Santa Fe Skin: Altitude Stealing Your CoQ10?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 4, 2025

Ever notice how your skin feels different after a day of hiking in the mountains around Santa Fe compared to, say, a day at the beach in Galveston? It’s not just the lack of humidity. The altitude, combined with the intense New Mexico sun, creates a unique set of challenges for your skin, and a key player in mitigating those challenges is Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.

Santa Fe, perched at over 7,000 feet, presents a double whammy: thinner air and increased UV radiation. This combination significantly impacts your body’s CoQ10 levels, and understanding this is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of your body. It’s vital for energy production within cells and protects them from damage caused by free radicals. Think of it as the cellular bodyguard, constantly fending off attacks.

At higher altitudes, like those in Santa Fe, your body works harder to produce energy due to the lower oxygen levels. This increased energy production leads to a higher demand for CoQ10. Simultaneously, the increased UV radiation from the sun generates more free radicals, further depleting CoQ10 levels as it works overtime to protect your skin.

The result? Lower CoQ10 levels can manifest as:

• Increased susceptibility to sun damage.
• Premature aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.
• Slower skin cell turnover.
• A dull or uneven complexion.

So, what can Santa Fe residents do to combat this CoQ10 depletion and protect their skin? It’s a multi-pronged approach involving diet, supplements, and targeted skincare.

First, let’s talk diet. While you can’t drastically alter your CoQ10 levels through diet alone, incorporating CoQ10-rich foods can provide a baseline boost. Good sources include:

• Fatty fish: Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent choices. Check out the fresh seafood selection at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market for locally sourced options.
• Organ meats: While not everyone’s favorite, organ meats like liver and kidney are packed with CoQ10. You might find these at specialty butchers in town.
• Whole grains: Brown rice and whole wheat bread offer smaller amounts of CoQ10.
• Nuts and seeds: Pistachios, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are good sources. Grab a bag from La Montanita Co-op.
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower contain CoQ10.

However, dietary intake alone is often insufficient to replenish depleted CoQ10 levels, especially given the high altitude and sun exposure in Santa Fe. This is where supplementation comes in.

CoQ10 supplements are readily available at pharmacies and health food stores throughout Santa Fe, such as Natural Grocers or Sprouts. Look for the ubiquinol form of CoQ10, as it’s more readily absorbed by the body than ubiquinone. A typical dosage ranges from 100-200mg per day, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.

Now, let’s move on to skincare. Topical application of CoQ10 can directly target the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen production.

When choosing CoQ10 skincare products, look for serums or creams that contain a concentration of at least 0.5% CoQ10. Some readily available options in Santa Fe include:

• The Ordinary CoQ10 10% + HA: A budget-friendly serum available at Ulta Beauty.
• Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer: A richer cream containing CoQ10 and other beneficial ingredients, also available online and at select retailers.
• Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: While primarily a Vitamin C serum, it also contains CoQ10 for added antioxidant benefits. You can find Mad Hippie products at many local health food stores.

Important Considerations for Santa Fe Residents:

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation is intense at high altitude. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
• Hydration is key. The dry climate in Santa Fe can exacerbate skin dryness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a hydrating moisturizer.
• Consider other antioxidants. CoQ10 works synergistically with other antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Incorporating these into your diet and skincare routine can provide enhanced protection.
• Be patient. It takes time to see results from CoQ10 supplementation and topical application. Be consistent with your routine and give it at least a few weeks to see noticeable improvements.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:

• Not using enough sunscreen. Many people underestimate the amount of sunscreen they need to apply. Use at least a shot glass full for your entire body.
• Relying solely on skincare. While topical CoQ10 is beneficial, it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and supplementation.
• Choosing the wrong form of CoQ10. Ubiquinol is more readily absorbed than ubiquinone, so opt for supplements containing ubiquinol.
• Ignoring other lifestyle factors. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can all deplete CoQ10 levels.

Real-World Scenario:

Imagine a Santa Fe resident, Maria, who enjoys hiking in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. She notices that her skin feels dry and irritated after her hikes, even when she wears sunscreen. By understanding the impact of high altitude and sun exposure on her CoQ10 levels, Maria can take proactive steps to protect her skin. She starts taking a CoQ10 supplement, incorporates more fatty fish into her diet, and uses a CoQ10 serum daily. She also makes sure to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply it frequently during her hikes. Over time, Maria notices that her skin feels less dry and irritated, and she experiences less sun damage.

In conclusion, living in Santa Fe presents unique challenges to skin health due to the high altitude and intense sun exposure. By understanding the impact on CoQ10 levels and taking proactive steps to replenish them through diet, supplements, and targeted skincare, residents can maintain healthy, radiant skin for years to come. Don’t underestimate the power of this little coenzyme in the fight against aging and sun damage in the Land of Enchantment.