While trendy skincare ingredients have been around for eons (think: hyaluronic acid or vitamin C), a new, natural ingredient has emerged promising to save skin.
Centella asiatica – or “cica” for short – is an antioxidant-rich herb that’s great for dry, itchy, red, and sensitive skin, thanks to the plant’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Cica has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, but is now hitting the mainstream thanks to the K-beauty community. Currently seen popping up in everything from sheet masks to serums, here’s a breakdown of Cica’s benefits:
It heals wounds
A 2012 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that Centella asiatica was highly effective in assisting the healing process of both incision and burn wounds. This is thanks to Centella not only promotes collagen production but also inhibits inflammation that leads to scarring. Further, these healing properties make cica a hero for acne-prone skin.
It’s anti-ageing
Further research has found that Cica is great in assisting collagen reproduction thanks to its high levels of Asiaticoside. Asiaticoside induces production of the type 1 collagen in the dermis; and it’s the decrease in the amount of type 1 collagen that causes skin ageing.
It improves hydration
Another 2016 study on Cantella asiatica published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that it significantly significantly improves skin’s hydration and reduces moisture loss, saying:
“…cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract have extreme moisturising and antiinflammatory properties. Centella asiatica extract is a rich source of natural bioactive substances, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenic steroids, amino acids and sugars. Thus, many scavenging free radicals, exhibit antiinflammatory activity and affect on the stratum corneum hydration and epidermal barrier function.”
