While you’d be forgiven for thinking mitochondria belongs in your brain’s archived files labeled “year 7 Science Class”, their function and importance are beginning to get mainstream airtime.

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, as they play a critical role in generating energy for the body's cellular processes. While their function in energy production is well-known, recent studies have shed light on the essential role of mitochondria in the skin. Not only is it your interface to the world, the skin is responsible for protecting the body by providing a barrier against the environment, regulating temperature, and protecting against harmful radiation.

At Aleph, we’ve been champions of mitochondrial function since the beginning which is why we always put mitochondrial function at the forefront of our product development.

We figure we’re already removing harmful ingredients from the mix, we might as well be doing more good with the products we put on our skin too.

Why we should pay attention to mitochondria in the skin?

Healthy mitochondrial function is essential for the maintenance of skin health. The skin is a highly active tissue, requiring a significant amount of energy to perform its various functions. This energy is generated by the mitochondria through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. In addition to producing energy, mitochondria play a vital role in regulating cellular metabolism, cell death, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. When mitochondria become damaged or dysfunctional, it can lead to a range of skin conditions, including premature aging, inflammation, and even cancer.

Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of many skin diseases. For example, in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, there is a decrease in the number of functional mitochondria in the affected skin cells. In addition, mitochondrial DNA mutations have been linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Mitochondria play a critical role in maintaining healthy skin. From generating energy to regulating cellular metabolism and ROS production, mitochondria are essential for the proper functioning of skin cells.

How do you protect your mitochondria?

Together with Khalid Ghanima from Urban Herbalist, we’ve put together some tips on how to best support the mitochondria from the inside out.

One way to support healthy mitochondrial function is through proper nutrition. Healthy mitochondria depend on getting nutrients from a healthy, balanced lifestyle. That means maintaining a diet full of antioxidant-rich foods and staying hydrated and avoiding processed and sugary foods. Regular exercise has been shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, which can increase the number of functional mitochondria in the skin.