More and more people are having sensitive skin type due to increasing pollution levels and stress.
Therefore, sensitive skin friendly good molecules such as Niacinamide, Cassia and Centella asiatica – aka Gotu Kola or Cica are finding their way into beauty products to help calm redness, dryness, inflammation and irritated complexions.
Cica aka Gotu Kola or – its latin name Centella asiatica – has also another name that comes with a story. It is also called as Tiger grass. In Asia, tigers rub this plant on their wounds to help their skin to heal and get better. Apparently, tigers are up to something – because Cica has been shown to being used as an effective anti-photoageing agent, mainly due to enhancement of type I collagen, which amount in skin decreases with age.
Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) is effective in treatment of wounds, also in wounds, burns, and hypertrophic scars. [1]
Another study from 2012 shows Centella asiatica extract facilitates the healing of incisions and burns and also increase the elasticity and tension strength. Additionally, this study also showed that it can increase collagen production, improve skin firmness, and soothe minor itching.[2]
This botanical –Centella asiatica (Cica , Gotu Kola) also help improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots and significantly increase hydration of the skin, while visibly diminishing redness, inflammation and moisture loss [3]. Absolute bliss for the skin!
So what does this mean?
The Cica’s botanical chemical arsenal is full of beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, amino acids and Vitamins such as C, A, B1 and B2 [5]. This little herb packed with antioxidants help to give the skin an boost against aging free radicals and also visibly provide anti-inflammatory benefits – that supports skin’s natural immune defense and anti-inflammatory responses [4].
When it comes to skincare options, this green herb can help boost your skin’s ability to repair aging, stress related damage as well as protecting from additional problems such as inflammation or allergic dermatitis [4].
Want to hit all the bases and calm your skin while hydrating it?
Try Ageless Protection Cream with potent antioxidants, squalane and Cica, this cream can help to comfort the skin while visibly helping to restore skin’s barrier and natural defense system to calm inflammation. Skin feels instantly soothed, comforted, hydrated and nourished. With a rich texture, the non-comedogenic cream absorbs easily. Free of artificial fragrances, dyes and alcohol, this gentle barrier cream can be also used for the eye area.
Micro Algae Immun B3 Serum infused with Cica (Centella asiatica – aka Gotu kola) helps strengthen and protect, while visibly accelerates skin barrier recovery. After using for 3 days, this serum visibly reduces redness and roughness due to dull dryness. The gel-like formula is filled with anti-inflammatory aloe vera and cucumber juice, soothing natural hyaluronic acid Cassia, anti-oxidant Niacinamide and Cica (Centella asiatica), all of which work together to wrap your face in a protective illuminating hug. Smooth it on before your cream in the morning and/or night to keep dullness, redness and irritation at bay.
Double your dose of Cica with serum + cream for ultimate glass/ porcelain looking skin to help repair and strengthen skin’s barrier function.
Skin Care Tip
It is important to look for products specifically formulated to avoid ingredients that are known to be skin irritants or potential hormone disrupting chemicals. Additionally, it is critical to prefer non-abrasive formulas that are adequately preserved to avoid mold or bacterial growth in the products that can hurt your skin and your health.
Wishing you a glowing healthier skin,
Molecular Immunologist & Skincare Expert
As an Immunologist trained in Molecular Medicine and as an expert in skin care and cosmetic chemistry, Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu has spent +20 years researching skin, impact of hormones on the immune system sharing her findings in international publications with her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Trusted by scientists, doctors, editors, bloggers, celebrities and skincare lovers around the world, her deep real-world knowledge and research are invested in every drop of AveSeena.
Scientific References
1.Centella asiatica in cosmetology.Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb;30(1):46-9. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2013.33378.
2. Wound healing activities of different extracts of Centella asiatica in incision and burn wound models: an experimental animal study.Somboonwong J, Kankaisre M, Tantisira B, Tantisira MH. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Jul 20;12:103
3. Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica Extract
A. Ratz-Łyko,* J. Arct, and K. PytkowskaIndian J Pharm Sci. 2016 Jan-Feb; 78(1): 27–33.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Model.Park JH, Choi JY, Son DJ, Park EK, Song MJ, Hellström M, Hong JT. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Mar 30;18(4).
5. Triterpene composition and bioactivities of Centella asiatica. Hashim P, Sidek H, Helan MH, Sabery A, Palanisamy UD, Ilham M.Molecules. 2011 Jan 28;16(2):1310-22.
