What is Centella Asiatica & what does it do for your skin?
Our April Sooni Pouch included a TonyMoly Master Lab Mask Sheet with a key ingredient called Centella asiatica. Products formulated with Centella asiatica are being marketed as ‘cica’ and they’re everywhere in K-beauty! So today, we’re going to talk all about it including what it is, where it comes from, and its amazing benefits for the skin!
What is Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica, also known as Asiatic pennywort, Gotu kola or tiger grass, is a herbaceous plant found in tropical areas across the world including Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Eastern Europe. It has beautiful fan-shaped leaves (pictured above) with no taste or odor.
History of Centella asiatica
While its use is relatively new in the U.S., the plant has been utilized for centuries in other parts of the world for medicinal purposes. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Centella asisatica has been used to treat wounds, eczema, lupus, psoriasis, and more. During the 1800’s, Centella asiatica came to prominence in Europe, being used to heal burns and wounds.
Benefits of Centella asiatica
In the recent years, researches have been studying the plant closely for its cosmetic effects and benefits. Research shows that the main chemical compounds found in Centella asiatica, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, madecassoside and asiaticoside, have a variety of benefits for the skin:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
Madecassoside has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation or swelling. It’s no surprise that we’ve been seeing a lot of Madecassoside creams from K-beauty brands. In particular the A’pieu Madecassoside cream has become a holy grail product for skincare lovers! - Healing Properties
A 2006 study on rats showed that wounds treated with Centella asiatica healed faster than wounds that were not treated. The plant aids the skin in healing by increasing blood circulation. - Antioxidant Properties
Madecassoside also serves as an antioxidant, helping the skin to repair from sun damage. - Anti-aging Properties
Studies show that Asiaticoside, can boost the production of collage, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Have you used products formulated with Centella asiatica? Comment below to let us know about your experience!
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