What is CoQ10 in skincare?
Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble compound found in the mitochondria of every cell. It has two jobs: it carries electrons in the process that generates cellular energy, and it acts as an antioxidant protecting cell membranes from oxidation.
Skin levels of CoQ10 fall steadily with age and are further depleted by UV exposure, which is the rationale for replacing it topically.
What skin concerns does CoQ10 treat?
It targets the energy side of skin ageing – tired, dull, thinning skin with reduced cell activity – alongside fine lines and loss of firmness.
Topical application has been shown to raise CoQ10 levels in the skin and increase its antioxidant capacity, and laboratory work links it to reduced UVB-induced wrinkle formation. It is well tolerated, including on sensitive skin.
What ingredients are best paired with CoQ10?
Stack it with other antioxidants for a wider defence: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, resveratrol and green tea all cover different free-radical species.
It pairs safely with retinoids, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it easy to slot into an existing anti-ageing routine. As with all antioxidants, it supports sunscreen rather than substituting for it. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a common form of acquired hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical brown or greyish-brown patches, most often across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline. It develops when melanocytes – the pigment-producing cells in the skin – become overactive and deposit excess melanin into the epidermis, the dermis, or both.
It is far more common in women and in medium to deeper skin tones, and it behaves as a chronic, relapsing condition rather than a one-off mark – which is why management matters as much as treatment.
What causes melasma?
Three triggers dominate: ultraviolet and visible light exposure, hormonal change (pregnancy, oral contraceptives and hormone therapy – hence its nickname, the mask of pregnancy), and genetic predisposition.
Heat, visible light from sunlight and screens, inflammation from harsh products or aggressive procedures, and certain medications all make existing patches worse. Because the triggers are ongoing, melasma typically fades and returns rather than clearing permanently.
What ingredients are best for melasma?
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable, and a tinted mineral SPF containing iron oxides is best because it also screens the visible light that drives pigment production.
On top of that, the most evidence-backed actives are tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, liquorice root extract, retinoids and gentle alpha-hydroxy acids. Avoid harsh scrubs and strong heat, both of which can rebound the pigment. Take our Skin Quiz to build a routine around your skin tone and triggers.
