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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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