Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Thomas Blatt, R&D,
Beiersdorf AG, Unnastrasse 48, D-20245 Hamburg, Germany. Tel.: +49 40 4909
6605; Fax: +49 40 4909 6770; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: As an organism ages, there is a decline in mitochondrial function
and cellular energy balance. This decline is both accelerated by and can cause
the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage nuclear and
mitochondrial DNA, lipid membranes as well as structural and catalytic
proteins, especially those involved in energetic pathways of cells. Further,
ROS have also been linked to some of the detrimental skin changes that occur as
a result of photoaging. We have previously shown that levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a
component of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, are reduced in skin cells
from aging donors, and that topical supplementation can ameliorate processes
involved in skin aging. Creatine is another important component of the cellular energy
system and phosphocreatine, its phosphorylated form, functions as a reservoir
for high energy phosphates. Unfortunately the creatine system and thus the
energy storage mechanism in skin are negatively affected by aging and
conditions of oxidative stress. This article reviews some of our in vivo data about the synergistic
effects of combining a stabilized form of Creatine with CoQ10 and clearly
depicts their beneficial effects as active ingredients in topical
formulations.
Keywords: CoQ10, creatine, topical application, skin aging, wrinkles, energy
Journal: BioFactors, vol. 25, no. 1-4, pp. 179-185, 2005
