The cosmetics industry promotes a large number of different substances in skin creams that are advertized to give customers particularly those of mature age eternally youthful looks. The abbreviation Q10, contained in revitalizing creams by Nivea ™, depicts a substance which should be able to effectively smooth out wrinkles.
Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a quinone derivative with a lipophilic isoprenoid side chain. The basic structure consists of a 1,4-benzoquinone, to which the isoprenoide side chain is connected. The molecule is named according to the number of isoprene units. In humans, n = 10, which explains the name of Q10.
Q10 or ubiquinone is a coenzyme, which means that it is used for biochemical processes in the body. Q10 can be absorbed not only with food, but the body is itself able to produce ubiquinone.
Ubiquinone is a component of the mitochondria of cells, or more precisely their biomembrane, in which it is anchored with a long isoprenoide side chain. There, the respiratory chain, one of the most important parts of the energy metabolism in living beings takes place. A stepwise transfer of electrons and protons to oxygen occurs releasing at the same time energy that is stored chemically as ATP. Ubiquinone as coenzyme serves as a mediator in these processes. In this process, which is also known under the concept of oxidative phosphorylation, over 95% of the total body energy is produced. This is also the reason that we find the highest concentration of Q10 in the organs heart, lungs and liver, as they have the highest energy demand in the human body. For the elucidation of the role of Q10 in the respiratory chain, the British biochemist Peter Dennis Mitchell was awarded in 1978 the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
But Q10 also works as an antioxidant. When oxygen in cells is not completely converted to water, so-called free radicals are formed. These particles are very reactive and cause chain reactions that can harm the cell or lead to substance changes within. It is this process that causes aging of our skin. Ubiquinone is able to neutralize these free radicals by addition to the benzoquinone unit, thus assuming the task of cell protection.
The Q10 concentration in the body over a lifetime is not constant. Physical exertion, stress, increased alcohol consumption, but also simply the increase in age lead to a reduction of the naturally occurring Q10.
Especially the last point justifies the use of Q10 in anti-aging creams. The skin is the largest organ of the people and thus exposed to a lot of stress. As the concentration of Q 10 decreases with age, radicals produced by stress can be no longer be degraded: skin aging is the result. With anti-oxidant skin creams one tries to counteract this problem. By the help of Q10 creams the skin cells supposedly are getting an energy boost to fight back against environmental influences, in addition they should neutralize free radicals. Not only creams but also Q10 food supplements are entering the commericial markets of rejuvenation. The coenzyme can be taken in the form of capsules, through which an increase in the concentration effect of Q10 in the body was proved. The recommended daily dose in an adult is 30 to 200 mg.
If you have a balanced diet the Q10 concentration in the body is sufficient without the need of supplements. Oily fish, preferably mackerel or sardines, nuts, legumes, sunflower seeds or the flesh of organs like that of liver represent an adequate source of Q10. In contrast, statins, i.e. the ingredients of prescription drugs like Lipitor ™ to reduce the cholesterol levels, inhibit the natural production of Q10.
The intake of Q10 - internally and externally - can therefore be quite useful for many people. Long-term studies have shown that even take a dose of 900 mg of Q10 per day is safe.
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