioFactors. 25(1-4/2005): 175-78.

 

Type of study: Animal testing, Ex vivo, In situ, In vitro, In vivo, human trial - double blind, split face

 

Key finding: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) intake increases the epidermal CoQ10 level, which may assist in reducing wrinkles and offer other benefits associated to the effective antioxidant and energizing effects of CoQ10 in skin.

 

How does it help your skin: Increase in the Coenzyme Q10 level could reduce the formation of wrinkles and may protect skin from cell damage.

 

We have already shown that prolonged supplementation of CoQ10 in humans reduces the wrinkle area rate and wrinkle volume per unit area in the corner of the eye. CoQ10 supplementation is known to increase the CoQ10 level in serum and in many organs; however, the level of CoQ10 in skin has not yet been fully investigated yet. We examined whether CoQ10 intake elevates the CoQ10 and CoQ9 levels in epidermis, dermis, serum and other organs (kidney, heart, brain, muscle and crystalline lens) in 43-week-old hairless male mice. We also established a method using a high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with an electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) to simultaneously quantify CCoQ9 and CoQ10 in the tissues. CoQ10 (0, 1, 100 mg/kg p.o.) was administered daily for 2 weeks. CoQ10 supplementation of 100 mg/kg increased the serum and epidermal CoQ10 levels significantly, but did not increase the CoQ10 levels in either dermis or other organs. In conclusion, we showed that CoQ10 intake elevates the epidermal CoQ10 level, which may be a prerequisite to the reduction of wrinkles and other benefits related to the potent antioxidant and energizing effects of CoQ10 in skin.

 

 

 

T. Blatt1, H. Lenz1, U. Koop1, S. Jaspers1, T. Weber2, C. Mummert1, K.-P. Wittern1, F. Stäb1, H. Wenck1. Stimulation of skin's energy metabolism provides multiple benefits for mature human skin. Journal BioFactors 25(1-4/2005):179-85

 

Type of study: In vivo

 

Key finding: Topical application of Coenzyme Q10 along with Creatine can ameliorate processes involved in skin aging.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 may be useful to prevent or reduce skin ageing including wrinkles.

 

As an organism ages, there is a decline in mitochondrial function and cellular energy balance. This decline is both accelerated by and can cause the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, lipid membranes as well as structural and catalytic proteins, especially those involved in energetic pathways of cells. Further, ROS have also been linked to some of the detrimental skin changes that occur as a result of photoaging.

 

We have previously shown that levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a component of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, are reduced in skin cells from aging donors, and that topical supplementation can ameliorate processes involved in skin aging.

 

Creatine is another important component of the cellular energy system and phosphocreatine, its phosphorylated form, functions as a reservoir for high energy phosphates. Unfortunately the creatine system and thus the energy storage mechanism in skin are negatively affected by aging and conditions of oxidative stress.

 

This article reviews some of our in vivo data about the synergistic effects of combining a stabilized form of Creatine with CoQ10 and clearly depicts their beneficial effects as active ingredients in topical formulations.

Keywords: CoQ10, creatine, topical application, skin aging, wrinkles, energy

 

 

 

Blatt T, Lenz H, Koop U, Jaspers S, Weber T, Mummert C, Wittern KP, Stäb F, Wenck H. Stimulation of skin's energy metabolism provides multiple benefits for mature human skin. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):179-85.

 

Type of study: In vivo

 

Key finding: Coenzyme Q10 combined with Creatine in a topical formulation when applied ameliorates the process ageing.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 may counteract the ageing process effectively when applied topically.

 

As an organism ages, there is a decline in mitochondrial function and cellular energy balance. This decline is both accelerated by and can cause the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, lipid membranes as well as structural and catalytic proteins, especially those involved in energetic pathways of cells. Further, ROS have also been linked to some of the detrimental skin changes that occur as a result of photoaging. We have previously shown that levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a component of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, are reduced in skin cells from aging donors, and that topical supplementation can ameliorate processes involved in skin aging. Creatine is another important component of the cellular energy system and phosphocreatine, its phosphorylated form, functions as a reservoir for high energy phosphates. Unfortunately the creatine system and thus the energy storage mechanism in skin are negatively affected by aging and conditions of oxidative stress. This article reviews some of our in vivo data about the synergistic effects of combining a stabilized form of Creatine with CoQ10 and clearly depicts their beneficial effects as active ingredients in topical formulations.

 

 

 

Passi S, De Pità O, Grandinetti M, Simotti C, Littarru GP. The combined use of oral and topical lipophilic antioxidants increases their levels both in sebum and stratum corneum. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):289-97.

 

Type of study: Human trial

 

Key finding: The topical application with a base cream consisting of ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), vit E, and squalene increased their level in sebum which decreases significantly during aging.

 

How does it help your skin: Topical Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), along with Vitamin E and squalene, may increase the antioxidant content of sebum and stratum corneum.

