Some things from school slip quietly out of memory, while others stay surprisingly clear. ‘Mitochondria’ is one of them. The powerhouse of the cell was repeated often enough that even years later, it still holds a special place, etched in our minds. What was once a textbook definition has now found its way into skincare, with a cellular, longevity-focused perspective. But in a world of quick fixes, how does this concept fit in?
“Mitochondria are the 'energy centres' of our cells, responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency required for all cellular processes,” explains Dr Zoya Diwan, director, Trikwan Aesthetics, London. “In the skin, this energy supports collagen production, cell turnover, and repair. They also regulate cell survival and DNA integrity, helping skin respond to damage from UV and environmental stress.”
Multiple studies have found that when mitochondrial function is optimal, skin is better able to maintain structure, hydration, and resilience. Board-certified doctor with a specialisation in aesthetic medicine and surgery, Dr Eugenia Bonelli says, “When we talk about mitochondrial health, we’re really talking about the skin’s ability to behave like ‘young’ skin — efficient, resilient, and capable of repairing itself properly.”
As mitochondrial function begins to decline, the shift isn’t immediately dramatic — but it is cumulative. Cells generate less energy, while damage to mitochondrial DNA quietly builds. This leads to reduced collagen synthesis, slower regeneration, impaired repair mechanisms, and increased breakdown of the skin matrix, and physically presents itself as dullness, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and slower healing.
“It’s not the only driver of ageing, but it’s a central one,” says Dr Bonelli. “Think of it as the difference between a system running on a full battery versus low power mode.”
Not so fun fact? Oxidative stress is one of the main factors that damages mitochondria. As Dr Diwan notes, it occurs when there is an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and metabolic processes.
“Mitochondria are both a major source and a key target of ROS. When ROS levels are high, they damage mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and membranes, reducing energy production and triggering further ROS release. This creates a cycle that accelerates cellular ageing,” she explains.
Simply put, they become less efficient and can actually produce more oxidative stress themselves, triggering a vicious cycle. “For your skin, this means accelerated ageing, reduced repair capacity, and increased inflammation over time,” adds Dr Bonelli.
Similarly, chronic low-grade inflammation, termed by dermatologists as inflammageing, is also closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Inflammation disrupts mitochondrial activity, and dysfunctional mitochondria can amplify inflammatory signals. Another vicious cycle, which, over time, can manifest as increased sensitivity, uneven texture, loss of firmness, and an overall decline in skin quality.
“It’s also something we see in underlying conditions like rosacea, pigmentation, and premature ageing,” notes Dr Bonelli.
According to the experts, mitochondrial function actually relies heavily on reducing oxidative stress and maintaining efficient cellular energy production. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols help protect mitochondrial structures from damage.
“These ingredients primarily work by reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular energy pathways, rather than directly ‘boosting' mitochondria,” advises Dr Diwan. Other ingredients also include:
Supports the mitochondrial energy chain and reduces oxidative damage
Helps maintain NAD+ levels, which are essential for cellular repair and DNA stability
Activates pathways linked to mitochondrial renewal and longevity
Supports energy metabolism within mitochondria
“Overall, the most meaningful impact on mitochondrial function is likely to come from systemic support rather than isolated ingredients, particularly when we are talking about true cellular optimisation,” adds Dr Bonelli.
That said, topical skincare has its limits, and while it can influence the superficial layers of the skin and support cellular function there, most actives don’t penetrate deeply enough to directly target mitochondria in dermal fibroblasts, where much of collagen production occurs.
“They can, however, play a meaningful role at the epidermal level by reducing oxidative stress, protecting cellular DNA, and supporting overall cell function,” says Dr Diwan. In addition, mitochondrial health is also heavily influenced by systemic factors such as nutrition, sleep, hormonal balance, and metabolic health; a combined approach is always best.
Skin beginning to show early signs of ageing — dullness, reduced resilience, a certain lack of bounce — tends to benefit most from this approach. It’s particularly relevant for those with high environmental exposure, chronic stress, or underlying inflammation, where mitochondrial function is often already compromised.
“That said, it’s less about skin type and more about skin function,” says Dr Bonelli. “Anyone looking to improve skin quality at a deeper level can benefit from this approach.”
According to the experts, the science is real — mitochondrial function is increasingly relevant as skincare moves beyond surface-level fixes to a more cellular view of ageing. That said, it’s often oversimplified. Mitochondria aren’t a magic target, but part of a larger system. “Supporting mitochondrial health is important, but it should be viewed as part of a broader approach to skin health rather than a standalone solution,” advises Dr Diwan.
