You’ve heard of mitochondria — the “powerhouses of the cell,” right? But here’s what most people don’t know: those tiny energy factories are also the secret behind how your skin ages.

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive beneath the surface (literally) to uncover how your skin’s mitochondria control everything from collagen production and elasticity to wrinkle formation and inflammation — and what you can do to keep them healthy, energized, and glowing.

We’ll unpack how UV exposure, stress, poor sleep, and even skincare products can damage mitochondrial DNA… and why that matters for your skin’s vitality and your long-term health.

And yes — we’ll also talk about two game-changing molecules that actually work: CoQ10 and melatonin. These two are your mitochondria’s dream team, boosting energy, repairing damage, and keeping your skin youthful at the cellular level.

You’ll learn:

⚡️ How your mitochondria literally fuel your skin’s glow (and what happens when they burn out)

🌞 The surprising truth about UV damage, sunscreen, and mitochondrial DNA

💊 How CoQ10 and melatonin support mitochondrial repair and visible anti-aging

🌿 The diet and lifestyle tweaks that supercharge your skin’s energy and radiance

🧴 Why topical creams help — but can’t outrun poor diet, sleep, or stress

💋 How to rebuild your glow and resilience from the inside out

If you’ve ever wondered why your skincare stops working, or why you feel (and look) tired even when you’re doing “all the right things,” this one’s going to connect the dots.

00:00 – Welcome back! Why mitochondria are the real anti-aging secret

01:15 – What mitochondria actually do (and how your skin depends on them)

03:00 – The cell danger response: how stress shuts down your skin’s energy factories

04:15 – Programmed cell death: why your mitochondria are your skin’s built-in clean-up crew

05:30 – Free radicals, oxidative stress, and the “exhaust” that ages your skin

06:45 – How UV exposure damages mitochondrial DNA (and why mineral sunscreen matters)

08:30 – What really happens to your skin’s mitochondria as you age

09:45 – The ingredient no one’s talking about for skin anti-aging: CoQ10

11:00 – CoQ10’s double role: energy production and antioxidant defense

12:00 – Can CoQ10 actually penetrate the skin? The science says yes

13:00 – Melatonin’s unexpected role in protecting your skin (and why good sleep equals good skin)

14:30 – What happens when your mitochondria “burn out” — and how that shows up on your face

15:15 – Lifestyle fixes that repair mitochondria: diet, antioxidants, movement, and sleep

16:45 – The Mediterranean-style eating pattern that nourishes skin from within

17:30 – Why skincare is the supplement — not the solution

18:30 – How to build a mitochondria-friendly lifestyle that slows visible aging

19:45 – Final thoughts: why energy, skin health, and longevity all share the same root

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Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

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Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.