What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is a strong plant antioxidant used in modern cosmetology. The substance inhibits free radicals, therefore it has a comprehensive rejuvenating effect. Under the influence of ferulic acid, the skin gets rid of redness and receives protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
It has been proven that the substance favorably penetrates dead cells and is successfully absorbed into the deep layers of the skin. It is known that ferulic acid is often combined in cosmetics with other active ingredients. For example, vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This combination makes creams and serums more effective, since the substances optimally complement each other, enhancing the protective properties of cosmetics.
Ferulic acid in cosmetics is designated by manufacturers as Ferulic Acid, Trans-Ferulic acid or Natural Ferulic acid. If the substance is mentioned on the package, then the product contains a yellow translucent liquid or powder extracted from natural raw materials. The most well-known sources are seeds and leaves of cereals (rice, oats), tree bark, peanuts, pine nuts, apples, pineapples and oranges.
Once upon a time, ferulic acid could only be found in sports supplements for muscle growth and strengthening. In 2005, one of the leading cosmetics manufacturers introduced this substance into its products. Consumers liked the serum because it really worked against common skin problems.
Today, many reputable cosmetics manufacturers produce beach, anti-aging, whitening, day, moisturizers, face and décolleté creams, tonics, aerosols and makeup removers with a ferulic acid concentration of only 0.5-1.2%. While professional peels may contain higher concentrations of ferulic acid, they contain up to 10-12%.
Ferulic acid brightens and protects skin
Hyaluronic Acid: Health Benefits
As often happens, doctors were the first to appreciate the potential of hyaluronic acid, and only then - cosmetics manufacturers. Until the early 1980s, HA was (and still is) used in various branches of medicine.
- In orthopedics: in the treatment of damaged cartilage tissue, which loses its ability to recover with age.
- In traumatology: for healing wounds and burns.
- In ophthalmology: for cataract surgery and in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. HA is also included in eye drops and contact lenses.
Nowadays, many people take dietary supplements with hyaluronic acid, hoping to improve their vision, skin and joints from the inside out. The effect here is achieved due to the absorption of HA in the digestive tract and subsequent migration to the connective tissues that need it most. However, according to experts from the Canadian research university McGill, supplements must contain “sufficient amounts of hyaluronic acid molecules to interact with the corresponding receptors.”
Recent studies show encouraging results from taking GCs for osteoarthritis. One study found that taking a daily hyaluronic acid supplement increased several quality of life markers in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Another important study was conducted by Japanese scientists on a group of 15 people with bad knees. Subjects received 240 mg of highly purified hyaluronic acid daily for 12 weeks. Positive results became evident within four weeks of supplementation and continued throughout the follow-up period.
Cosmetic properties of ferulic acid
Let's consider the whole range of beneficial properties of ferulic acid, thanks to which the popularity of cosmetics is only growing.
Skin lightening
It is believed that ferulic acid can make areas of pigmentation on the skin lighter, that is, whiten them. The effect depends on the specific case. That is, age spots may disappear completely or become less noticeable.
UV protection
Excessive sun rays can have a detrimental effect on the entire body, so exposure to heat should be limited. This is especially true for people with problem skin or the elderly. Protective cosmetics really protect women from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation. Ferulic acid acts as a natural UV filter. This means that by using such cosmetics, you greatly reduce the risk of early wrinkles and prevent photoaging.
Manufacturers enrich creams with ferulic acid that are designed to protect the skin during and after tanning. Ferulic acid does not work in any particular range, but comprehensively protects against the entire spectrum of solar radiation, so it can be considered a full-fledged UV filter.
Acne cleansing
Cosmetics with ferulic acid can remove pimples and acne scars. The active substance very quickly transforms the face, healing problematic skin. Ferulic acid has a soothing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. In the best case, acne disappears, and the tone and texture of the face becomes more even. Ferulic acid is capable of destroying a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Sensitive skin care
For sensitive skin, most cosmetics are not suitable for care, and you have to look for special products. Preparations based on ferulic acid are well accepted by thin, dry and capricious skin. In most cases, allergies do not occur due to the mild, delicate action.
