4 Awesome Benefits of Centella Asiatica For Face

Natural and Gentle Centella Asiatica

Korean skincare regimens have been using natural herbs and plants for skin revitalization for hundreds of years. However, most of these herbs and plants are relatively unknown. That is why not many consumers opt for them.

Today, we will highlight with you one such lesser-known herb but are fast gaining popularity that goes by the name of Centella Asiatica. In our article today, I’ll share with you the information I have found and also its benefits and how it amalgamates into the Korean skincare treatments. Simply put, Centella Asiatica is a herb that grows in South East Asia. It has many other names such as Cica, Gotu Kola, Tiger Grass, Indian Pennywort, and Thankuni.

Just a quick fact, the reason why Tiger Grass is one of the nicknames of Centella Asiatica is mainly because of the tigers themselves. It was observed that when tigers are wounded, they are seen wrapping themselves with Centella Asiatica. They would roll around or even rest in a bed full of Centella Asiatica.

Cica, on the other hand, is derived from the French word “cicatreser” which means “heal” or “to heal”.

centella asiatica

Over the years, it is also used for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. It offers numerous skincare benefits due to which it has become quite famous in recent times. The herb has been in use since the 17th century. Korea is not the only country to recognize its benefits. Some of the other nations using it include Sri Lanka, India, Africa.

Asian countries are abundant of the Centella Asiatica plant. You can buy a fresh Centella Asiatica from the market. You can also get a dried one or a preserved version of it from traditional medicine pharmacies or herbal shops. It can be eaten raw in salads or sauté them like a regular vegetable. Commonly in Asian countries, you can find soups and drinks that have Centella Asiatica as one of their ingredients. Most of the time, they sell this as a herbal soup or drink.

Cantella Asiatica was widely known for healing wounds, in fact, the healing powers of the plant were the main focus of some studies that were conducted, with a large number of both in vitro and in vivo scientific studies supporting the claim. The increased production of collagen and the reduction in inflammation is the reason for Cantella Asiatica’s healing powers. In traditional Chinese medicine, Centella Asiatica is used to disperse the body’s internal heat and cure ulcers.

What are the benefits of Centella Asiatica?

With so many benefits, it is hard to ignore Centella Asiatica when it comes to natural skincare. If you are wondering what is so good about it, here are the benefits that have made it famous.

  • Anti-aging benefits

To better understand the benefits of Centella Asiatica, it is essential to look at some of its constituents. These include amino acids, fatty acids, and phytochemicals. All three of these constituents have anti-aging properties. As a result, if you’re suffering from problems like wrinkles, dark circles, dry and flaky skin, Centella Asiatica can help you out.

A component called Flavonoids and an active compound called “Madecassoside” is present in Cantella Asiatica. These two serve as antioxidants that help neutralize the UV rays that are being emitted by the sun. It can also neutralize your skin after being exposed to pollution.

Collagen also plays a key role to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

Cantella Asiatic secretes Type I collagen, which can make the skin look fresh. As the production of collagen and the amount of collagen within the skin decreases with age, this research suggests that Centella Asiatica may have anti-aging effects.

  • Increases blood circulation

Centella Asiatica can also improve the blood circulation to your skin as well as various parts of the body. When that happens, the body functions get enhanced. Moreover, each body part and skin all over your body will get proper nutrients. Once again, enhanced blood circulation benefits the skin.

Better blood circulation also enhances your immune system. It ensures that you will be able to thwart infections and diseases more easily. It keeps you energetic throughout the day.

As a result, Centella Asiatica can have a positive impact on your day-to-day life as well.

  • Helps you deal with scars

The antioxidants present in the herbs in ample quantities can help you deal with problems like stretch marks, scars, eczema, acne, and so on.

They can also heal any wounds of the skin. At the same time, it increases the elasticity of the skin. Due to this reason, it will help in fixing sagging skin. Centella Asiatica contains “Madecassoside” that boosts antioxidant activity at the site of wounds, strengthening the skin and increasing blood circulation. Centella Asiatica has also been proven to reduce redness and inflammation. The redness from scars will fade with continued use. It has also been one of the treatments used to soothe burns caused by overexposure of the sun.

  • Moisturizing & Soothing skin

Centella Asiatica as mentioned above produces Amino Acids, Beta Carotene, Fatty Acids, and Phytochemicals, which are potent nutrients for the skin. Amino Acids can hydrate your skin and can soothe rough and irritated skin.

