Discover the benefits of ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant active

Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that provides significant benefits to the skin and our body. To learn more about this asset, we talked to dermatologist Dr. Rafael Soares (CRM 128012 / RQE 88900), who answered questions and mentioned its benefits. Follow the article.

What is ferulic acid and what is it used for?

According to Dr. Rafael, “ferulic acid is found in nature in some foods and especially in some plants. It is a potent antioxidant that we call suicidal, that is, it is a substance capable of binding to free radicals (RL) neutralizing them so that they do not harm our body. The problem is that when all the antioxidants bind to the RL, they turn into lighter and more subtle ones. But they still have some bad effect on our body, needing another antioxidant to block them completely.”

“Ferulic acid, because it is suicidal, does not undergo this transformation, it is able to bind to an RL and, in doing so, is degraded without releasing new RL in our body. Therefore, it is a potent antioxidant and has interesting effects for our body and skin. Manipulated ferulic acid can be found around R$ 70 to R$ 100 and can reach very expensive levels like R$ 500, when associated with other potent antioxidants. So it varies a lot, depending on the association that was made, whether the product is industrialized or manipulated”, adds Rafael.

5 benefits of ferulic acid for your skin

Check out the main benefits of this asset mentioned by the dermatologist:

• Capable of inducing skin whitening;
• As a potent antioxidant, ferulic acid is an anti-aging agent that prevents skin aging;
• It has an anti-inflammatory effect that improves the aggression that the sun causes on our skin;
• It makes the skin more uniform for texture reasons and for being a great lightener;
• As it is a suicidal antioxidant, we can associate it with other antioxidants, enhancing their action.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, ferulic acid also has a potentiating effect on sunscreens.

Frequently asked questions about ferulic acid

Next, the dermatologist clarified the most common doubts about the use of the substance. Follow:

1. Does ferulic acid lighten the skin?

Rafael Soares (RS): “Ferulic acid is a compound that comes from a family we call phenolic acids, where we have the main lighteners in our skin. The great advantage is that ferulic acid does not cause any side effects on our skin like most phenolic acids that lighten too much leaving white spots. So with its use, we have the skin lightening potential by its very nature, which is a phenolic acid capable of inducing lightening.”

2. What is the advantage of associating ferulic acid with vitamin C?

RS: “Whenever vitamin C is combined with ferulic acid, it will work better than when used alone, so will vitamin E. So any other antioxidant associated with ferulic acid will work better on the skin.”

3. From what age is its use indicated?

RS: “It all depends from person to person, but as soon as you show the first signs of aging or blemishes on the skin, which can be from the age of 20 or 30/40, the use of ferulic acid is already indicated.”

4. Can ferulic acid use during the day?

RS: “Yes, because there is no reaction with the sun and it does not irritate the skin. The only care is to use adequate sunscreen, always reapplying at the intervals indicated by the dermatologist.”

5. Can it be used during pregnancy?

Rs Yes. There is no scientific evidence that shows any risk of using ferulic acid, not least because it is present in some foods.”

6. In which foods can ferulic acid be found?

RS: “Foods that are purplish and bluish in color have significant amounts of ferulic acid, such as eggplant and artichoke. In addition to some types of corn, beans, bran, wheat flour. Some fruits like apples also have the substance, even if not very high.”

As we have seen, this asset has incredible advantages for the skin. But is there any contraindication? Check it out below!

Ferulic acid contraindications

The dermatologist informs that “so far there is no formal contraindication, unless the person has an allergy to the substance, which can be noticed after using it a few times. So, in principle, everyone can use it, except when there is an allergy to the substance.”

How to use ferulic acid

Check out the main ways to use ferulic acid for you to include this substance in your skin care routine:

Be a

According to the dermatologist, ferulic acid is normally used topically through serums, which are products of high density and viscosity. So when we apply it to the skin, the serum behaves almost like a gel, but actually the texture is liquid. Just apply it on the skin, spread it evenly, wait for it to dry and then apply the sunscreen.

Creams, lotions and gels

Another way to obtain the benefits of the substance is by using creams, lotions and gels for the face. These products can be formulated with other actives, such as vitamin C and E, acting as a stabilizer. There are options for all skin types, including oily skin. The product can be used daily in the morning, after washing the face with specific soap and before applying sunscreen. At night it can be applied after bathing and after proper cleansing of the skin.

chemical peeling

Ferulic acid can be used as a chemical peel to care for the skin, prevent wrinkles and premature aging. The technique stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, in addition to enhancing protection against ultraviolet rays. To be successful in the procedure, chemical peeling must be done under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Although ferulic acid has several benefits and there are no contraindications, it is important to consult a doctor to indicate the appropriate substance for your skin type. Enjoy and check out other types of acids for the face, their benefits and tips for use.