Anti-aging effect
When using cosmetics with ferulic acid, you can expect an anti-aging effect. And this is not just a visual effect, but the result of changes in the skin. Under the influence of ferulic acid, blood circulation improves, blood vessels are strengthened, fine wrinkles are smoothed out, and deep wrinkles become less pronounced. Skin regeneration occurs against the background of intense hydration and increased oxygen supply.
Ferulic acid, when used externally, works as an antioxidant, which means it can fight the harmful effects of free radicals (for example, a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys cells - the peroxynitrite anion). The anti-aging effect is pronounced, since ferulic acid is often used in cosmetics along with antioxidant vitamins C and E. With such cosmetics, the skin is protected from early loss of elasticity, so the face at any age has a youthful tone and looks its best. This is why it is very difficult to determine the age of some women who take proper care of themselves.
Cosmetics with ferulic acid condition the skin well, are a quick remedy for irritation and allergies, and perfectly heal minor injuries.
Ferulic acid rejuvenates and cleanses the skin
About the cleansing procedure
Ferulic peeling is a gentle and effective way to cleanse the skin. No special injections or devices are required for the procedure; ferulic acid is used only externally. The procedure is innovative and consists of applying products from the smallest membranes to the dermis, capable of penetrating to the required depth of the epidermis.
The main principle of the method is the dissolution of non-living epidermal cells with acidic molecules, due to which the skin becomes elastic and smooth to the touch. This cleansing method prevents the action of microparticles that can cause cancer , restores damaged cells and strengthens blood vessels. It differs from other peeling methods in that the preparatory stage begins a week before the procedure. During this period, you should refrain from prolonged exposure to solariums and the sun; it is not recommended to use cosmetics with retinoids.
Indications for the use of cosmetics with ferulic acid
Given such an advantageous set of beneficial properties of ferulic acid, it has a wide range of applications. Below we list the cases in which protective and anti-aging cosmetics are suitable:
- the presence of acne, acne, inflammation;
- circles under the eyes;
- natural or early skin aging process (aging skin, chronological aging, photoaging);
- the need to prevent skin cancer (as an additional remedy);
- pronounced fat content;
- excessive dryness;
- dense areas on the skin formed by an accumulation of keratinized cells;
- bright pigmentation (age spots, liver pigmentation, or freckles);
- elimination of skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation;
- carrying out peeling to cleanse the skin;
- deficiency of elastin and collagen, and as a result, decreased skin tone and density;
- treatment and prevention of rosacea (damage to capillaries);
- the presence of rosacea and skin allergies;
- care for hypersensitive and capricious skin prone to redness.
Indications and contraindications
Experts in the field of cosmetology claim that chemical peeling with preparations containing a unique acid can be used without any age restrictions. It is also suitable for people with sensitive skin, since the main component is considered a universal remedy for overcoming defects in such cases:
- Low immunity of the dermis.
- Freckles and pronounced pigmentation.
- Excessive sebum production.
- Weak blood vessels in the facial area.
- Acne or traces of defects, damage.
- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Dryness of the facial dermis.
- Age-related aging of the upper layer of the epidermis.
Such dry cleaning has a high cost. But from a wide list of peeling products, you can choose both expensive and budget options from a lesser-known manufacturer. It is for this reason that ferul facial peeling in beauty salons is in demand among all segments of the population.
But there are also contraindications for its implementation:
- Inflammatory processes in the body and elevated body temperature.
- Open injuries in the facial area.
- Individual intolerance to the components included in the composition.
- Herpes rash.
- Carrying a baby and the period of breastfeeding.
Follow these rules to avoid complications.
Review of cosmetics with ferulic acid
Below we will describe some popular ferulic acid products. Before using cosmetics, please read the information on the packaging.
Serum-10 from SkinCeuticals
Serum-10 from SkinCeuticals is a powerful serum with strong antioxidant activity. The product is suitable for any skin, including thin and sensitive skin types. Contains ferulic and ascorbic acids. According to the manufacturer, the serum prevents the appearance of free radicals, which means it reduces the harmful effects of external factors, protects from the sun, and slows down the aging process. With regular use of the product, collagen production in the skin increases, pigmentation becomes less bright, and both deep and superficial wrinkles begin to smooth out. The serum promotes a better effect from cosmetic procedures. The natural protective properties of the skin are activated.
