You may not be familiar with the name, but you have probably come across it many times in skincare products: meet Centella asiatica, a trending ingredient in skincare, especially within K-beauty!
From its origin as a herb whose claim to fame is its mystic reputation as a cure-all to its proven benefits to skin, learn more about this much hyped ingredient and why it may be a good fit for your skincare routine.
What is Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica is a plant that goes by many names: known as cica, gotu kola, and spadeleaf, among others, the herb is part of the cuisines and widely used in the herbal medicine traditions of various Asian countries, notably in India and China.
In Western medicine, it has been studied for its potential benefits to both physical and mental health. And in skincare, it has become a prized ingredient thanks to its reputation as a soother and repairer for skin.
Why is Centella asiatica good for skin?
We can mainly thank saponins, a natural compound found in Centella asiatica, for its biggest skin benefit: they are super effective at wound healing! Other than being a miracle healer for your skin, Centella helps promote the production of collagen, and it also contains beneficial amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which your skin loves!
Is Centella asiatica good for acne?
With its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, Centella asiatica is a good match for acne-prone skin, helping soothe inflammatory acne. It can also support the repair of its lasting signs, like scarring and hyperpigmentation.
With other brightening ingredients like vitamin C, the Dears, Klair Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum is a great Centella extract serum option for fading acne scars and improving dull skin tone.
Can Centella asiatica repair the skin barrier?
Centella asiatica has been shown clinically to improve skin barrier hydration when used in cream form. A cream that contains Centella extract, like the Abib Enriched Creme Zinc Tube, can help hydrate and strengthen dry, irritated skin. It also contains zinc to further promote calm and repair. Exactly what distressed skin needs!
How to use Centella asiatica for skin?
Since Centella asiatica is quite a popular ingredient in Korean skincare, it can be found in many different products: your whole skincare routine could include Centella if you wanted!
Cleansing
Start with a gentle cleanser, like the Abib Acne Foam Cleanser, to cleanse skin and soothe irritation without over-drying.
Then, follow up with a soothing toner: the Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner combines Centella asiatica extract with ingredients like aloe vera and sodium hyaluronate for deep hydration that will leave the skin replenished and ready for the remaining steps in your routine.
Serums
In serums, Centella asiatica extract is extra helpful for acne-prone and sensitive skin! A highlight is the Nacific Fresh Cica Plus Clear Serum, with healing and anti-inflammatory effects to repair the effects of acne and irritation.
Finish off your routine with a nourishing and calming last step – the Nacific Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream. Serum and creams that include Centella asiatica are a great choice for those skin types because they allow for a longer exposure to Centella, getting the most out of it.
Can I use Centella asiatica with niacinamide?
Niacinamide is another skincare ingredient that can be helpful for those struggling with acne. Luckily, niacinamide and Centella asiatica can be safely combined and work harmoniously together to brighten and decongest skin while calming redness and irritation. Try the Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence for a serum designed to brighten dull lackluster skin for added glow!
Can I use Centella asiatica with BHA?
AHAs and BHAs are skin exfoliants. They are often used to decrease inflammation, remove dead skin cells, and improve skin texture.
They can be combined with Centella asiatica, as the Nacific Pink AHA BHA Cream, which uses the exfoliating action to target both acne and signs of aging, while also hydrating and soothing skin.
No matter what your skin type is, Centella asiatica could be beneficial to include in your skincare routine. Available in different formats, from cleaners and toners to serums and creams, Centella extract is a welcome addition to address inflammation and pigmentation caused by acne, or to repair distressed skin by hydrating and soothing.
Explore Centella asiatica skincare at Glow Atelier and find the best Centella asiatica product for you!
