The coenzyme Q10 is an organic substance that has beneficial properties for the skin as well as for the internal organs of humans. It is naturally synthesized by the body. It has anti-wrinkle, rejuvenating, and muscle function-enhancing effects. You can apply it to rejuvenate the face or take it as a dietary supplement to gain many more benefits.
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Coenzyme Q10 properties
In addition to being a good product for eliminating wrinkles, Q-10 works in the organs. You can practically find it throughout the body, although it is most abundant in the dermal tissues, heart, and liver.
The benefits of Q10 and its properties improve energy transformation, reduce fatigue, and help with better muscle function, including that of the heart. So, depending on your goals, you can use a Q10 cream for the skin or opt for a coenzyme supplement to boost your body from the inside.
It is a very versatile substance, and as you can see below, it has advantages for various parts and functions of the human body.
The properties of coenzyme Q10 are:
- Improves heart failure
- Good for angina
- Regulates blood pressure (lowers it)
- Recommended for diabetic people
- Boosts gum health and revitalizes the gums
- It is a supplement for combining with treatments for breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease
- Increases endurance in sports
- Eliminates chronic fatigue
- It is a treatment for tick bites or Lyme disease
- Treatment for heavy metal poisoning
- Skin rejuvenation
- Protects against radiation
- Improves resistance to environmental pollution
Just like with some organic substances, such as hyaluronic acid or collagen, coenzyme Q-10 decreases with age. Unfortunately, from the age of 20, it can be observed that regeneration in the human body gradually decreases. This makes it less available, and free radicals act freely. And indeed, Q10 is an antioxidant and is key to slowing down skin aging.
Furthermore, since its function is involved in cellular mitochondria, it plays a very important role in cell function. We could say that it is necessary for each one of them in one way or another. Whether for energy generation or to stop the oxidation of organic molecules, it is a very powerful natural antioxidant.
Coenzyme Q10 side effects
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Rashes and redness due to an allergy
Fortunately, coenzyme Q10 and its side effects are few. Most people tolerate its consumption well, both in dietary supplements and when applied to the skin through cosmetics containing this substance. Except in cases where the recommended dose is exceeded and some isolated allergy cases, there are no contraindications.
Contraindications
- Children
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Chemotherapy
- Low blood pressure
These are the cases in which the use of coenzyme Q10 should be supervised by a specialist. If you are in one of these situations, it is better to follow the advice of a professional in dietetics and nutrition when you start taking this product.
Dosage
As you can see from the list of properties, coenzyme Q10 can provide many benefits. These make the amount you should take vary depending on the goals you want to achieve. The Q10 dosage ranges depending on the results you expect, as its effects also depend on the amount. However, according to most scientific studies, the amount to be ingested ranges from 100 to 200 mg per day.
Keep in mind that it can vary based on your body weight, as well as if you suffer from any deficiency or use it to strengthen certain aspects of your body.
Recommended Q10 dosage list:
- Lower blood pressure: 120-200 mg per day in two doses
- Heart failure and muscular dystrophy: 100 mg per day
- Preeclampsia and pregnancy-related problems: 200 mg per day
- To replenish coenzyme Q-10 deficiency: 150 mg per day
- Mitochondrial diseases (mitochondrial encephalomyopathies): 150-160 mg, or 2 mg/kg/day. In some cases, the dose can be gradually increased to 3000 mg per day
- Migraine, visual auras, and headaches: 300 mg per day in three doses
- Parkinson’s and neurological diseases: 300 mg to 2000 mg per day
- Male infertility: 200-300 mg per day
- Human immunodeficiency, HIV, AIDS: 200 mg per day
Note that many of these recommendations are for conditions that should be monitored by a specialist. This list of Q10 doses can serve as a reference, but it should never replace a professional’s advice.
If you experience discomfort or tend to have a predisposition to suffer from Q10 side effects, you can divide the doses into several portions throughout the day. Instead of taking one dose, split it into two or three to feel better.
Also, there is no specific minimum or maximum amount for creams and cosmetic products, as these are used differently. Normally, they should be used once or twice a day.
Foods with Coenzyme Q10
In addition to using a dietary supplement, you can obtain small doses of coenzyme Q10 from food. Some of these include meat and certain shellfish.
If you like salmon, it contains about 3 milligrams of Q-10, and tuna contains about 1 mg. Beef and chicken provide between 2 and 2.5 mg per serving. Nuts, oils, and seeds can also contribute minimal amounts to your body. A balanced, rich, and varied diet can provide small amounts from many foods. However, if you focus on the recommended daily dose, the amount you can get from foods containing coenzyme Q10 is minimal. Instead, supplements are, in fact, the main source for improving levels in the body. Of course, a product that complements the diet serves to complement, not replace. It’s important to maintain a healthy eating routine.