The manufacturer recommends applying the serum to cleansed skin, 4-5 drops every morning, combining the care with other sunscreen products of this brand and at the same time undergoing anti-aging procedures (for example, laser techniques, deep, medium and superficial peeling, dermabrasion).
Volume - 30 ml, price - 5563 rubles.
Prodigy Eye Gel by Helena Rubinstein
Prodigy by Helena Rubinstein is a popular anti-aging gel for effective care of the eye area. The product helps fight crow's feet, wrinkles and dark circles. The manufacturer promises delicate care and skin tone, masking the effects of stress and fatigue, smoothing the skin, deep hydration, vitamin nutrition and reliable protection against aggressive factors.
Volume - 15 ml, price - 7314 rubles.
Wish mask from Christina
Christina's Wish Nourishing Mask is based on natural ingredients, penetrates deep into the skin and eliminates signs of aging. The product evens out and makes the skin glow. It contains a complex of useful acids and natural components for rejuvenation and nutrition with vitamins. The skin is more elastic, moisturized and soft, so wrinkles are quickly smoothed out.
Volume - 75 ml, price - 1399 rubles.
Peeling
We offer two peeling options:
- Alpha Complex from Holyland Laboratories - professional superficial chemical peeling with fruit acids (performed every 7-10 days, volume - 100 ml, price - 3014 rubles);
- All-season peeling from Bielita is a universal product for chemical superficial peeling of the face, neck and décolleté (peeling is carried out at any time of the year, volume - 105 ml, price - 163 rubles).
Creams
There are several options for anti-aging creams.
Christina, Day Eye Cream SPF 8
Christina, Day Eye Cream SPF 8 - an effective cream with antioxidant action works great on the skin around the eyes, restoring tone and youth. Contains UV filters, antioxidants and fatty acids. The cream is applied with careful pats every day to the area around the eyes, in a thin layer.
Volume - 30 ml, price - 3204 rubles.
Anti-Wrinkle Repairing Treatment by Collistar
Anti-Wrinkle Repairing Treatment from Collistar is a regenerating Italian cream for the care of sensitive skin. This wrinkle remover is suitable for women over 30 years of age. With this cream, the first signs of aging become invisible. An elite cosmetic product can be applied at any time of the day.
Volume - 50 ml, price - 2398 rubles.
Anti-Age from Natura Siberica
Anti-Age from Natura Siberica is a firming face cream with a rejuvenating effect. All skin types recover quickly. A pronounced anti-aging effect is observed when applying the cream at night. A lifting product is more suitable for the care of mature skin. According to the packaging, the cream slows down the aging process, comprehensively restores and intensively nourishes the skin, eliminates irritation and softens. It is advisable to apply the product in the evening to cleansed skin.
Volume - 50 ml, price - 433 rubles.
Ferulic clinic by Meillume
Ferulic clinic cream from Meillume is an elite cream based on ferulic acid and many useful components. This product is designed to transform dehydrated and pigmented skin. The cream eliminates traces of stress and hormonal imbalances, prevents photoaging, and saves from free radicals. The product is applied with massage movements in the morning and evening, distributed over the face and neck.
Volume - 50 ml, price - 7282 rubles.
So, we looked at antioxidant cosmetics based on ferulic acid. Its main properties are rejuvenation, brightening and moisturizing of the skin. Don't neglect regular care of your face and décolleté. Read the instructions carefully before using any cosmetics, use them with caution and choose what is right for you.
Dietary supplements (BAA) - benefit or harm
In small doses and poison - benefit (c)
Uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements or vitamins based on the advice of friends or other people’s experiences on the Internet is definitely harmful. In general, my opinion about synthetic ones ( i.e. obtained not through food, but from ready-made drugs
) I have already said about vitamins:
In general, vitamins are not such a harmless drug as is commonly believed in wide circles. Otherwise, why would there be tests for deficiency/excess of these substances in the body. By the way, tests are quite expensive. For example, for vitamin D - from 1,700 rubles without the cost of blood sampling.
