Skincare Benefits Of Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Many Cica balms and creams share one key ingredient: madecasoside. This organic compound is extracted from the medicinal herb Centella Asiatica, along with three other active compounds—asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. Below, you’ll find all the active ingredients of Centella Asiatica.

Madecasoside has been shown to induce collagen types I and III, which play a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining skin firmness. So, whether you just popped a pimple, or over-exfoliated your skin or irritated your skin, madecasoside can help soothe and support your skin’s recovery.

I absolutely love this ingredient, and it’s a game-changer for sensitive, acne-prone skin. If your skin barrier is damaged or weakened from acne medications or treatments, incorporating a Centella Asiatica cream into your routine can help strengthen and restore it.

This ingredient isn’t an acne treatment, but it can support your skin’s healing process. In this post, you’ll learn all about the skincare benefits of Centella Asiatica (Cica), how to use it, the best products, and its side effects.

What Is Centella Asiatica (Cica)?

Centella Asiatica is commonly found in Asia and plays a significant role in Indian Ayurveda. While all parts of the plant are beneficial, its leaves are especially valued for their high concentration of active compounds like asiaticoside, madecasoside, and phenolic compounds.

C. asiatica has a wide range of uses and is known by more than 60 different names. Some of the most popular include gotu kola, pegagan, and pennyweed. It’s also commonly called “tiger herb” or “tiger grass,” inspired by the legend of Bengal tigers rolling in Centella Asiatica to heal their wounds.

For centuries, C. asiatica has been used in traditional Asian medicine, especially for skin problems. It helps heal small cuts, burns, and scars and reduces inflammation, making it useful for eczema. People have also used it to lower fever, flush out excess water from the body, ease joint pain, fight bacteria and viruses, and improve blood flow in the veins. It is believed to boost brain function, reduce anxiety, and may even help fight cancer. In the past, it was also used for epilepsy, hysteria, leprosy, itching, and insect bites.

Skincare Benefits Of Centella Asiatica (Cica)

1. For Anti-Cellulite(Stretch Marks)

Centella Asiatica is a popular ingredient in cosmetics formulated for cellulite and stretch marks. Cellulite affects many people, especially women, particularly those with a sedentary lifestyle or obesity, though it can also occur in children.

Creams containing Cica help regulate cellular metabolism in connective tissue, providing anti-inflammatory and draining effects while improving microcirculation. Additionally, C. Asiatica enhances the metabolism of lysine and proline, two essential amino acids involved in collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

In an experimental study on a group of 60 people with cellulite, they applied a cream containing cica four times a day for 4 months. The results showed a beneficial effect of the Cica extract on inhibiting the progression of cellulite and a significant improvement in the skin condition in 85% of the experiment participants. The preparation was well tolerated with little to no side effects.

2. Boost Collagen

As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to fine lines and reduced skin elasticity. Centella Asiatica has been recognized as an effective anti-photoaging agent, primarily due to its ability to stimulate type I collagen, which diminishes with age.

This was demonstrated in a study involving 20 female participants aged 45–60 with photoaged skin. The study examined the effects of a topical treatment containing 0.1% madecassoside and 5% vitamin C. After six months, participants experienced significant improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration, results that were confirmed through biometrological tests.

The beneficial effects of C. asiatica are largely attributed to madecassoside, a well-known inducer of collagen expression. This powerful benefit is one of the key reasons why C. asiatica is a common ingredient in many anti-aging products.

3. Hydrates and Improves Skin Barrier Function

Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial, not just for comfort but also for preventing premature aging and damage. Studies have shown that 5% of Centella asiatica extract can improve skin moisture by increasing skin surface hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with eczema and psoriasis. This dual action means that your skin not only stays soft and supple but is also protected.

4. Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Sensitive Skin

If you’re prone to redness or inflammation, Centella Asiatica could be a real game-changer. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin, making it a popular ingredient in products for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Studies have shown that the presence of saponins and flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which significantly improve the skin’s barrier function and associated transepidermal water loss. This is great if you’re battling redness, rosacea or sensitivity.

5. Supports Wound Healing and Reduces Scarring

One of the standout benefits of Centella Asiatica is its role in wound healing. It supports skin tissue repair by stimulating collagen production and enhancing cell migration. Asiaticoside and madecassoside play a key role in these processes by promoting the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, particularly type I and III collagen, while also stimulating fibroblast proliferation. This makes Centella Asiatica a valuable ingredient in formulations designed to reduce scars and heal minor wounds.

Additionally, these compounds can stimulate glycosaminoglycans, particularly hyaluronic acid, to improve skin elasticity, reduce scars, and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

6. It Has Strong Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants are essential for neutralizing free radicals, which can cause premature aging and skin damage. Studies have shown that Cica has strong antioxidant properties, thereby protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Centella asiatica extract inhibits lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, thereby improving the skin barrier.

This means it not only helps repair skin but also works to prevent damage from everyday pollutants and UV exposure.

7. Posses Anti-acne Properties

Studies have shown that C. asiatica extract showed little antibacterial activity against P. acnes. This is due to the presence of madecassoside in the plant extract. This is great if you are sensitive to other acne treatments.

8. For Hair Growth

The ethanolic extract of C. asiatica  have been shown to induce the expression of VEGF in dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which is responsible for hair growth, indicating that crude extract of C. asiatica may be a potent for hair growth.

How to Use Centella Asiatica in Your Routine

Centella Asiatica is versatile and can be found in various forms, from serums and creams to masks and even toners. Here are a few tips on incorporating it into your routine:

• Start slow: If you’re new to this ingredient, begin with a small patch test to ensure your skin reacts well.
• Pair with other actives: It works great alongside other soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
• Consistency is key: As with most skincare ingredients, you might not see immediate results. Give it a few weeks to notice a significant improvement.
• Serums and Creams: Look for products that list Centella Asiatica as one of the main ingredients. These are often designed to soothe and repair the skin.
• Masks: A soothing mask with Centella Asiatica can be a great way to calm irritated skin after a long day.
• DIY Treatments: If you enjoy making your own skin care products, you can look for Centella Asiatica extracts or powders to mix into your formulations. Just make sure you follow proper guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Best Centella Asiatica Products

⚠️Note: Just because a product has cica in front of it does not mean it contains Centella Asiatica. Cica means healing, and some brands may put cica just to mean healing, not because it contains Centella Asiatica. Always check the ingredient list for any of the active ingredients of Centella Asiatica mentioned above, especially madecasoside

Side Effects Of Centella Asiatica

Centella Asiatica is well tolerated and safe to use, but you know, you could become allergic to any ingredient. So it’s best to do a patch test before starting any new ingredients.

Overall, it is a very low-risk ingredient. You don’t have to worry about its stability or compromising the stability of other ingredients; you can use it alongside any ingredient that you want.

Final Thoughts

Centella Asiatica offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to many skin care routines. Whether you’re looking to speed up healing, reduce inflammation, or boost your skin’s collagen production, this herb has a lot to offer.

I hope this post gives you a clear picture of what Centella Asiatica can do for your skin. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with this ingredient, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy skin caring!

Remember, every skin is unique, so it might take some time to see how Centella Asiatica works for you. Enjoy your journey to healthier, happier skin!