How Centella asiatica benefits the skin
Posted by Ashmita G on 7th Dec 2021
Centella asiatica is an herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family. It is also known by the name of Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, or Asiatic pennywort. Native to the wetlands of Asia and Africa, i.e., India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Madagascar, South Africa, and Indonesia, it has been commonly used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years and for anti-aging preparation for the skin.
Benefits of Centella asiatica for treating acne and calming sensitive/irritated skin
This plant is rich in amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and various strong phytochemicals. The extracts have been found to encourage new cell growth, control inflammation, speed wound healing, form collagen, and improve circulation. Due to these numerous benefits, it is a perfect skincare ingredient for treating acne and calming sensitive and irritated skin.
The anti-inflammatory nature of Centella asiatica helps to soothe and heal sensitive skin. Its main active ingredient, madecassic acid, suppresses acne inflammation and inhibits post-acne scar formation. Therefore, unlike other acne products, this medicinal plant helps to prevent pimple formation as well as heals the scars left behind.
In addition, for those who want clear skin free of sun damage, they can use this plant extract, as it contains an active compound called madecassoside, found to be effective in diminishing UV-induced hyperpigmentation (also known as melasma or sun spots).
In addition to its wound healing and soothing effects, Centella asiatica is also a potent anti-aging ingredient. Rich in Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, carotene, and niacin, it promotes collagen production and fights free radicals.
This plant is also known to reduce cellulite and stretch marks due to its collagen generating capacity. As a healing plant, it has an ample level of antioxidants, especially prevalent in the leaves. This why you regularly see Centella asiatica leaf water in the ingredients of various Korean skincare products.
The use of Centella asiatica has continued over centuries as a wound healing product. It is believed that this ingredient was used as a cure-all in folk medicine three thousand years ago and as a treatment to hasten wound healing and reduce skin inflammation for the past several hundred years. It started making its way into Western medicine in the nineteenth century and is now used in most sensitive skin products worldwide.
Centella asiatica is commonly known as “cica” in the market. It helps to address various skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, dryness and irritation, wrinkles, acne, scars, and many more. The research on cica cream's benefits is astonishing. Numerous studies on wound healing, collagen production, and inflammation have been have been conducted and now this ingredient has science to back up its claimed benefits.
How to use Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica has been added into all kinds of skincare products, from cleansers, toners and serums, all the way to sunscreens and sheet masks. To benefit from this ingredient’s wonderful benefits, all you need to do is to incorporate it into at least some of the steps of your skincare routine.
If you are using it in cream form, experts recommend applying it at the last step of your skincare routine, so the cream forms a moisturising barrier. If you are using it in serum form, apply it before your moisturiser and then sunscreen on the top (in the morning). The cream is especially helpful after doing a chemical peel or other facial treatments that leave the skin feeling a little raw and tender.
Relaxing with a sheet mask infused with Centella asiatica might be just what you need to soothe your skin. Leaving a cica cream on your skin overnight also works as an effective skin-calming treatment.
To conclude, Centella asiatica revitalises the skin barrier and can be used by all ages, skin types, and ethnicities. It is even suitable for skin types prone to rosacea.
Looking to soothe your skin? Here is a list of our product recommendations that contain this star ingredient: