Centella Asiatica (Cica) or Gotu Kola, a K-Beauty ingredient is set to explode in 2023. Read to know all about it below.
Do any of these ring a bell:
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Scars
- Dry and Irritated skin
If it does, you’ve come to the right place.
Consider this a safe-place and take a moment to just imagine that You have healthy skin that’s glowing.
Wow, right? If they can do it why not You? You are just as amazing as them. All you need is a quick and easy skincare map which Beauty Barn is determined to deliver it to you.
Now, tell us what you think is really stopping you from getting Good Skin?
Of course, if you knew the answer and had the solutions you probably wouldn’t be here.
So, straight to the point we are going to list down some skin concerns and their causes and how a popular ingredient called Cica can help with these concerns.
Read more about Cica as a K-beauty ingredient here.
Skin Concerns and What Causes Them
Acne: What Causes Acne?
Acne/pimple is a skin condition that involves inflammation in your pores caused by factors such as bacteria, hormones, dirt, sebum, dead skin cells, etc., that clog the pores. Inside an acne you will find a kind of white pus visible on the surface or when squeezed (we do not recommend squeezing the pimple).
The types of acne you’ll come across are – blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules and cystic acne.
Aging Signs: What Causes Wrinkles & Fine Lines?
Aging is a process everyone has to go through as you age. It is primarily determined by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, food habits, stress, nutrition levels and medication to name a few.
Sometimes, people can have early aging signs and is caused by the above factors. Aging signs can include wrinkles, dark circles under your eyes, fine lines, crow’s feet, etc.
Scars: How do Scars form?
Scars appear as a result of wounds from injuries, acne, surgery, or other infections. The visible scarring appears as part of the skin’s natural healing process.
The healing process involves a protein called collagen that helps to rebuild the damaged tissues on your skin.
Lack or overproduction of this collagen can result in the formation of scars.
There are different types of scars which include – pitted scars, keloid scars and hypertrophic scars to name a few.
Dry & Irritated Skin: What causes these?
Dry skin is caused by factors such as sun damage, harsh cleansers, lack of sebum and moisture to name a few. This skin type is also prone to irritation because the skin barrier that protects your skin has been damaged.
If you have dry skin you will notice you have flaky skin, dryness, rough texture, itchiness or a scaly feel to your skin.
Now, is there a solution to this? Absolutely!
Cica: Benefits, FAQs
What does Cica stand for?
The Cica ingredient that you mostly see on K-Beauty products is actually a short term for Centella Asiatica.
What does Cica do for skin?
There are multiple benefits of Cica for your skin. The top benefits of Cica include:
- Cica helps to treat acne: Cica helps to calm down inflammation, provide nutrients such as Vitamin A, B, C, and also amino acids and antioxidants which help to boost collagen and blood circulation which in turn reduces acne and improve the texture of your skin.
- Enhances the Collagen production in your skin: Collagen is an important protein that your skin needs to be able to regenerate and heal. Cica helps to boost the production of collagen in your skin that helps to heal wounds, reduce aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and improve your skin’s texture.
- Relieves Dry and Irritated Skin: Surprisingly, cica also helps to treat dry and irritated skin by providing hydration and moisturization. It also has anti-inflammatory and sensitivity calming properties making it just fantastic for your dry and irritated skin.
- Improves and minimizes scarring: Now you know that cica helps to boost collagen production on your skin, there’s another benefit to this that you should know. When your skin is producing an adequate amount of collagen, there is minimal to no scarring. As such, cica is one of the best ingredients to boost your blood circulation and boost collagen.
Can Centella Asiatica cause Acne?
This is a frequently asked question that a lot of individuals that are starting out in skincare want to know. Cica does not cause acne but instead calms acne inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Why is Centella Asiatica good for skin?
Cica is good for your skin because it contains nutrients such as Vitamin A, B, and C.
- Vitamin A helps to boost the healing process, strengthen the skin’s immunity, and helps to prevent breakout.
- Vitamin B helps relieve dryness, irritation, improves skin tone, reduce acne breakouts, aging signs, and balance sebum on your skin.
- Vitamin C helps to brighten, balance skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production and hydrates your skin to highlight a few.
