More often than not, when we think about skin care, we focus on the skin’s surface. Exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen—these are all crucial steps in maintaining skin health. But how often do we delve deeper into the skin on a microscopic level when assessing skin health? Take your skin care to a whole new level and discover the benefits of healing the mitochondria.
Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is the most abundant and influential protein in our skin. One of the main roles of collagen is to keep skin firm and elastic. As you age, collagen production naturally slows down, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Mitochondria are essentially the energy factories of our cells, creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of life. During the process of collagen production, fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, require a substantial amount of energy.
Healthy and activated mitochondria supply a sufficient amount of energy for collagen production, tightening skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Red light therapy achieves this result. A common myth of RLT is that it only treats acne. However, RLT offers many benefits, including collagen production. The red light targets skin cells’ mitochondria, stimulating the powerhouse to produce more energy and, in turn, boost collagen production.
Improves Skin Texture
Healthy mitochondria are essential for the optimal functioning of skin cells, which can improve skin texture. Mitochondria are the heart of your skin cells, providing energy and life sustenance. Mitochondrial dysfunction can weaken skin cells, shortening their life and leaving you with rough, uneven, and dull-looking skin. Healthy mitochondria lead to vigorous skin cells, causing skin smoothness and radiance.
Reduces Inflammation
The mitochondria are significant producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cellular components if not efficiently neutralized. When mitochondria are not performing optimally, they produce an excess of ROS. These molecules can interact with cellular structures, causing damage and potentially leading to inflammation.
Dysfunctional mitochondria can also trigger the activation of inflammatory pathways. Mitochondrial damage can lead to the release of mitochondrial DNA, activating the body’s immune response and leading to inflammation. Maintaining mitochondrial health is crucial in managing inflammation and promoting overall skin health.
Enhances Skin Hydration
The mitochondria are vital in promoting skin cell turnover, which is critical for maintaining the skin’s barrier. Skin cell turnover refers to the process by which new skin cells are produced, rise to the skin’s surface, and replace old, dead skin cells. This process is necessary to maintain a healthy, vibrant skin surface and requires a significant amount of energy from the mitochondria.
A healthy skin barrier, made from new skin cells, retains a lot of moisture, leaving your skin hydrated. Moisturized skin is one of the many secrets to maintain glowing skin. Mitochondrial dysfunction can compromise the skin barrier and lead to dehydration, which can cause dry and itchy skin. By healing the mitochondria, you can enhance skin hydration and promote healthy-looking skin.
Healing the mitochondria offers abundant benefits to your skin’s health and appearance. From boosting collagen production to enhancing skin hydration, healthy mitochondria can play a crucial role in your skin care routine. Taking care of your skin means taking care of your whole body, and healing the mitochondria is an excellent place to start.
Kelly Schoessling is a Publishing Coordinator at Logical Position, a digital marketing agency that writes dynamic web articles to create measurable growth.