 

The concentration of Vitamin E (vit E) and ubiquinone (CoQ10), which together with squalene (SQ), play a key role against external oxidative insult, has been shown to decrease significantly during ageing. The aim of the present study is to inquire the effect of the combined use of topical bio-cosmetics containing natural active principles (including sebum-like lipid fractions, sebum and epidermal lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants), and oral antioxidant supplements on the antioxidant content of sebum and stratum corneum. We therefore treated the face and the back of 50 female volunteers aged 21-40, daily for two months, with a base cream containing 0.05% ubiquinone, 0.1% vit E, and 1% squalene. In addition 50 mg of CoQ10 + 50 mg of d-RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate + 50 microg of selenium were administered orally to half of the volunteers (Group A). Group B was represented by 25 volunteers who were treated only topically. Every 15 days during treatment the levels of CoQ10, vit E and SQ were verified in sebum, stratum corneum, and plasma. The daily topical application of the cream led to a significant increase, that peaked after 60 days, of the levels of CoQ10, d-RRR-alpha-tocopherol and SQ in the sebum (Group B), without significantly affecting the stratum corneum or plasma concentrations of the redox couple CoQ10H2/CoQ10 and vit E. The concomitant oral admistration of antioxidants produced in Group A a significant increase of the levels of CoQ10H2/CoQ10 and vit E both in plasma and stratum corneum after 15 and 30 days treatment respectively, compared to Group B. However the sebum levels of lipophilic antioxidants and SQ did not show a significant increase. After the treatments, the levels of CoQ10H2/CoQ10, vit E and SQ went back to basal levels within 6-8 days in sebum, 12-16 days in the stratum corneum, and 3-6 days in plasma. Therefore topical application of the antioxidants was able to increase their level in sebum, while the concomitant oral administration also affected the levels of vit E and CoQ10 in the stratum corneum.

 

 

 

Passi S, De Pità O, Puddu P, Littarru GP. Lipophilic antioxidants in human sebum and aging. Free Radic Res. 2002 Apr;36(4):471-7.

 

Type of study: In vitro, human trial

 

Key finding: Vitamin E and CoQ10 are lipophilic antioxidants present in Skin surface lipids (SSL) that synergically inhibit the UV induced depletion of squalene, cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids of SSL.

 

How does it help your skin: Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10, naturally present in the epidermis, synergically inhibit the UV induced depletion of squalene, cholesterol and of unsaturated fatty acids of SSL.

 

Skin surface lipids (SSL), a very complex mixture of sebum mixed to small amounts of epidermal lipids, mantle the human epidermis, thus representing the outermost protection of the body against exogenous oxidative insults. The present work is a systematic and quantitative analysis of upper-chest SSL and their content in antioxidants in 100 healthy volunteers, divided into five age groups using TLC, HPLC, and GC-MS methods. Further, the effect of exposing SSL in vitro to increasing doses of UV irradiation was examined. Straight monounsaturated and diunsaturated as well as branched monounsaturated fatty acids of triglycerides and pooled fractions were found to be higher at maturity than in childhood and in advancing age. Diunsaturated fatty acids were below 3% of the total and constituted exclusively of C18:2delta5,8, C20:2delta7,10, C18:2delta9,12. Squalene, vitamin E (vit. E) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were found to increase from childhood to maturity to decrease again significantly in old age. Vitamin E and CoQ10 were the only known lipophilic antioxidants present in SSL. In spite of their low levels they were found to synergically inhibit the UV induced depletion of squalene, cholesterol and of unsaturated fatty acids of SSL. In fact, exposure of SSL to increasing amounts of UV irradiation led preferentially to lowering of the levels of vit. E and CoQ10. Four minimal erythema dose (MED) (5.6J/cm2) were able to deplete 84% vit. E and 70% ubiquinone, and only 13% squalene. Diunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids as well as cholesterol were unaffected even following 10 MED UV exposures, which produced a 26% loss of squalene. The same UV dose when applied in the absence of vit. E and CoQ10 produced a 90% decrease of squalene.

 

 

 

Hojerová J. Coenzyme Q10--its importance, properties and use in nutrition and cosmetics. Ceska Slov Farm. 2000 May;49(3):119-23.

                     

Type of study: Review of studies

 

Key finding:  Depletion of Coenzyme Q10, which generates cellular energy and scavenges free radicals in the human body, with age can be countered with supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 in diet and as an ingredient in topical cosmetic product.

 

How does it help your skin: Topical application of Coenzyme Q10 may be useful as an ingredient for topical cosmetic products.

