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Mitochondria and Skincare: Protecting and Energizing Your Skin
Beauty

Mitochondria and Skincare: Protecting and Energizing Your Skin

30 April 2025


Mitochondria Function in Skin




Understanding the role of mitochondria in skin health is crucial for anyone passionate about skincare. These tiny organelles, often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell,” are pivotal in maintaining the skin’s vitality, resilience, and youthful appearance. In this article, I will discuss why- as a dermatologist- I am fascinated with the mitochondria. I’ll cover the function of mitochondria, their importance in skin health, and how specific skincare ingredients can protect and enhance mitochondrial function. I’ll also explore how energy production in cells affects the skin and provide guidance on building a personalized skincare routine to combat mitochondrial aging and damage.



Mitochondria are essential for energy production, cell renewal, and preventing aging.




Antioxidants protect mitochondrial function



Skin care ingredients can boost cellular energy production




Skin care products that protect mitochondria and boost cell energy can be added to your skin care rotuine



Cellular Energy, Mitochondria and Skin Aging




In the skin care industry, you will hear claims that niacinamide, Co Q1 and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) giv skin energy. But- wat does this mean? Is it important to use these ingredient sin your skin care routine? Learn why or why not below.



Knowing which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are will help you answer the question of whether or not your skin needs energy boosting ingredients. Once you know our skin type, you can shop by your skin type and build personalized skin care regimens that will target your skin’s specific issues.




What Are Mitochondria?



Mitochondria are small, double-membrane-bound organelles found in all human cells. They are responsible for producing energy through a process called cellular respiration. This energy is stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use to perform various functions. Mitochondria also play roles in regulating cellular metabolism, signaling, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).




What Do Mitochondria Do for the Skin?



Mitochondria are essential for skin health because they provide the energy required for everything the cell needs to do to stay young such as:




Make collagen



Make glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid




Make elastin



Cell renewal




DNA repair.



Skin cells are constantly regenerating, and this process demands a significant amount of energy. Mitochondria supply this energy as ATP, enabling skin cells to divide, repair damage, and maintain a healthy barrier against environmental stressors.




Why Are Mitochondria Important in Skin?



Healthy mitochondria are crucial for preventing premature skin aging. They help combat oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.




Mitochondria also play a role in autophagy, a process where damaged cell components or senescent cells are removed,



Energy and Mitochondria




The primary function of mitochondria is to produce ATP through cellular respiration, which involves several steps:



glycolysis




the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)



oxidative phosphorylation.




These processes convert nutrients into energy, which cells use for various activities.



How Do Cells Get Energy?




Cells obtain energy from the food we eat. During digestion, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules like glucose. These molecules enter cells and undergo glycolysis, producing a small amount of ATP. The process continues in the mitochondria, where the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation generate the majority of the cell’s ATP. Below I discuss cosmetic ingredients and supplements that can help increase energy production in cells.



Why Do Cells Need Energy?




Cells need energy for almost every function they perform. In the skin, energy is required to do things like:



Make new skin cells




Make lipids for the skin barrier



Make natural moisturizing factor from filaggrin




Restore collagen


Make elastin

Make the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM)

DNA repair

Digestion of cell “garbage”

Wound repair

Maintain the immune system

Without sufficient energy, these processes slow down, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging, and dullness.

What Is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that carries energy within cells. It is often referred to as the “energy currency” of the cell. ATP powers many cellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, movement of immune cells, production of cellular components, and other processes needed to combat aging. In the skin, ATP is essential for maintaining healthy cell function and repair and keep skin looking young.

Skin Care Ingredients and Mitochondria

Certain skincare ingredients can protect and enhance mitochondrial function, thereby promoting healthier, more youthful skin. Below is a list of ingredients in skin care products that play a role in mitochondrial function in the skin.

Ingredients That Protect Mitochondria

Antioxidants: Vitamin C and Vitamin E are examples of powerful antioxidants that protect mitochondria from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. You can find a list of antioxidants used in skin care at this link.

Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant supports mitochondrial energy production and reduces oxidative stress.

Resveratrol: Found in red wine and grapes, resveratrol enhances mitochondrial function and provides protection against UV-induced damage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats, found in fish oil and flaxseed, help maintain mitochondrial integrity and reduce inflammation.

Ingredients That Increase Cellular Energy

Antiwrinkle serums and antiaging creams often contain ingredients that help increase cellular energy.

Here are examples of these ingredients:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Enhances the production of ATP, improving cellular energy and overall skin health.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): A potent antioxidant that stimulates the production of new mitochondria, enhancing cellular energy production.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): Vital for ATP production and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+): Essential for cellular energy production and repair processes, NAD+ levels decline with age, and supplementing can boost mitochondrial function.

Skin Care Products to Strengthen Mitochondria

Selecting skincare products that contain ingredients to help maintain mitochondrial health and promote youthful skin can be hard to do. I can help! Your best bet is to take our skin type quiz and shop using your skin type, but I feature some mitochondria friendly skin care products below.

Mitochondria Friendly Skin Care Routine

The Baumann Skin Types that need ingredients that preserve mitochondria and give them energy are the wrinkle-prone skin types. Understanding your Baumann Skin Type® is essential for creating an effective skincare routine that addresses your specific needs. Taking the skin type quiz will identify your skin type and help you select the most appropriate products.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing signs of aging. By understanding how these organelles function and incorporating skincare ingredients that support mitochondrial health, you can enhance your skin’s vitality and appearance. Taking the Baumann Skin Type quiz is a valuable step in building a personalized skincare routine tailored to your specific needs.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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