Let’s get one thing clear: ferulic acid might be the answer to your skin woes, but please do understand that textured or aging skin doesn’t automatically mean you have “bad” skin.
Wrinkles, fine lines, blackheads, clogged pores, and dead skin is perfectly normal, and we all deal with one or the other at some point in our lives.
However, these issues are often the result of poor skincare habits and may even lead to insecurities about our skin.
Those two facts alone are enough (for most of us) to want to smooth out our skin’s texture as much as possible. This is where the ferulic acid finally comes in.
What is Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid, also known as hydroxycinnamic acid, is an antioxidant that aids in anti-aging efforts due to it being extremely effective in fighting skin damage caused by free-radicals.
If you don’t know, free-radical damage is a blanket term used for the harmful, premature skin-aging effects of environmental factors like pollution, ultraviolet light, and radiation.
If you prefer all natural ingredients and are worried about the word “acid”, don’t be.
This particular acid is actually found in the cell walls of plants like oats, apples, and peanuts. However, it can be formulated in lab for the sake of consumer safety.
What are the benefits?
Is ferulic acid a miracle ingredient for textured skin? The short answer: no. It can’t reverse damage that’s already been done, but it does do an incredible job of preventing further damage and softening the appearance of present flaws.
We know that it stops premature aging in its tracks, so let’s take an quick, but in-depth look at the specifics of how it does that:
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by protecting your skin from the impact of sun-overexposure.
- Because it’s an antioxidant, it can minimize breakouts as well as prevent dark spots and discoloration from developing once the breakout is over.
- The anti-inflammatory properties work to prevent clogged pores which lead to pesky breakouts and other difficult-to-manage skin concerns.
How do I use Ferulic Acid?
There a number of ways to work this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine. How you wish to use it is left up to preference considering the fact that it comes in the form of both face creams and serums with versatile application.
A few key ways in which you can and should use it:
- One standout aspect of ferulic acid is that it boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which also have anti-aging properties. So try it with creams or serums formulated with these ingredients.
- Apply after you wash your face, but before you put on sunscreen for extra protection from radiation and ultraviolet rays.
- If you have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, try a patch test behind your ear before using a ferulic acid based product. You may want to start with a diluted solution, as well.
- Use this acid in the morning and your exfoliating products (specifically the acids) at night so you don’t layer too many acids on your skin.
Are there any good products that use it as a key ingredient?
Of course! There are quite a few products formulated with ferulic acid. Brands like SkinCeuticals and Peter Thomas Roth have some of the best, but my personal favorite? The $8 Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% from The Ordinary.
It’s a water-free, high potency antioxidant formula that effortlessly protects skin from unnecessary texture and anti-aging caused by environmental stressors like the ones we talked about previously.
Plus, it doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, alcohol, gluten—none of the tough stuff. All you have to do is apply it in the morning before your oils and creams and voila! One step closer to better skin.
Aging and textured skin are a pain in the backside, but they don’t have to be. With a little faith and a ton of ferulic acid, you’ll be able to get your skin together in no time.
