CICA is a nickname for its scientific name: Centella Asiatica. This is also referred to as Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, and tiger grass. The latter comes from what inspired the widespread use of CICA on the skin. This plant is known in Asia as what tigers rub on their wounds to help their skin regenerate.
As mentioned, the leafy green herb has been used for centuries to treat wounds. Science backs its efficacy. In a 2012 study, researchers found that Centella Asiatica extract facilitates the healing of incisions and burns. With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before the powers of CICA were incorporated into skin-care products.
This pretty plant from Asia is a wonderful cosmetic ingredient, both anti-aging, regenerating, and healing. IT CONTAINS natural bioactive substances: saponins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpene steroids, amino acids, and sugars.
A study showed that pregnant women using a cream containing Centella Asiatica extract had fewer stretch marks than those who applied a placebo cream. Ayurvedic medicine attributes to it a regenerative action on nerve cells and uses it as an anti-varicose vein.
How does CICA help skin?
No matter what your skin type or biggest concerns are, CICA could probably assist you in some way. CICA is believed to soothe and repair irritated skin, this includes treating acne and calming sensitive skin. However, that's just a small fraction of how CICA could boost your skin-care routine.
CICA's myriad benefits are based on its chemical composition. “, it’s chock-full of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals, including vitamins C, A, B1, and B2. Together they can help stimulate collagen production because they are "packed with antioxidants, which give skin an antimicrobial boost and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. So, if you're looking to firm, repair, or soothe skin, or even combat breakouts, a cream with this ingredient can be helpful.
CICA can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. It can fight premature aging by protecting against external sources of skin damage, such as pollution.
If dryness and dullness are your biggest skin qualms, CICA is here for those issues, too. CICA boosts circulation and blood flow to the skin, decreases moisture loss, and aids in cellular repair. Skin, therefore, appears more hydrated and less inflamed.
Stimulating and anti-aging properties
The qualities of Centella asiatica make it a particularly interesting active ingredient, especially for dry and/or sensitive skin. it has an anti-wrinkle and firming action thanks to two of its components, asiaticoside and madecassoside. They stimulate the cells of the dermis and certain collagens. In addition, Centella Asiatica stem cells have powerful antioxidant properties. They also allow the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin to remain stable. Finally, it is thought to be able to boost the activity of skin stem cells, thus acting directly at the source of skin aging.
Healing properties
Centella Asiatica is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, and antiradical and improves healing. This is why it is used in treatments for sensitive skin. Or even after the sun because it promotes skin repair in the epidermis and dermis.
In addition, madecassoside, again, has antibacterial qualities that limit the attachment of microorganisms to the epidermis. This extract is present in healing creams, which are used both on irritated skin and after cosmetic or surgical procedures. It is also found in anti-hair loss cures because madecassoside acts on the micro-inflammation of the bulb at the origin of hair loss.
Moisturizing properties
The main purified compound of Centella Asiatica, madecassoside promotes skin hydration. Therefore, many cosmetic brands include this ingredient in the composition of their moisturizing products for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin.
On the one hand, it stimulates the aquaporins, these small channels that allow the transport of water in the skin. On the other hand, it has an action on the proteins of the stratum corneum. Thus, it allows having a good quality skin barrier and better maintenance of water in the skin.
