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Everything You Need to Know About Ferulic Acid

You may have heard of ferulic acid and may have unknowingly used a skincare product that contains this cult-favourite antioxidant. Being the wise consumer you are, it is crucial to know everything you can about ferulic acid before adding it into your skincare routine.

What is ferulic acid?

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Ferulic acid or hydroxycinnamic acid is an organic compound commonly present in the cell walls of certain plants, such as peanuts, oats, oranges, and brown rice. Teeming with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and R, ferulic acid works by neutralising free radical damage caused by external stressors such as pollution, ultraviolet rays, infrared radiation, and many more.

While natural ferulic acid is primarily derived from botanical sources, it can also be produced in the laboratory to ensure consistency, efficacy, and safety. Ferulic acid typically comes in cream or serum formulation and is a major component in anti-ageing products. If you want to learn more about the sources of ferulic acid and its potency as a skincare ingredient, check out reliable sources such as https://www.totalbodycare.co.uk/.

As an anti-ageing ingredient, ferulic acid does not repair skin damage but rather prevents skin ageing signs from developing in the first place. It primarily functions as a protective shield against the proliferation of free radicals produced by our bodies. Ferulic acid works by effectively neutralising free radicals before they can cause serious damage to skin tissues.

To maximise its efficacy, ferulic acid should be packaged in dark or opaque containers to shield the compound from the light. Moreover, it must be kept in a cool, dry place. Like vitamin C, ferulic acid turns from its original orange colour to a dark brown when exposed to air and light.

Skin protective qualities of ferulic acid

While there are limited studies to confirm the benefits of ferulic acid use on the skin, there is evidence that this organic compound may effectively reduce the damage caused by extended periods of sun exposure.

According to studies, when used in combination with vitamin E, ferulic acid can reduce the occurrence of skin lesions as a result of exposure to ultraviolet B radiation. With this promising result, more studies are underway to prove the efficacy and potency of ferulic acid in protecting the skin from the damaging ultraviolet light.

The many skin benefits of ferulic acid

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At the right concentration and proper usage, ferulic acid can prevent the damage caused by extrinsic ageing.

  • Reduces the appearance of skin ageing signs, including crow’s feet, wrinkles, and fine lines. Due to its inherent protective quality, ferulic acid protects the skin from pollution and radiation, which are harmful elements that lead to premature wrinkle formation.
  • Prevents skin sagging. The proliferation of free radicals may result in skin sagging. Including ferulic acid in your skincare regimen can enhance skin firmness over time.
  • Fights off inflammation. Oxidative damage caused by the elimination of free radicals typically results in skin inflammation. When toxins block the pores, this can lead to acne formation, and antioxidants such as ferulic acid feature anti-inflammatory properties to clear such breakouts.
  • Reduces the appearance of sunspots. Pollution and radiation may result in an increased production of pigments such as sunspots on the superficial layer of the skin. Ferulic acid protects the skin from external stressors to reduce the formation and appearance of dark spots.
  • Reduces skin blemishes such as uneven complexion and redness. External stressors cause the increased formation of blood vessels on the upper skin layers, resulting in blemishes and redness.
  • Reduces the appearance of acne and dark spots. The anti-inflammatory property of antioxidants can reduce the damage caused by acne, such as acne scars and dark spots.
  • Reduces the appearance of melasma. Melasma is a skin condition where the skin’s melanocytes react to sunlight and heat. Antioxidants help protect the skin from infrared radiation and extended exposure to UV rays.
  • Boosts the effects of vitamins C and E. When used in combination with other antioxidants, ferulic acid can enhance the efficacy and stability of vitamins C and E.

Who can use ferulic acid for its anti-ageing benefits?

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Ferulic acid works well for all skin types and skin tones. Therefore, the majority of ferulic acid users won’t suffer from any side effects due to regular use. However, since many skincare products source their ferulic acid from fruits and grains, individuals with known allergies to grains, cereals, apples, and oatmeal should first check in with their dermatologist before using a certain skincare product containing ferulic acid.

Apart from allergies, ferulic acid is a potent ingredient. Experts recommend performing a patch test before actual application. It is best to wait a full 24 hours to see if your skin will react adversely to ferulic acid. If you do not display any allergic reaction following a patch test, then you may go ahead and add ferulic acid to your skincare routine.

Ferulic acid’s proper use and application

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To achieve superior results using ferulic acid, take two to three drops of the product and apply on clean, dry skin in the morning. To apply the skincare product to your skin, use your fingers and distribute it gently all over the face. You may use sunscreen or moisturiser over it as part of your anti-ageing skincare regimen. Furthermore, while ferulic acid may be used twice daily, many skin experts recommend its application only once daily and ideally in the morning. As most of the damage occurs in the morning, there is no better way to protect the skin than to layer it with ferulic serum or cream.

If you are using exfoliating chemicals on your skin in the morning, you may apply ferulic acid at nighttime together with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Combining strong chemical exfoliants with ferulic acid can change your skin’s pH, resulting in the reduced efficacy of ferulic acid’s antioxidative benefits.

Conclusion

Overall, ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant with many anti-ageing characteristics, which include properties that fight free radicals effectively. If you are looking to slow down the ageing process, even out skin complexion, and improve the overall texture of your skin, ferulic acid serum or cream is worth including in your skincare regimen.