Cica, or the herb Centella Asiatica, is an ingredient found in products suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Indeed, the benefits of Cica are both gentle and moisturizing, as well as helping to heal the effects of external environmental factors that can impact the health and beauty of the skin.
1. What is Cica? What are the benefits of Cica for the skin?
What is Cica? Cica (Centella Asiatica) is extracted from the gotu kola plant, a herb found in tropical, marshy areas across various regions of Asia. The extract of this herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its skin-healing properties. In addition to its well-known benefits for skin healing, soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Cica is also highly effective for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and scars, and it is extremely moisturizing, making it suitable for dry skin types.
On the other hand, with today's busy lifestyles and pressures, skin often becomes imbalanced due to lack of sleep and environmental factors. In such cases, Cica can also strengthen the skin's protective barrier and improve overall appearance, resulting in softer, smoother skin for users. For this reason, the benefits of Cica have made this herb incredibly popular among skincare brands, making it a common ingredient found in various products on the market, from moisturizers to even makeup cosmetics.
2. The benefits of Cica or Centella Asiatica for the skin
2.1. Anti-Aging
Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals present in polluted environments and UV rays from sunlight. These free radicals can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to uneven skin tone and other concerns related to skin aging.
Once the skin begins to age, it loses elasticity and sags, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. When used, Cica can improve blood circulation and enhance collagen synthesis, making the face firmer and reducing wrinkles, thus giving a more youthful appearance.
2.2. Soothing the skin
Centella Asiatica contains components that effectively soothe and heal the skin. Sensitive and extremely dry skin, which often experiences redness, dermatitis, and sometimes itching, will see noticeable results, with the skin becoming more comfortable and a significant reduction in signs of irritation.
2.3. Moisturizing the skin
Cica not only contains numerous antioxidants but is also enriched with amino acids, fatty acids, and beta-carotene. All of these components provide a substantial amount of nutrients to the skin, helping to retain moisture and restore the natural oil levels as well as a certain amount of water in the skin's protective barrier.
2.4. Accelerating skin healing
Cica can help heal various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, varicose veins, and striae. This ability is due to Centella containing "Madecassoside," a compound that enhances the skin's antioxidant activity, allowing wounds or scars to heal by improving blood circulation and strengthening the skin's protective barrier.
Thus, for individuals with acne-prone skin, using Cica can effectively treat and clear acne lesions without leaving any marks or scars.
3. The compatibility of Cica with other skincare ingredients
Although Centella Asiatica alone has miraculous effects on the skin, when combined with certain other ingredients and used regularly, its benefits can be enhanced.
3.1. Centella Asiatica and aloe vera
This combination can reduce any inflammation and control bacteria on the skin. Therefore, by combining with aloe vera, Cica can soothe and heal any acne lesions more quickly, making the skin feel relaxed and better able to absorb nutrients.
3.2. Centella Asiatica and Vitamin C
As mentioned earlier, Centella Asiatica strongly promotes collagen production, and when combined with vitamin C, it significantly improves the softness, firmness, and hydration of the skin, as well as enhances the appearance of wrinkles after just 6 weeks of use.
3.3. Centella Asiatica and Glycolic Acid
By combining Centella with glycolic acid (an AHA), uneven skin texture can be quickly improved, resulting in a youthful and soft complexion. Additionally, glycolic acid supports collagen production in the skin, thereby enhancing the effects of Centella.
4. Ways to use Cica
- Skincare: With the growing popularity of Cica's benefits, there are many skincare products available, such as serums, moisturizers, and skin oils, that include this ingredient.
- Topical application: Cica can be applied topically to burns, scars, inflammation, and striae.
- Supplements: In additionto topical applications, Cica is also available in oral supplements that help improve the circulatory system in the body.
- Food: The popularity of gotu kola has been present in many culinary cultures, participating in refreshing drinks, salads, and rice dishes in daily meals.
5. What are the side effects of Cica?
What benefits does Cica have for the skin? In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Cica may also have some potential side effects such as nausea, bloating, increased sensitivity to sunlight, drowsiness, itching, etc,... Therefore, if you notice any side effects, it is best to stop consuming and using any products containing Centella Asiatica.
Additionally, there are some more serious side effects, and if they occur, seek medical help immediately: jaundice, mild fever, abdominal pain, clay-colored stools.
Thus, if you have any questions or concerns about using Cica, please consult a dermatologist for further advice to avoid unwanted reactions.
In summary, the benefits of Cica, or the gotu kola plant, are truly suitable for everyone, providing a more youthful complexion, especially for those with sensitive skin. Thanks to its valuable anti-inflammatory properties, skincare products containing Cica can be particularly beneficial for use after certain invasive skin treatments, such as after chemical peels, or can be incorporated into daily skincare routines.
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Reference sources: glowsly.com, byrdie.com
