The Unsung Antioxidant Hero
What we consider an unsung hero, Ferulic Acid is often referred to as the best antioxidant that protects the skin and counters almost every ageing skin concern, though it’s not as widely talked about as compared to its antioxidant-rich counterparts such as vitamin C or vitamin E.
Ferulic acid, aka hydroxycinnamic acid, is a type of phenolic acid and antioxidant-rich ingredient that neutralises free radical damage that is further impacted by threats like pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke, harmful toxins that will accelerate skin ageing. Ferulic acid can be found in the cell wall of plants, oats, brown rice, peanuts and oranges to name a few. However, its most frequent association is with apples.
Benefits
Protects your skin like no other
- Like all antioxidants, ferulic acid does an amazing job in protecting the skin against free radicals and environmental stressors that can damage the skin and speed up the signs of ageing skin.
- When something wants to harm your skin, it creates a certain molecule that will endlessly traumatise the skin around it. Ferulic acid works to shut down that molecule and inhibit it from causing more damage.
Treats almost every ageing skin concern
- Ferulic acid can help to reduce the development of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation (sun spots, age spots, acne spots) and sagging skin. Giving your skin that extra radiance, glow and suppleness that it needs for that healthy look.
Reduces inflammation
- Ferulic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce any inflammation caused by oxidative stress which usually leads to blocked pores and breakouts.
- Patches of redness is also an indication of inflamed skin as pollution and radiation causes an increase in blood vessel formation, ferulic acid can reduce this and diminish the look of uneven skin tone.
What to note?
- Ferulic acid is suitable for all skin types.
- One very important thing to note is that ferulic acid does not REPAIR the damage that has been done, but rather it acts as a shield to prevent future free radical damage.
- We advise against using ferulic acid together with exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids as they alter the pH level of the ferulic acid and affect its effectiveness.
- Ferulic acid works really well with vitamin C and E and has the potential to make them more stable and effective.
- There are times where ferulic acids will change from its original golden orange colour to a muddy brown over time, this signifies that the ferulic acid has oxidised and is no longer as effective.
- Although ferulic acid can be used both in the AM and PM, we recommend to only use ferulic acid in the AM as that is when your skin requires the most protection. Also, if your skincare regime consists of exfoliating acids, it is best to use the exfoliating acids at night only and not mix them together.
- Do conduct a patch test prior, especially for people with sensitive or chronic skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
Products we recommend
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
For its low price, this product is pure bliss protection for the skin. In addition to the 3% ferulic acid, it also contains 3% resveratrol, an antioxidant commonly found in grapes that further reinforces skin protection from external aggressors.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
C15 Super Booster contains a highly concentrated form of vitamin C, combined with ferulic acid, vitamin E and peptides. Together, they provide exceptional results including improving the appearance of uneven skin tone, brightening a dull complexion, and helping skin ward off the impact of environmental assaults.
Commonlabs Dual Vita Anti Oxidant Ampoule
This ampoule delivers 24-hour hydration, targets fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin. It is formulated with 15% pure vitamin C and a few other show-stopping ingredients include 63% lemon myrtle extract, centella asiatica and 5 other antioxidants with ferulic acid being one of them.
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