Centella Asiatica: The Ancient Herb Making A Comeback In Modern Skincare

What is Centella asiatica?

Centella asiatica is a small leafy plant that thrives in damp, marshy areas of Southeast Asia. Also known as Gotu Kola, it has been prized for its healing properties for hundreds of years. Traditional practices used it to treat skin infections, heal wounds, and improve overall skin health.

How Centella asiatica works

Centella acts as an 'adaptogen', helping your skin adapt to and protect itself from environmental stress. The plant’s power lies in compounds called triterpenoid saponins, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid.

These ingredients deliver impressive benefits:

• ‍Reduces inflammation: Calms redness and irritation.‍
• Speeds up healing: Encourages wound repair and scar reduction.‍
• Boosts skin hydration: Strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture.‍
• Fights signs of aging: Stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.

Centella asiatica skin benefits

Acne prone skin

Centella asiatica soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and helps acne wounds heal faster. It also minimises scarring, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin.

Sensitive and reactive skin

With its gentle and calming nature, Centella asiatica is perfect for those with reactive or easily irritated skin.

Hydration and the skin barrier

Centella asiatica enhances the skin’s natural barrier, helping it retain moisture while promoting hyaluronic acid production for long-lasting hydration.

Anti-aging benefits

Madecassoside, a key compound, stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines.

Wound healing

Centella asiatica speeds up skin repair by boosting collagen and fibroblast production. This helps heal scars and strengthen the skin’s structure.

Some studies even suggest that Centella may help with eczema, psoriasis, and cellulite by reducing inflammation and supporting cell renewal.

Cica: A K-Beauty superstar

In Korean skincare, 'Cica' is a buzzword for Centella asiatica. Known for being gentle yet effective, it’s a staple in creams, serums, toners, and masks. Its suitability for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, makes it a favorite in Korea, where environmental factors often lead to irritation.

How to embrace Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica isn’t just a trendy ingredient - it’s a skincare game-changer. Whether you want to reduce redness, hydrate dry skin, or fight signs of aging, this ancient herb is worth trying.

Start your journey with our Superactive Day Cream. This luxurious face moisturiser combines Centella asiatica with omega-rich plant oils and natural moisturisers for all-day hydration without shine. It also helps with redness, hormonal breakouts, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while strengthening the skin barrier.

References

- Moisturising and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica extract [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852572/]

- Centella asiatica in Cosmetology [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/]

- Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8627341/]