The Ibiza Sun is pleased to welcome our newest expert to the paper. Nuala Wilkes will be writing a regular fortnightly article to advise us all on the best ways to keep our good looks! If anyone has any beauty/health queries, please do let us know.

Over the last decade, the mysteriously named co-enzyme Q10 has been appearing in anti-ageing skincare products across the globe. First discovered in 1957, Q10 is a vitamin-like enzyme that is naturally present in all cells of the body. It is vitally important for energy production but our ability to produce Q10 declines after the age of 20, despite our demand for it increasing as we age.

  When added to skincare potions, Q10 can reduce premature ageing and keep your skin looking youthful. Not surprisingly, with the worldwide obsession with anti-ageing, any products promising younger-looking skin are destined to fly off the shelves. The market for advanced anti-wrinkle creams has doubled since 2003 to exceed £100m, a figure predicted to double by 2013.

  As a powerful antioxidant, Q10 banishes the nasty free-radicals that arise from excess toxins and cause ageing. In addition to enhancing your skin, Q10 supplementation has been proven to be effective in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease, strokes and even cancer.

  So how can you get hold of some Q10 magic? Well, it naturally occurs in foods such as broccoli, sardines and nuts, but for therapeutic doses there is a plethora of Q10 enriched lotions and potions out there. Most major skincare brands have launched Q10 enriched products within the last decade but the most notable is Nivea Visage's Q10 range, which promises a visible reduction of wrinkles in four weeks. Celebrating its ten year anniversary in 2008, it is the world's best-selling anti-wrinkle cream, selling 22 million items last year alone.

  At the cheaper end, Aldi's now-famous Siana range also contains Q10 to help regenerate the skin and has won a host of beauty awards, beating off competition from premier brands costing several times more than its humble £1.89 price tag.

  Is Q10 actually any good? Well, as with any beauty buzzword, it is often difficult to detach true fact from advertising hype. Scientific trials have proved that Q10 is effective in rejuvenating skin cells and boosting the production of collagen and elastin, which will naturally result in healthier, younger looking skin. Dr Len Mervyn, who first discovered co-enzyme Q10, has stated "In my opinion Co-Enzyme Q10 is the most perfect, the most logical and the most natural active ingredient introduced into skincare in the last 20 years".

  Conversely, some dermatologists believe there is hardly any scientific data to prove the effectiveness of Q10. The exact clinical effect on the skin is debatable but while further research continues, the big skincare brands are happy to keep promoting Q10 as a sales tool until the next super ingredient emerges. Misleading terms such as 'anti-ageing results' are banned by advertising authorities if not scientifically proven, but clever word-play still allows brands to market their products as promoting 'younger looking skin'.

  As with any anti-ageing products, it is always better to start using them as soon as lines appear. They can be heavy on the skin, so experiment until you find one that suits your skin type. And remember - don't expect miracles, it's a cream not a magic wand!

Do you have a beauty query? Email asknuala@gmail.com