The Anti-Aging Skin Benefits of Ferulic Acid

As the years go on, we all want perfectly ageless skin and many would prefer to avoid pricey cosmetic procedures to reach these results. Age spots and dry skin often tend to contribute to the appearance of aging skin and need to be tackled if you wish to reveal a plump, younger-looking complexion. When It comes to skin care, ferulic acid NEEDS to be on your radar because of its brightening and anti-aging benefits. Ferulic acid is a powerful plant-based antioxidant that can be naturally found in foods like bran, oats, rice, citrus and apple seeds. This ingredient has been popularized for its ability to fight free-radical damage and enhance the effects of vitamins A, C & E. The following are several ways ferulic acid can help your skin. 

• Boosts the effects of vitamin C & E. When you’re looking for products to lighten and brighten your skin, you’re probably reaching for a vitamin C or E serum. However, ferulic acid is crucial in stabilizing these vitamins for your skin’s benefit. Vitamin C tends to often be unstable on its own. It degrades quickly in sunlight but ferulic acid helps stabilize it to minimize sun damage on the skin. A 2005 study found that when vitamins C and E are combined with ferulic acid, they offer twice the amount of photoprotection.

• Reduces fine lines & wrinkles. Free radicals in the atmosphere like air pollution and radiation are often one of the main factors in aging skin. Sun damage leads to textured, dull, dry skin which inevitably creates the appearance of more fine lines and wrinkles. With the help of ferulic acid, the antioxidants help ensure your skin is protected from free radical damage that often leads to the appearance of aging skin while also firming and combatting sagging skin.

• Reduces dark spots. Pigmentary alterations like dark spots, can often age your skin to appear dull and tired. Ferulic acid assists in reducing the formation of brown spots like sunspots due to its ability to shield from these environmental aggressors. A 2013 study found a reduction in skin lesions by around 20% in mice exposed to UV radiation when a topical ointment containing ferulic acid and vitamin E was applied. If prevention is what you are looking for, the combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid will ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV damage. 

• Anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce redness. If you notice your skin has been experiencing an increase in skin irritation and redness, it may be due to pollution and radiation that cause an increase in blood vessel formation on the skin. Antioxidants like ferulic acid often contain anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe any skin irritation. This means it works well to retexturize your skin & combat breakouts while reducing the appearance of any redness that may have been caused by inflammatory acne. 

How can you add ferulic acid to your skin care routine? 

Ferulic acid is safe for most skin types but may take some getting used to if you have a more sensitive skin type. Ferulic acid is the perfect fit for those who want to brighten, lighten & rejuvenate their complexion. It works best in a topical serum that is applied in the mornings before your moisturizer. If you are looking to experience the transformative brightening benefits that occur when you combine vitamin C, E and Ferulic Acid, FYAB Health’s Brightening Serum is formulated with all three and more to combat dark spots, discoloration and fine lines & wrinkles for glowing, vibrant skin. 

SOURCES:

Zduńska K, Dana A, Kolodziejczak A, Rotsztejn H. Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(6):332-336. doi:10.1159/000491755

Srinivasan M, Sudheer AR, Menon VP. Ferulic Acid: therapeutic potential through its antioxidant property. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2007;40(2):92-100. doi:10.3164/jcbn.40.92

Mazurek K, Pierzchała E. Comparison of efficacy of products containing azelaic acid in melasma treatment. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(3):269-82. doi:10.1111/jocd.12217

Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):826-32. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x

Lin F-H, et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x

Burns EM, Tober KL, Riggenbach JA, Kusewitt DF, Young GS, et al. (2013) Differential Effects of Topical Vitamin E and C E Ferulic® Treatments on Ultraviolet Light B-Induced Cutaneous Tumor Development in Skh-1 Mice. PLOS ONE 8(5): e63809. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0063809