Ferulic Acid, the Ideal Active Ingredient for Aging Skin

Skin aging is an inevitable phenomenon. The main causes are: a lower rate of cell renewal, a change in the composition of the dermis and it's molecules (hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin...), as well as the breakdown of muscular tissue that no longer perform their supportive function.

An unhealthy lifestyle can also accelerate this process (poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep...). As a result, wrinkles become deeper, the skin becomes drier, pigment spots may appear and the vessels become dilated. In addition, the epidermis changes, becoming thicker or thinner depending on the person.

You can adjust your lifestyle to slow down skin aging and/or adjust your skin care routine accordingly. Thus, ferulic acid is an important ally to prevent the appearance of signs of aging.

Ferulic acid is a well-known active ingredient in cosmetics that effectively fights skin aging. Its mode of action is based on two essential functions.

• Neutralization of free radicals:

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by all kinds of factors (pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, etc.). Since they consist of a single electron, they are very reactive and attack the healthy cells and proteins of the skin, accelerating their aging. The hydroxy and phenoxy groups of ferulic acid emit electrons to deactivate these free radicals, making them more stable and therefore less reactive. Thus, this active ingredient delays skin aging and protects the skin from external aggressions.

• Prevent the appearance of brown spots:

Several studies have proven the brightening effect of ferulic acid. Its chemical structure is similar to that of tyrosine, the amino acid that controls melanin synthesis. Therefore, ferulic acid blocks melanin formation through competitive inhibition with tyrosine, reducing the phenomenon of hyperpigmentation that often occurs with age.