Meet the ingredient: Centella Asiatica (a.k.a. Cica)
Centella Asiatica for Skin. Why Your Sensitive Skin Will Love it.
If you have sensitive skin, you know that trying new and trendy skincare products can be quite daunting. There are many brands, products, and ingredients in the market that are marketed towards sensitive skin, but which ones do actually work?
Centella Asiatica (aka Gotu kola, Tiger grass, or Cica) is a leafy plant that is found in parts of China, Japan, India, Australia, and the U.S. and is a go-to ingredient for those with sensitive skin.
Although it has recently gained popularity, the plant has a long history in traditional medicine. In France, it is sold as a Madécassol cream. It is also found in plenty of Korean products where it is labeled as Cica. Goodbye Redness Centella Mask, Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask, and Pure Fit Cica Calming Tre Sheet Mask are a few of the most popular products.
Centella Asiatica is known to calm down and soothe your skin, but does it really work, and is it safe to use regularly?
What does the Research Say?
Centella Asiatica is popularly known for its calming effects, encouraging collagen production, improving skin hydration, and acting as a popular antioxidant. When you dig deep into the literature, there is a huge amount of data, backed up by a lot of evidence.
In a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, researchers found that when Madecassoside was applied to human skin cells with bacteria that was implicated in acne, the inflammation reduced significantly. Another study indicated that Centella Asiatica boosted the wound healing process as well as increased collagen production. Also, a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2017 indicated that Centella Asiatica reduced inflammation in caused by eczema.
In a study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigation Dermatology in 2017, researchers tested out a fluid concoction containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Centella Asiatica extract on the forearms of 20 women for 24 hours. The results showed that the forearm that received the fluid was significantly hydrated and showed less water loss as compared to the other arm that got a control cream.
This study proved that Centella Asiatica also helps with skin hydration, especially when combined with other skin hydrating ingredients. Centella Asiatica is also known as an amazing collagen booster. Apart from managing skin inflammation, it also slows down signs of aging such as fine line and photodamage.
A study published in Experimental Dermatology in 2008 tested the anti-aging nature of Centella Asiatica. The studies included 20 participants which applied a cream containing ascorbic acid, and Centella Asiatica on the face, half of the neck, half of the chest, and one arm, twice a day. The participants applied control cream on the other half of the face.
After six months, researchers noticed a significant improvement in wrinkles, hydration, and overall firmness of the skin.
Another study involved participants who used two creams on their under-eye area; one cream contained Centella Asiatica extract and the other one a control cream. The participants continued the use of the cream for 12 weeks. The results showed that the side where the Centella Asiatica extract was used, showed significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.
Should You Try Centella Asiatica?
Centella Asiatica reduces skin inflammation and therefore helps aid healing, evens out skin tone, and hydrates the skin. Centella Asiatica is recommended by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin because Centella Asiatica has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help control acne breakouts without causing too much irritation. Centella Asiatica helps improve the texture of the skin and enhances the absorption of other skincare products.
Centella Asiatica is commonly used for those with sensitive skin because it is an all-natural ingredient that has shown to be effective in improving various skin problems. Centella Asiatica is most commonly used for acne treatment as it soothes and can also fade away acne scars.
Final Takeaway
Centella Asiatica is surely one of the most amazing ingredients for sensitive skin. It minimizes inflammation, adds hydration, reverses the signs of aging, and improves overall skin texture.
Not all skincare ingredients containing Centella Asiatica are created equal. Select wisely and take the help of your skin specialist when needed. Last but definitely not least, always do a patch test whenever you are trying out a new product.
The Best Products with Centella Asiatica
SHOP: Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mask
Formulated with Cica extract, this mask provides instant relief to sensitive skin, soothes and protects skin. Great for for all skin types, but especially beneficial for stressed, reddenned skin.
SHOP: Gummy Sheet Mask Madecassoside
Formulated with madecassoside, this microfiber mask hydrates and instantly soothes problem-skin. The "gummy" mask series from Abib are known for its extraordinary adhesion to your skin (it feels like a second skin!) so you can move around worry-free while you mask!
SHOP: Spot Saver Mugwort Gauze Mask
Formulated with skin mugwort serum, this gauze sheet mask soothes and balances the oil and moisture content of the skin. Great for for all skin types, but especially beneficial for dry and reddened skin.
SHOP: First Cooling Mask
Formulated with a proprietary cooling essence, this sheet mask deeply soothes and cools down troubled, reddened skin.
SHOP: Cica Mask Pack
Formulated with skin mugwort serum, this Tencel™ gauze sheet mask soothes and balances the oil and moisture content of the skin.
SHOP: Pure Fit Cica Calming True Sheet Mask
Formulated with 7-CICA Complex, a formula infused with 7 Centella ingredients (Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract), this mask instantly soothes irritated skin. Great for for all skin types, but especially beneficial for sensitive, weakened skin in need of intensive soothing care.
SHOP: Mugwort Green Vital Energy Complex Sheet Mask
Formulated with mugwort extract, this microfiber mask cools and instantly soothes irritated skin. Great for for all skin types, but especially beneficial for dry, irritated skin.