The dosage and general advisability of taking a particular vitamin MUST be determined by a doctor. Not a pharmacist/friend/relative/online community.
Dietary supplements are a less dangerous drug compared to vitamins. Because an overdose is usually not so pronounced and does not give such terrible consequences as an excess of certain vitamins ( in particular, E and A - excessive amounts of these substances in the body provoke serious diseases, including cancer
).
However, less dangerous is not the same as “absolutely safe”. That is, in any case, you can’t just buy all the jars you like and start drinking every day without breaks.
Hyaluronic acid tablets. Yes or no?
Only the lazy have not heard of it now. We all know how important its content in the skin is in order to maintain visual youth for as long as possible.
Of course: 50% of all hyaluronic acid in the body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is able to retain water molecules and thus keeps the skin hydrated. It also actively participates in wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Good news:
Our body produces hyaluronic acid on its own.
Bad news:
this remarkable ability becomes less and less pronounced over the years. As a result, reserves of precious “hyaluronic acid” decrease every year.
According to Nigma Talib, one of the English naturopathic doctors who works with celebrities, by the age of 40 we lose up to 50% of the amount of hyaluronic acid that we had in our youth.
So is it possible to increase the level of hyaluronic acid in the body using capsules/tablets?
Why? To do this, you will have to dive a little into chemistry and medicine.
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide. In our skin, such a complex substance is synthesized by fibroblasts. And only in the form of a polysaccharide it works, maintaining the level of skin moisture and promoting its regeneration.
What happens when you take a tablet/capsule with polysaccharides? In the gastrointestinal tract, it is broken down into regular sugars. They are absorbed through the intestines into the blood and distributed throughout the body. There can be no question of any entry of hyaluronic acid into the skin!
More details and even more meaningful can be found in the excellent video from Amina Pirmanova. Take a look - you won't regret it! It will only take 7 minutes of your time and will give a complete understanding of the uselessness of oral (by mouth) intake of hyaluronic acid. By the way, Amina also speaks negatively about injections.
So what should we do? Increase the synthesis of your own hyaluronic acid and minimize its loss. I talked about this in great detail here:
Additional advice from Amina.
If you watched the video carefully, you understood: the enzyme hyaluronidase breaks down the hyaluronic acid molecule. And if you take drugs that prevent the accelerated work of hyaluronidase, you can retain more molecules of the precious “hyaluronic acid” in the skin.
Such drugs include, for example, the usual Troxerutin. It inhibits (suppresses) the activity of hyaluronidase and thereby helps to increase the number of stored hyaluronic acid molecules.
❗️However, this does not mean that you can take Troxerutin all year round and become forever young. The drug is taken as prescribed by a doctor for 3-4 weeks.
There are microelements that additionally stimulate the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. I recommend including more foods containing magnesium and zinc in your diet. It is these two assistants that will help increase the volume of your NATURAL hyaluronic acid in the body.
Record holders for magnesium content:
Record holders for zinc content:
❌ Hyaluronic acid in tablets - no point!
Omega-3. Should I accept it or not?
The beauty and youth of our skin largely depends on the condition of collagen fibers. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have a pronounced antioxidant effect. That is, they do not allow oxygen to oxidize in the tissues. And this, in turn, prevents collagen destruction.
Polyunsaturated acids include omega-3 and omega-6. A deficiency of one of them can be quite easily compensated for with the help of vegetable oils. I mean omega-6:
But getting omega-3 in sufficient quantities from food is not so easy. Although if you live in a region where every day there are dishes of fresh fatty sea fish on the table (especially mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines, trout, tuna and haddock
), then additional intake of omega-3 is not required.
In most cases, the body is constantly deficient in this valuable fatty acid. And to be more precise - groups of acids.
What benefits does omega-3 bring for beauty and youth:
✅ improves metabolism in the body (helps maintain healthy body weight);
✅ regulates blood pressure (high blood pressure leads to premature aging of tissues and organs);
✅ improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system (removes excess cholesterol, increases the elasticity of blood vessels) - this also has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the cells of the whole body;
✅ preserves collagen fiber;
✅ has an anti-inflammatory effect;
✅ protects skin from oxygen oxidation;
✅ increases barrier (protective) functions of the skin;
✅ improves the appearance of the skin (allergic reactions, acne go away, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized).
