What does caffeic acid do for the body?
What Is Caffeic Acid?
Caffeic acid is a natural organic compound with a wide range of biological activities and belongs to the class of polyphenols. Also known as "3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid" and "3,4-dihydroxyphenylacrylic acid", it is an important phenolic acid among polyphenols. It is slightly soluble in cold water and easily soluble in hot water and cold ethanol.
Caffeic acid is widely found in many foods, such as tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, blueberries, cereals and other edible plants, as well as Chinese herbal medicines. Caffeic acid can also be found in beverages such as wine, coffee and tea.
What Are The Functions Of Caffeic Acid?
Natural antioxidant guardian
Caffeic acid is a powerful natural antioxidant. We all know that free radicals are one of the culprits of skin aging. They are like a group of uncontrolled destructive molecules, constantly attacking our skin cells, causing the skin to lose elasticity and appear wrinkles. Caffeic acid is like a brave guardian, able to scavenge these free radicals, protect our skin from oxidative stress, delay the aging process of the skin, and improve the elasticity and luster of the skin.
Anti-inflammatory expert
In addition to its excellent antioxidant capabilities, caffeic acid is also an excellent anti-inflammatory. When the skin is attacked by inflammation, it is like a fiery battlefield, with redness, swelling, pain and itching constantly tormenting it. Caffeic acid is like a cool medicine that penetrates deeply into the skin and accurately attacks inflammatory factors.
In skin care products, caffeic acid has demonstrated its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can not only effectively treat inflammatory skin diseases such as acne and dermatitis, quickly reduce symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and itching, but also promote skin recovery and healing, bringing damaged skin back to life.
Has significant antibacterial and antiviral effects
The application of caffeic acid's antibacterial and antiviral effects in skin care products is mainly reflected in protecting the skin from microorganisms, preventing and treating skin diseases, and anti-aging.
In addition, caffeic acid can be used in the field of shampoo and hair care to contribute to scalp health by exerting its antibacterial and antiviral activities, helping to reduce the risk of scalp infection and maintain the cleanliness and health of the scalp.
Promote collagen synthesis
Caffeic acid also promotes collagen synthesis in the skin. Collagen is a key component in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen synthesis gradually decreases, and the skin begins to relax and wrinkles appear. Caffeic acid can activate the collagen synthesis pathway in skin cells, improve the efficiency of collagen synthesis, and make our skin rejuvenated.
Inhibit melanin formation
Finally, caffeic acid also inhibits the formation of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for color in the skin, and its excessive formation and deposition can lead to skin problems such as spots and freckles.
The structure of caffeic acid is similar to that of tyrosinase and tyrosinase's natural substrate L-dopa. It can competitively inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and reduce the production of melanin, thereby achieving the effect of whitening and lightening spots.
Studies have shown that a 0.2% caffeic acid solution has an inhibition rate of up to 86% on tyrosinase activity. Even a 0.02% caffeic acid solution can inhibit tyrosinase activity by about 35%.
What Is The Application Of Caffeic Acid?
As a skin care additive, caffeic acid has good synergy with other skin care ingredients. It can work together with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E to enhance the antioxidant effect and protect the skin from damage by environmental factors. In addition, caffeic acid can also be combined with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen to improve the moisturizing effect of the skin and make the skin softer and smoother.
Caffeic acid also has many effects in health care. On the one hand, it has antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects, which can prevent the occurrence of liver and heart diseases. On the other hand, caffeic acid also has the effect of reducing inflammation and reducing pain, such as alleviating the discomfort of diseases such as arthritis and dysmenorrhea.