Intervention Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) on Skin Agingvvvv

In the field of skincare, the search for safe and effective anti-aging ingredients has always been a research and development priority. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), as a novel vitamin-like bioactive substance, has become a research hotspot in anti-aging skincare due to its excellent antioxidant and cell repair-promoting capabilities. Recent studies have confirmed that PQQ can improve signs of skin aging at the cellular level, providing an innovative solution for skin anti-aging.

Core Mechanisms of Skin Aging

Skin aging is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic regulation and cellular functional decline. Among these, the deletion or downregulation of the Bmi-1 gene accelerates the premature aging process of the skin. Abnormalities in the Bmi-1 gene lead to thinning of both the epidermis and dermis, reduction in hair follicle-sebaceous gland units, decreased collagen fiber density, diminished cell proliferation capacity, overexpression of aging-related proteins, and disrupted cellular autophagy function. These internal changes ultimately result in external aging manifestations such as skin laxity, roughness, and fine lines—the fundamental causes of visible aging traces.

Intervention Effects of PQQ on Skin Aging

Animal experiments have demonstrated that PQQ significantly improves gene defect-induced premature skin aging. After feeding Bmi-1 knockout mice with PQQ-supplemented diets, the mice exhibited effective recovery in body size and weight. Histological examination of skin tissue revealed significant increases in epidermal and dermal thickness, restoration of hair follicle-sebaceous gland unit numbers, and notable enhancement of collagen fiber density and ratio, thereby repairing skin structural integrity. Concurrently, PQQ increased the positive rate of PCNA (a cell proliferation marker), enhanced skin self-renewal capacity, and visibly improved aging phenotypes.

Molecular Mechanisms of PQQ in Skincare and Anti-Aging

The anti-aging effects of PQQ are mediated through well-defined molecular pathways. On one hand, it inhibits the expression of aging-related proteins such as p16, p19, and p53, thereby blocking cell cycle arrest and reducing senescence and apoptosis of skin cells. On the other hand, PQQ regulates cellular autophagy pathways by upregulating Beclin-1 expression and increasing the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio while decreasing p62 levels, thereby restoring autophagic activity, clearing damaged organelles and aging metabolic byproducts, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. This dual-action mechanism endows PQQ with advantages in deep-level anti-aging.

Application Prospects of PQQ in the Skincare Field

PQQ possesses excellent biological safety and can meet human requirements through dietary intake, demonstrating high compatibility when applied in skincare products. It not only improves natural aging but also defends against photoaging induced by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, repairing skin damage while enhancing elasticity and hydration. With advancing research, PQQ is expected to become a core ingredient in anti-aging products such as creams, serums, and masks, providing consumers with more efficient choices for skin anti-aging.

The key to skin anti-aging lies in targeting cellular root causes. With its unique mechanism of action, PQQ opens new directions for the field of skincare anti-aging and will play a significant role in high-end skincare products in the future.

Reference: Li B, Yang X M, Zhou X M, et al. Effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone on skin aging in Bmi-1 KO mice and underlying mechanisms[J]. Plos one, 2025, 20(3): e0319770.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

by GSHWORLD

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