There are a wealth of new beauty products coming into the market every day, guaranteeing radiant, supple and blemish-free skin. These beauty essentials come with one primary component and if you are marvelling how these ingredients function and optimise your skin health, then this article is for you.
In our earlier series of articles, we wrote broadly about polyhydroxy acids, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, retinol, vitamin E capsules, and serums and in this blog, we will be elaborating on another famed element Gallic acid.
Gallic acid is a phenolic compound widely found in plants that are credited to have powerful antioxidant traits and confer umpteen health incentives. It has been used for centuries for various purposes and only in recent years gallic acid became more prominent in the health industry.
What Is Gallic Acid?
Gallic acid also known as 3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoic acid, is an antioxidant and phenolic compound found abundantly in most plants. You can get it from a few plant foods and also in the form of supplements, however, it appears that it is sold in a form mainly intended for chemical uses. Nowadays, gallic acid is renowned for its incredible health benefits.
Food Sources
Gallic acid is naturally present in several plants, mainly in the bark of oak species and Boswellia dalzielii. Some of the food sources rich in gallic acid include:
- Strawberry
- Grape
- Banana
- Blueberry
- Apple
- Walnut
- Cashew
- Green tea
- Avocado
- Blackcurrant
- Guava
- Mango
- Mulberry
- Pomegranate
Skin Healing Uses Of Gallic Acid
Antioxidant Actions: Gallic acid is a storehouse of antioxidants that aids to safeguard the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Thus, using products containing gallic acid is effective in slowing down signs of ageing and making the skin blemish-free.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Gallic acid is credited to have potent anti-inflammatory effects that assist to decrease inflammation in the skin and reduce redness and irritation.
Sun Shielding: This organic acid has been found to be beneficial in protecting the skin from UV rays, thus averting sun damage and tanning.
Anti-Ageing Properties: Gallic acid endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits is valuable in defending the skin from age-related damage and may assist in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Combats Acne: Gallic acid: Gallic acid works incredibly well in healing acne by inhibiting the growth of bacteria causing acne and also reducing the production of sebum. Hence using this compound helps in treating acne and fades away spots.
Potential Health Benefits Of Gallic Acid
Anti-Microbial Effects
Gallic acid is known to control the immune system and act as a natural defense mechanism against microbial infections. It’s used as a disinfectant and improves the shelf-life of food products. A few studies have disclosed that gallic acids combat certain foodborne pathogens. Additionally, gallic acid may be a valuable additive in the food industry.
Anti-Obesity Actions
Several studies have examined the anti-obesity traits of gallic acid. Mainly it assists to shield against inflammation and oxidative stress in obese individuals. It reduces the excess accumulation of fat by suppressing lipogenesis and also improves insulin resistance. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that gallic acid-containing supplements may reduce waist circumference, belly fat and body mass index in obese people.
Antioxidant Effects
Gallic acid is a potent antioxidant that aids fight oxidative stress and averts damage to healthy cells and decreases the risk of chronic diseases. Evidence suggests that the antioxidant action of gallic acid is attributed to its anticancer and neuroprotective properties, which help in protecting brain structure and function. In addition, one study has found that gallic acid exhibits a unique nature to aver the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Conclusion:
Gallic acid has a wealth of bioactive compounds that deliver an arsenal of healing skin and health benefits, including fading pigmentation and averting overactive melanin production. Further products containing gallic acid reduce skin inflammation and promotes skin glow and brighten the skin complexion. However, before trying these products seek advice from your dermatologist to check if these beauty essentials suits your skin type.