Most omega-3 is found in fish oil. However, we mean a natural product, and not a pharmaceutical preparation enriched with various additives.
And if it is not possible to regularly consume a sufficient amount of fatty fish or natural (!) fish oil, then the way out of the situation is high-quality omega-3 preparations.
I suggest watching a very interesting video on this topic, where you can find answers to many questions about taking various dietary supplements. It appeared on Amina Pirmanova’s channel only the day before yesterday - a very fresh look in every sense:
However, there are pitfalls here too:
❗️ Only a single drug
. If the jar says that it already contains all the wonderful omegas (3, 6 and 9), then it’s better to choose another one. Because separate receptors in the body are responsible for the absorption of each of these omega acids.
❗️ Taking medications with omega-3 is contraindicated if there is an excess of vitamin E and/or D
in organism. It is also not recommended to combine omega-3 intake with synthetic vitamins E and D, because they enhance each other’s effects and can lead to an overdose. It is noteworthy that this rule is relevant only for drugs. It is almost impossible to get an overdose of omega-3, E or D through food - you need to eat too large volumes that the body will not physically accept anyway.
❗️ It is dangerous to take omega-3 with hypercalcemia
, that is, with an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood. This will increase the formation of calcium deposits in the body.
❗ Omega-3 thins the blood.
This is a generally beneficial effect, but in case of an overdose of the substance it leads to a blood clotting disorder. It manifests itself in such side effects as nosebleeds, prolonged healing of scratches, and bleeding gums. At the first sign, you should stop taking the drug.
❗ Taking omega-3 has a number of contraindications
: pancreatitis, renal and liver failure, acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, individual intolerance.
✅ Strictly during meals or immediately after
. You cannot take dietary supplements before meals, because the drug will fall on “unprepared soil.” The digestion process begins not in the mouth, but in the brain: the gastrointestinal tract prepares for the process of breaking down food from the moment a signal is received from the brain. The appetizing smell of food and a beautifully decorated dish on the table is the first step to ensure that the gastrointestinal tract starts producing the necessary enzymes, and the salivary glands activate their functions.
In reviews you can often read about “fish burps.” This is exactly the situation when the drug is taken at the very beginning of a meal or even before a meal.
Omega-3 medications are also taken by my favorite Elena Pyatibrat, a professional nutritionist, gynecologist, author of an anti-aging system and simply an amazing woman.
✅ Omega-3 drugs can be effective if you take them wisely and take into account all contraindications.
Collagen in preparations. Yes or no?
I will not repeat for the hundredth time that elastic collagen fibers are the basis of the youth of our skin. No one doubts that the absence of early wrinkles, as well as a smooth, elastic face, is primarily the merit of collagen. However, does taking various preparations with collagen help improve the quality of your own fibers?
It's all about the quality of the drug. And here, unfortunately, there is no inexpensive solution. Our stomach acidity usually decreases with age and interferes with the normal absorption of collagen from food, as well as from dietary supplements. Low molecular weight collagen is best absorbed (in the composition it is designated Type-II Collagen
) in combination with peptides. Such dietary supplements are quite expensive: about 10,000 rubles per package, designed for about 3 weeks.
The production of such drugs is not cheap. Because the technology itself is complex and time consuming.
To be honest, I haven’t tried taking collagen in capsules yet. Stops the price. And I definitely won’t buy advertised pacifiers in beautiful jars at a price of almost 1000 rubles.
Amina Pirmanova recommends taking omega-3 supplements instead of collagen. And I agree with her on this. Why pay “for air” if you are not sure that cheap collagen in capsules will be beneficial? Isn't it easier to eat jelly, which will do even more good?
Elena Pyatibrat takes collagen supplements. But so far I have not come across a specific company name anywhere. And this is the key.
The answer to the question in the subtitle:
✅❌ Should I take collagen in capsules/tablets/powder or not? The answer directly depends on the quality of the drug. I won't advertise.
Coenzyme Q10 in preparations. Yes or no?