Q10 Cream
In addition to using an ingestible product, you can choose to apply this coenzyme directly to your skin. The Q10 cream ensures that all the properties and benefits go directly to the dermal cells. As it has a powerful antioxidant function, it prevents the appearance of wrinkles and improves the appearance of existing ones. Its effects target the epidermis and tissues that lose elasticity with age.
This type of product is highly dermatologically tested, there are excellent cosmetic brands, and these products are currently affordable. If you’re interested, you can read all about anti-wrinkle Q10 creams.
Differences between Q10 Creams and Supplements
If you’re concerned about your health and want to improve the function of your heart and important organs, buying Q10 in powder form, pills, or supplements in tablets or capsules could be a good idea. Also, for people who engage in a lot of sports, it can help them transform muscle energy better and facilitate development while preventing overload injuries. It’s important to remember that this type of coenzyme contributes to energy uptake in muscles, so it improves heart health and vitality.
People interested in improving their appearance, preventing aging, and eliminating wrinkles may prefer to use a Q10 plus cream or similar. The compatibility of both formats is possible, and their effects are enhanced. Clearly, there are some differences between using a cosmetic and a powder or capsule supplement.
The cream acts directly on the desired area, and its penetration is targeted. You can improve the folds of aging skin more easily, and its effects are faster. We could say that Q10 capsules improve overall health, while coenzyme-based cosmetics directly target aging.
Please recommend whether it is better to use a face cream with Q10 or with hyaluronic acid. I am 33 years old with dry skin and expression lines. Thank you.
It could work well for you, Sandra. If you have dry skin, it will help hydrate and improve the texture of your facial skin, which will help reduce the appearance of expression lines. Additionally, adding Q10 cream will help boost natural collagen production.
Hello, I am a cosmetologist, and if you have dry skin, hyaluronic acid would work very well as it retains water and hydrates, helping with expression lines.
Hello, my name is Maria, and my question is: I had stomach reduction surgery three years ago and eat very little. I have been prescribed vitamin supplements enriched with Q10. Can I just take Q10 capsules?
Hello Maria, if your doctor has recommended you take multivitamins, you should follow their advice. Coenzyme Q10 is good, but it’s just a ‘vitamin.’ If you need more, you will need to take them as well. Another option is to take it separately, but you should check with your doctor for the rest.
Hello, my name is Sandra, and my question is: I have hypothyroidism and take levothyroxine sodium 75mcg tabs. Would taking Q10 capsules affect me in any way?
Hello! A very interesting article. I usually prescribe Q10 for its antioxidant and anti-aging effects, so I’d like to add a comment. When choosing, I would recommend selecting natural Q10 (which is made from yeast fermentation) as it is the purest and identical to what our body produces. The version dissolved in vegetable oil is better absorbed according to scientific data. Synthetic Q10 tends to be cheaper because it’s made from tobacco residues, but it contains impurities and is not as safe. Also, if you take Q10 with selenium and zinc, you’ll notice improvements in your skin, hair, and nails. Regarding interactions, Q10 is a nutritional supplement, so it doesn’t interfere with medication except for anticoagulants, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor. Best regards! Bea Almenar, Medical Nutritionist.
I have Eucerin Hyaluron Concentrate and Q10 Gel capsules of 300mg. Can I combine and use them directly on my face?
Hello, I’m Sandra, and I have localized scleroderma. Could I take Q10, and what dosage should I take? I’m 31 years old.
Hello, I’m Yolanda, and I’m 47 years old. I have taken Q10 capsules and finished a bottle. How long can I take them, and how long should I rest? Can I apply the contents of the capsule to my face?
If you take clopidogrel, can you take Q10?
Pablo Pérez: I’m 55 years old, and I don’t usually take supplements or creams. I’ve never been medicated. Should I take Q10? My vision has decreased, and I have developed freckles on my shoulders.
Hello, I take duloxetine 60mg for fibromyalgia and 1mg of lormetazepam to sleep. Every night, I use a patch for restless leg syndrome that also helps me sleep better. It’s a transdermal patch called Neupro Rotigotine. I want to know if I could take coenzyme Q10 along with these medications. Lately, I feel very tired with chronic fatigue, and I’ve heard it can help a lot.
Hello, I have chloasma, and I’ve been treated by dermatologists. Initially, it worked well, but now I don’t know what to do. My face is more stained. Can I take Q10? I’m spending a lot of money without seeing any change.
Hello, I have epilepsy, and I take medication for it. Would it be harmful to mix them with Q10?
Hello, it’s a pleasure to share with you. I take care of my appearance and physical health. I’m taking hydrolyzed collagen powder, one tablespoon in the morning and one in the afternoon. That’s not all. I go to the gym and take brewer’s yeast in powder form to increase muscle mass because I don’t like pills. I also take shark cartilage for my bones. My question is, is there any problem with taking coenzyme Q10 + vitamin E 150?
I think Q10 is excellent and all the benefits it has.
Hello, my question is whether Q10 causes weight gain. I have some extra pounds and don’t want to gain more.