Cica is a fantastic ingredient also because it has amino acids and antioxidants.
- Amino acids help in water retention, healing wounds, balance healthy bacteria on your skin, repairs damaged skin and also protects against sun damage.
- Antioxidants contribute mainly towards preventing skin damage from environmental aggressors such as pollution and even harmful UV rays from the sun.
Can Cica be used with other ingredients?
Cica is a gentle ingredient that can be paired with most active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs to name a few.
However, it is recommended by skincare professionals that you do a patch test before you go full-scale on any ingredient(s) and actives.
Is Centella Asiatica safe for Pregnancy?
Cica is generally considered a safe ingredient that can even be used while you are pregnant. However, we recommend that you consult with your physician/doctor before starting any skincare ingredient which includes cica.
K-Beauty Cica Based Must-Have Products for 2023
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Cleanser
A low pH cleanser that’s made to gently cleanse sensitive skin with it’s rich and gentle foam. The creamy lather immediately removes excess sebum and impurities while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Who can use this?
- Sensitive skin
- Normal skin
How to use
- Squeeze an appropriate amount onto the palm of your hands
- Gently lather and massage the foam onto damp face
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Can be used for both morning and night time skincare routine.
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Toner
Formulated with 7 Cica ingredients that help to calm sensitive skin while also strengthening, and providing moisturizing and soothing benefits to promote a healthier skin. With a mild watery texture, this toner helps to prep the skin for other skincare steps to effectively help rejuvenate and strengthen your skin.
Who can use this?
- Sensitive and fragile skin
How to use
- After cleansing, soak a cotton pad with the toner and gently swipe across your face.
- Avoid the eye and mouth areas.
- Gently pat over your entire face for better absorption.
- Continue with other skincare steps.
- Can be used for both morning and night time skincare
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum
Formulated with 7 Cica ingredients to help calm your sensitive and irritated skin. This serum helps to improve skin concerns such as – redness, inflammation, sensitivity and weakened skin barrier.
It helps to soothe, calm, protect, rebuild your skin and also strengthen your skin barrier.
Who can use this?
- Sensitive skin.
- People with weakened skin barrier.
How to use
- Before your moisturizer step, apply two to three drops onto your face.
- Gently pat for better absorption.
- Continue with a moisturizer to seal the serum.
- Can be used in both your morning and night time skincare routines.
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Cream
This highly concentrated formula provides a triple calming effect that targets skin concerns such as sensitive skin and weakened skin barrier that could also cause redness and inflammation. The texture does not feel greasy nor heavy even if applied thickly and gently melts into the skin to provide a boost of moisturization with its skin repairing and strengthening benefits.
Who can use this?
- Sensitive skin.
- Weakened skin barrier.
- Red and inflamed skin.
How to use
- To be used as the final step in a skincare routine.
- Squeeze an appropriate amount onto palm
- Gently massage across the entire face
- Pat gently for better absorption
- Can be used in both morning and night time skincare routine.
Etude House Soon Jung10 Panthensoside Cica Balm
Formulated with panthenol, madecassoside, and centella asiatica as its core ingredients that help to soothe stressed and problematic skin. It is mildly acidic in pH that allows your skin to stay hydrated and protect the skin barrier.
Who can use this?
- Dry, sensitive, and irritated skin
- Delicate skin
- Weakened skin barrier
How to use
- To be used as the last step in your skincare routine.
- Squeeze an appropriate amount onto face.
- Gently massage across face.
- Pat gently for better absorption.
- Can be used as spot treatment for troubled areas.
- Can be used in both AM and PM skincare routine.
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
This masks helps to replenish moisture on skin that is sensitive due to weakened skin barrier. It’s key benefits include calming, soothing, moisturizing and hydrating your skin.
Who can use this?
- Suitable for tired skin that needs moisture replenishing.
- Sensitive and irritated skin.
- Normal skin.
How to use
- After serum/ampoule, place the sheet mask on face.
- Remove the mask 15-20 minutes later.
- Pat the remaining essence over the face and neck to promote full absorption.
CONCLUSION
If your skin is sensitive and easily prone to irritation, redness and inflammation then cica is a great option for you.
