Sensitive Skin in Need of Some TLC? Super Ingredient: Centella Asiatica - M Review 59
Sensitive Skin in Need of Some TLC? Super Ingredient: Centella Asiatica - M Review 59
What is Centella Asiatica?
It goes by many other names: Cica, Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, or Tiger Grass*. Whichever way you may call it, Centella Asiatica has been a go-to ingredient for many K-Beauty skincare products. It contains an abundance of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals, including vitamins C, A, B1, and B2. It also contains a compound of madecassic acid (i.e. madecassoside) that targets inflammation. Labeled as one of the “miracle elixirs of life,” centella asiatica is found as a small plant that has a tradition of treating wounds and serious diseases for centuries. Its incorporation in traditional medicines has recently found its way as a trending ingredient in skincare.
*Fun Fact: Did you know tigers roll around in this plant to heal their wounds?
How does Centella Asiatica benefit the skin?
Have particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin? You’re going to want to look out for products with centella asiatica as it is a wound-healing ingredient that delivers anti-inflammatory benefits for your troubled skin. It is a natural acne-fighting ingredient that soothes inflammation and repairs and prevents scarring, without causing flakiness like many topical acne medications that use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Being rich in an assortment of phytochemicals, centella is an effective ingredient that also targets uneven skin tone and premature aging. If you struggle with redness and hyperpigmentation, you will enjoy the brightening properties of this ingredient. Containing high levels of antioxidants, it will also promote collagen production that helps your skin stay plump and youthful.
Breakdown of Centella Asiatica:
Soothes inflammation
Fights acne
Repairs scarring
Revitalizes and brightens uneven skin tone
Tackles signs of aging
For sensitive skin types
Product Recommendations:
After incorporating Centella Asiatica into my skincare routine, I have noticed amazing results for my troubled skin. Having sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin myself, I found this ingredient to be my skincare superstar for 2018. I will show you a couple product recommendations that incorporate Centella Asiatica which can all be found and purchased on masksheets.com.
[COSRX] Centella Blemish Ampule
Formulated with 84% centella asiatica, this serum-based product by COSRX will help soothe and hydrate your skin while dealing with any irritation and redness.Whenever I am having a bad-skin day, I can always rely on this ampule/serum to help treat and restore my skin without any sensitivity issues. It has been a must-have in my skincare routine that has helped heal my acne in the long-run. Now, I can't live without having a backup of this item in case I run out. Apply this serum after your toner to feel the calming and hydrating effects of this product.
Check out COSRX's other Centella products as well:
[COSRX} Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
[COSRX] Centella Blemish Cream
[Dr Jart] Cicapair Calming Mask:
Infused with centella asiatica and madecassoside alongside other replenishing botanicals, this mask will help soothe and restore sensitive, irritated skin. Additionally, it will tone and brighten the skin to achieve a rejuvenated appearance. After leaving this mask on for 15-20 minutes, I immediately noticed that my aggravated acne and redness calmed down. It is a safe option that I can rely on to calm and repair my skin.
[A’PIEU] Madecassoside Cream/Cica Gel:
Incorporating 40% and 70% Centella Asiatica extract respectively, these cream and gel formulations of the same madecassoside line both provide a soothing and calming hydration that repairs and strengthens the skin while providing a brightening and anti-wrinkle effect; a perfect way to lock and protect your skin. The madecassoside component of these moisturizers is derived from centella extract and has soothing and regenerating properties. The cream would be well-suited for those with dry, sensitive skin, whereas the gel would be well-suited for oily, sensitive skin.
