Zduńska-Pęciak K, et al. - Of ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, which one is more effective in decreasing the symptoms of photoaging is not possible to judge based on this study’s findings, as high antioxidant potential is shown by both acids and both (ascorbic and ferulic acids) affected the measurable parameters of the skin: pigmentation (melanin index), erythema (erythema index), skin hydration, and elasticity.

• A total of 20 women aged 39–61 (mean age 54), with Fitzpatrick skin types II and III, were included to evaluate the signs of photoaging in mexametric (melanin and erythema index), corneometric (hydration level), and cutometric (elasticity) examination post-treatment with ascorbic acid and ferulic acid.

• In participants, two layers of peeling, based on 14% ferulic acid (left half of the face) and 12% l-ascorbic acid serum (right half of the face) were applied.

• For both acids, statistically significant results were obtained in mexametric measurement for melanin level and erythema intensity.

• Ascorbic acid was associated with slightly greater lightening of the skin.

• Results of corneometric measurement of hydration level for both acids were both statistically significant.

• As early as after 8 weeks of treatment, first beneficial changes in improved elasticity could be noted but the increase in flexibility heightened with time (after 12 weeks).

• Alterations in parameters were highly statistically significant.