ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FERULIC ACID, HYALURONIC ACID AND RADIOFREQUENCY FOR SKIN MOISTURIZING, COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS AND LIPOLYTIC EFFECTS IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) induces the production of new collagen fibers and reorganizes existing collagen structures. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and ferulic acid (FA) are widely used in cosmetology due to their beneficial properties—HA for its moisturizing effect and FA for its role in stimulating collagen synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate whether RF combined with HA and FA exhibits lipolytic effects and influences collagen synthesis in rats. The animals were divided into six groups (n=5): G1 (control, no treatment); G2 (RF only); G3 (RF + FA cream); G4 (RF + HA cream); G5 (FA cream only); and G6 (HA cream only). RF was applied weekly (40°C for 2 minutes), while topical creams were used daily for four weeks. Biopsies were performed post-treatment for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results indicated that RF combined with FA cream led to a more pronounced reduction in adipose tissue, suggesting a stronger lipolytic effect. The RF with HA combination resulted in thickening of the papillary dermis, increased intercellular fluid, and enhanced skin turgor, with a 49% increase in type III collagen synthesis. Furthermore, a higher presence of mast cells in both the superficial and deep dermis was observed in groups G2 and G3. Overall, the findings suggest that combining RF with topical HA or FA enhances neocollagenesis, increases dermal thickness, and reduces adipose tissue more effectively than RF alone in Wistar rats.