A new ingredient in the skincare world is creating quite a stir. Would you want to know why and what it is? Well, we’re talking about ferulic acid, a natural plant-based antioxidant.
Ferulic acid is surfacing in a plethora of serums, eye creams, and anti-aging formulas. But, is it worth the hype? And, what’s the right way to use it? You’ll find all this and more in this article.
Highlights:
What Is Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid is a type of phenolic acid and antioxidant-rich ingredient. It is found naturally in the seeds of fruits, some vegetables, grains, and nuts, where it acts as a protective, self-preserving element. Commonly, you can find them in rice, oats, and wheat. [1]
It works really well when you pair it with other antioxidant-rich ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin E. It has the ability to stabilize and strengthen the effect of other antioxidants.
SkinKraft Tip :
Ferulic acid works best when you apply it closest to the skin to optimize its protective qualities.
What Does Ferulic Acid Do For The Skin?
If you get down to the basics, when it comes to aging, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and damaged skin cells, free radicals are the root of all evil. And ferulic acid is primarily used to fight off free radicals. Your body can easily absorb ferulic acid and stays in the blood longer than any other phenolic acids.
Did you know that vitamin C oxidizes quickly once opened to the air? When you combine it with ingredients such as ferulic acid, the acid prevents it from oxidation. Now, you have a product that’s worth every penny!
Combine ferulic acid with Vitamin C and Vitamin E and you’ll potentially double its protective capacity. You’ll have a winning combination that treats your skincare concerns and prevents them from coming back.
What Are The Benefits Of Ferulic Acid For Skin?
1. Anti-Aging
Aging skin is natural, but elements like UV light and sun exposure can hasten the action and lead to premature aging. One of the reasons your skin ages is oxidative stress in the skin’s tissue. It causes visible signs of aging such as loss of elasticity, dullness, wrinkles, and age spots. When free radicals overtake your skin’s antioxidant defense, it results in oxidative stress.
You have antioxidants in your skin to fight free radicals and prevent damage from occurring in the first place. But, you constantly need to boost their levels. Ferulic acid is a strong scavenger of free radicals and helps reduce the aging effects of damaging free radicals on the skin.
A product with Ferulic acid prevents saggy and loose skin, and reduces the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, free radicals cause your skin to lose their firmness and ferulic acid acts as a shield to protect the skin from that damage. [2]
2. Brightening
Ferulic acid forms a secure barrier as well as contributes to the skin’s healing process, helping reduce dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Oxidative stress also blocks pores and can lead to breakouts. The antioxidants in ferulic acid contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation.
3. Smoothening
As you read earlier, the power of ferulic acid is regenerating and rejuvenating the skin cells and making your skin look brighter and younger. This includes skin that has undergone damage. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, you can use ferulic acid to correct your skin’s texture and smoothen it out.
SkinKraft Tip :
A combination of retinol and ferulic acid can add elasticity, moisture, and help smoothen skin. In other words, both the products will come together to help you regain your youthful texture.
4. Works On All Skin Types Like Magic
Ferulic acid works extremely well on each and every skin type. It’s gentle and mild-natured.
5. Protects Skin From External Factors
Ferulic acid also protects your skin from sun damage. It can stimulate the regrowth and renewal of skin that is already damaged by the sun. Wrinkles and fine lines are a result of radiation and pollution, and ferulic acid can help protect the skin from such harm. Additionally, radiation and pollution increase sun spots and pigmentation. You can use ferulic acid to reduce such effects. [3]
Dosage And Preparations Of Ferulic Acid
You can use ferulic acid daily. But timing is everything with ferulic acid. It’s better to use it in the morning as it’s the perfect booster your skin needs when you come into contact with environmental aggressors during the day.
As far as frequency goes, you can apply it at night too. The 'reserves' of the antioxidant will remain in the skin, ready to help protect it the following day.
Start with a cleanser, follow up with a toner, then add your products with ferulic acids, and lastly, finish off with sunscreen. The only thing you need to remember is don't cheat your skin by applying products occasionally; daily use can do so much!
To reap the full benefits of ferulic acid, use it alongside other antioxidants like resveratrol, vitamin C, and E. Under SPF, ferulic acid works even better as it increases protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
For skin concerns, you’ll find applying ferulic acid topically in the form of a serum is the best. To find the best product with ferulic acid and dosage that suits your skin, check out SkinKraft’s customized Rejuvenating Face Serum.
Side Effects Of Ferulic Acid
While it’s a safe ingredient, there are chances of an allergy. For instance, you can obtain ferulic acid from bran and if you have a grain allergy, there’s a possibility that you will react to this ingredient. As with other skincare ingredients, tread with caution.
If you are someone with sensitive skin, you must apply a wee bit of the product behind your ear to see how your skin reacts. If you see no reaction after a day, you’re good to go! If your skin reacts, this product may not be for you.
For the best results, check with your dermatologist before you use any products that contain ferulic acid.
What Shouldn’t You Mix With Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid is extremely compatible and a team player. It works to boost the potency of other active ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, and retinol. However, it’s better you don’t use it with exfoliating agents such as salicylic acids, lactic acid, or glycolic acid. It may alter the pH, which can change how effective the antioxidant is.
Wrapping Up
Sometimes you follow everything in the book to the T, yet you don’t see results or it doesn’t work for you. At such a time, introduce ferulic acid into your skincare arsenal. You’ll see how powerful this acid is and you’ll have new, improved skin. Get ready to re-organize your skincare regime with the help of ferulic acid.
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