The effectiveness of ferulic acid and microneedling in reducing signs of photoaging: A split-face comparative study

Photoaging is closely related to ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress. Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant with antiaging activity. Combining ferulic acid peel with microneedling enhances its transdermal penetration. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 14% ferulic acid peel combined with microneedling for facial photoaging. Sixteen women aged 45 to 60 years with Fitzpatrick skin types II and III were enrolled in this trial. All patients received eight treatment sessions with a full face application of chemical peeling based on 14% ferulic acid in 1-week intervals. During each session, on the right half of patient's face, peeling application was followed by microneedling. Efficacy was measured using Multi Probe Adapter (Courage + Khazaka electronic). The measurement of hydration, elasticity, melanin index, and erythema index were taken before treatments, after eighth session and 1 month after the last application. The objective evaluation showed statistically significant improvement in all measured skin parameters (P < .05), after ferulic acid peel application, as well as ferulic acid peel followed by microneedling. Combined therapy showed significantly greater improvement especially in skin elasticity, comparing to peeling administered alone. Ferulic acid has a significant bleaching, antiredness, smoothing, and moisturizing activity. When combined with microneedling, the efficiency is increased, in particular regarding skin elasticity.