Saponins known as the Asiatic sides are the main active constituents of Centella Asiatica, which have soothing and healing properties. The main active components of Centella Asiatica are saponins known as Asiatic sides, which have soothing and healing properties. It helps reduce the visible signs of skin sensitivity, such as itching and burning significantly.

Now that you know the benefits, you might be thinking about how to use Centella Asiatica?

Centella Asiatica has been incorporated into the Korean skincare regimen for long. It has a nickname sometimes when incorporated in a skincare product that has the word ‘CICA‘ carries the ingredient of Centella Asiatica. We will explain why Centella Asiatica is used in Korean skincare.

Centella Asiatica is used in Korean skin care because it is one of the most versatile natural ingredients available. The ample antioxidants in it can help not only your skin but also your body. At the same time, its effects are visible in a relatively short time. It ensures that when using such skin care products, you can easily hide scars and soothe your skin in a matter of weeks.

Also, there are a few other reasons why it has been amalgamated in Korean skincare. These include:

  1. It is native to Southeast Asia. That is why it is found in ample amounts.
  2. It is suitable for sensitive as well as oily skin. The versatility is another reason that it has been amalgamated into Korean skincare.
  3. It is plant-derived. The extraction process does not require any harmful chemicals, which means that it is safe to use.
  4. It has skin-soothing properties that ensure that it can protect you from sun damage as well.
  5. It is available in ample quantity in Southeast Asia, which makes it affordable to use. Due to these reasons, over the last few decades, it has been used in a variety of skincare products.

Possible side effects

Before trying any product with Centella Asiatica, you must do a patch test first. The best place to do your patch test is at the back of your ears or onto your arms. Even if Centella Asiatica Extract is a natural ingredient and allergies are rare, it is still possible to cause allergic reactions. It may cause itchiness and redness to your skin if you’re not cautious.

Most Centella Asiatica Products are combined with Essential Oils. Alcohol and Fragrance. So, if your skin is very sensitive to those ingredients, stay away from them and pick the ones that have a better combination that would perfectly suit your skin.

What Skin Type/Condition Is Best to Use Centella Asiatica? Is It Suitable for All Skin Types?

Cantella Asiatica is highly recommended for sensitive skin. Just to be safe, always do a patch test first before applying it to your entire complexion. Centella Asiatica is ideal for extra sensitive skin which is prone to have redness, inflammation, irritations, or itchiness. Just be careful and read carefully if the products with Centella Asiatica is combined with ingredients that you are allergic to.

For oily and acne-prone skin, Centella Asiatica alone won’t be effective as your skincare regimen. Instead, buy products that have Centella Asiatica combined with either AHA or BHA, Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. Centella Asiatica serves as a supplementary ingredient in treating your acne, most specifically your acne scars since it contains healing and repairing properties. Yes, it has anti-inflammatory properties, but they cannot penetrate your pores for deep cleansing unlike what Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide do.

For dry skin, it is best to choose a product that has Centella Asiatica combined with moisturizing properties like Hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid. It will be the perfect product for your skin. It helps repair your dry and flaky skin, at the same time, keeping it moisturized and hydrated.

 Are you looking for skincare products that can naturally revitalize your skin?

If yes, well it is time to look for Korean skincare products which have Centella Asiatica. It allows you to attain the skin quality, which you have always desired. It is high time that you opt for such natural skin care products and with fewer chemicals as their core ingredients.

You may have heard or read these Centella Asiatica active ingredients on some products. They are Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid. If you see these names as one of the ingredients of a product, then most likely it contains Centella Asiatica.

Overall, Centella Asiatica is really a great ingredient. Just a final tip, I highly recommend that you don’t apply this on fresh open wounds. It will really sting big time. If you just went to a derma and had a pricking session, leave it at least for a day, then a day after your derma session, apply your Centella Asiatica skincare. This way, it will help in healing your wounds faster and minimize the redness.

Korean Products With Centella Asiatica:

Cencica Calming Ampoule

Intensive calming ampoule for all skin types (100 ml)

Wellage Cica Clear One Day Kit (10 pcs)

Set includes Cica Bio Capsule (15 mg) and Calming Solution (1ml)

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

The powerful restoring effect of “Forest Yeast” cica ingredient reinforces the skin barrier overnight (60 ml)

Innisfree Cica Balm with Bija Seed Oil

A multi-use rescue balm with cica and bija seed oil to help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier while improving the look of uneven skin texture. (40 ml)

Dr Jart Cicapair Cream

Soft cream that moisturizes and soothes dry, sensitive skin. (50 ml)