 

Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a nutrient--a vitamin-like substance which plays a crucial role in the generation of cellular energy and in free radical scavenging in the human body. After the age of 35 to 40, the organism begins to lose its ability to synthesize Co Q10 from food and its deficiency develops. Ageing, poor eating habits, stress and infection--they all affect our ability to provide adequate amounts of Co Q10. Therefore Co Q10 supplementation may be very helpful for the organism. The present summarizing study reports the history of the discovery and research, properties, biochemical effects, dosage of Co Q10 deficiency in the human body. A possible use of Co Q10 as a dietary supplement and an ingredient for topical cosmetic products is described.

 

 

 

Blatt T, Mundt C, Mummert C, Maksiuk T, Wolber R, Keyhani R, Schreiner V, Hoppe U, Schachtschabel DO, Stäb F. Modulation of oxidative stresses in human aging skin. Z Gerontol Geriatr. 1999 Apr;32(2):83-8.

 

Type of study: In vitro and In vivo

 

Key finding: Reduced epidermal resistance against oxidative stress by UV irradiation is improved with topical application of Coenzyme Q10 and other antioxidants.

 

How does it help your skin: Coenzyme Q10 may improve the ability of skin to counter natural ageing including wrinkles, particularly around the region of the eye.  

 

Oxidative stress (UV irradiation, free radicals) plays a significant role in aging. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and exogenously applied antioxidants can significantly reduce the formation of oxidative stress with increasing age. In our in vitro and in vivo experiments concerning the parameters of ultraweak photon emission (UPE), intracellular thiol status, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell vitality, we demonstrated a diminished resistance in keratinocytes of old donors against UV irradiation. This reduced epidermal resistance against oxidative stressors, i.e. UV irradiation, can be improved by topical application of CoQ10 and antioxidants like alpha-glucosylrutin (15). Furthermore, our in vivo investigations show that wrinkles around the region of the eyes ("crow feet") could be reduced by long-term application of CoQ10.

 

 

 

Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stäb F, Steckel F. Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):371-8.

 

Type of study: In vivo, human trial

 

Key finding: Increased cellular ageing due to declining Coenzyme Q10, a part of the aging and photoaging, is inhibited by topical application of Coenzyme Q10 by reduction in the level of oxidation process, wrinkle depth and prevents oxidative DNA damage, suppresses the expression of collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts due to UVA irradiation.

 

How does it help your skin: Topical application of Coenzyme Q10 may diminish or prevent the harmful effects of photoaging including wrinkes.

 

The processes of aging and photoaging are associated with an increase in cellular oxidation. This may be in part due to a decline in the levels of the endogenous cellular antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, CoQ10). Therefore, we have investigated whether topical application of CoQ10 has the beneficial effect of preventing photoaging. We were able to demonstrate that CoQ10 penetrated into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduce the level of oxidation measured by weak photon emission. Furthermore, a reduction in wrinkle depth following CoQ10 application was also shown. CoQ10 was determined to be effective against UVA mediated oxidative stress in human keratinocytes in terms of thiol depletion, activation of specific phosphotyrosine kinases and prevention of oxidative DNA damage. CoQ10 was also able to significantly suppress the expression of collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts following UVA irradiation. These results indicate that CoQ10 has the efficacy to prevent many of the detrimental effects of photoaging.

 

 

 

Scalori V, Alessandrì MG, Giovannini L, Bertelli A. Plasma and tissue concentrations of coenzyme Q10 in the rat after intravenous, oral and topical administrations. Int J Tissue React. 1990;12(3):149-54.

 

Type of study: Animal testing

 

Key finding: Intravenous and oral administration, and topical treatment of Coenzyme Q10 showed increase of CoQ10 levels in liver, heart, kidney and plasma.

 

How does it help your skin: Topical treatment of Coenzyme Q10 on the skin may increased CoQ10 levels in the body.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) distribution into rat liver, heart, kidney and plasma was investigated after intravenous and oral administrations in different vehicles. Moreover, CoQ10 skin levels following topical treatment were evaluated. The liver represented the target organ for this compound in all the cases examined. In the heart, high and persistent CoQ10 concentrations were achieved particularly after solution injection while, following oral treatment, high doses of the drug were needed to reach the same CoQ10 levels. High concentrations of CoQ10 may be achieved also in the skin by topical treatment.

 

 

 

Giovannini L, Bertelli AA, Scalori V, Dell'Osso L, Alessandrì MG, Mian M. Skin penetration of CoQ10 in the rat. Int J Tissue React. 1988;10(2):103-5.

                       

Type of study: Animal testing, In vivo

 

Key finding: Penetration of Coenzyme Q10 into the skin after topical treatment increased with increased concentration and contact time.

 

How does it help your skin: Topical Coenzyme Q10 has good skin penetration

 

Skin penetration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was investigated after topical treatment in the rat. The drug was suspended in olive oil and administered at two different concentrations. Coenzyme levels were found to be directly related to the concentrations employed and the contact time. CoQ10 topical treatment might therefore be proposed as a good pharmacological tool in dermatology and cosmetology.

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