The scientific name of this substance is ubiquinone Q10 (CoQ10)
. It was discovered by physician Fred Crane in 1957. And in 1978, the English biochemist Peter Mitchell received the Nobel Prize for the discovery: Q10 is an indispensable element in the synthesis of ATP.
ATP is adenosine triphosphoric acid - the source of energy for all processes in our body, the basis of life. ATP regulates biochemical reactions and participates in metabolism.
Without coenzyme Q10, not only will the skin begin to age at an accelerated pace, but the entire body will degrade.
Later, the antioxidant properties of Q10 were discovered, but not so long ago, Canadian scientists (McGill University in Montreal) under the leadership of Professor Siegfried Hekimi conducted a scientific study on this topic. And they found that removing coenzyme Q10 from the body of mice leads to the death of the experimental subjects. But no increase in cell damage was observed.
Be that as it may, coenzyme Q10 is vital for the health and youth of our body. And skin is one of the indicators.
You can get valuable Q10 from food. But eating so many healthy foods in sufficient quantities every day is almost impossible. Take a look at this table.
You need to get 30-600 mg (the norm depends on the indication) of coenzyme Q10 per day. Is it possible to drink 350 g of soybean oil? Or eat a kilo of beef? And 6 kg of strawberries? And this is the minimum dose.
A small remark
: Of course, such an important substance is produced by the body itself first of all. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the liver. But with age, production slows down, and signs of deficiency gradually appear: fatigue, loss of muscle mass, constant feeling of hunger due to lack of energy.
A decrease in the level of production of coenzyme Q10 is observed after 40 years. In some cases, deficiency appears after 30.
Obviously, at 40+ you have to take medications with coenzyme Q10 additionally. Dr. Amina Pirmanova and nutritionist Elena Pyatibrat agree on this.
Of course, only the course. Only a doctor or nutritionist can choose the ideal regimen.
Taking medications with Q10 has the effect of accumulating coenzyme, so some nutritionists recommend taking a break between each course for at least a month. There is also an opinion among doctors that for preventive purposes it is enough to take coenzyme Q10 in two monthly courses per year.
❗️ Important! It is better if the drug contains not ubiquinone, but the active form of the coenzyme - ubiquinol
. According to laboratory and clinical studies, ubiquinol is much more bioactive than ubiquinone: it enters the blood faster and retains its effective concentration 1.5-3 times longer.
Ubiquinol is an easily absorbed form of Coenzyme Q10. And it requires much less than ubiquinone.
Ubiquinol is best absorbed with fats, especially fats of animal origin.
The only disadvantage of drugs with ubiquinol: higher cost compared to ubiquinone drugs.
Contraindications to taking coenzyme Q10 are minimal: allergies to the drug, pregnancy and lactation, diseases in the acute phase.
✅ Taking coenzyme Q10 in medications is justified if the measure and course are followed.
Contraindications for ferul peeling
Despite the fact that all peeling components are natural, the composition contains acid, which has a rather aggressive effect on the skin.
Accordingly, there are conditions in which manipulation is not worthwhile. List of contraindications for peeling with ferulic acid:
- Recurrence of herpes
. If vesicles and papules appear on the lips, the procedure should be postponed until the rashes have completely healed. Peeling may spread the infection. - Open wounds
. Ferulic acid damages the skin and can make wounds and scratches on the face even worse. Accordingly, if you have inflammation on your face, you should wait a while when using acid. - Allergy
. If you are allergic to any of the peeling components, the procedure cannot be performed. - Temperature increase
. When body temperature rises, acid can cause severe irritation. This is due to the warming effect of the peeling composition. - Pregnancy and lactation
. During pregnancy, the skin may react inappropriately to a variety of cosmetics. Therefore, it is not worth the risk.
Peeling agent
In cosmetology, ferulic acid plays an important role as a natural main component of nanopeeling preparations. The products also contain other active substances: malic, mandelic, salicylic and ascorbic acids.
Ferulic acid has the following properties:
- Protects from the effects of sunlight.
- Strengthens blood vessels.
- Neutralizes toxins.
- Has an antioxidant and antibacterial effect.
The active component is obtained from the milky sap of plants of the genus Ferula. Acid is able to activate the protective properties of the dermis, which allows you to recover more quickly after the procedure.