Centella Asiatica/Gotu Kola: Uses, Skin Healing Benefits, And Side Effects Of This Herbal Beauty Ingredient
Centella Asiatica, also known as Gotu kola, Kodavan, Indian pennywort and Asiatic pennywort is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This herb is famed as “the herb of longevity” in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. It has the potential to uplift brainpower, improve liver and kidney health and even heal several skin woes. Gotu kola has been in use for centuries to ease inflammation and varicose veins. Not many people know that Gotu kola can also deliver you a spectrum of skin healing benefits. Well, if you are looking for firm, blemish-free, radiant skin, then it's time to make this herb your secret beauty ingredient. Centella Asiatica also goes by the easier-to-pronounce name Cica and has been buzzed around in the beauty world, which works magical for all types of skin and is used widely in sunscreen and scar healing skincare products.
How Does Centella Asiatica/Gotu Kola Benefit The Skin?
The potent anti-inflammatory actions increase skin hydration, lock the moisture, and help soothe and heal dry, red and irritated skin. It is extremely beneficial for treating several skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Cica also boosts blood circulation and has been shown to promote collagen production, thereby enhancing skin firmness, tone, and elasticity.
Gotu kola has been in use for centuries to ease inflammation and varicose veins. Not many people know that Gotu kola can also deliver you a spectrum of skin healing benefits. Well, if you are looking for firm, blemish-free, radiant skin, then it's time to make this herb your secret beauty ingredient
The goodness of plant compounds madecassoside and asiaticoside is known for their natural soothing and healing properties. Huge amounts of amino acids, beta-carotene and fatty acids make this herb work wonders for rejuvenating skin glow from deep within.
Skin Healing Benefits Of Centella Asiatica
Boosts Collagen Production
Several pieces of evidence have disclosed that Centella Asiatica promotes collagen production and aids in enhancing skin tone and elasticity.
Antioxidant Effects
Centella Asiatica has been bestowed with powerful antioxidant traits. Thanks to its richness of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help the skin combat free radical damage, effects of pollution, stress, and UV rays.
Lowers Redness
Centella Asiatica extract helps remarkably to improve the skin barrier function and lessens redness by restoring hydration and lowering the pH value of the skin.
Reverses Aging
Imbued with flavonoids and active compound medacassoside which serves as an antioxidant, Centella Asiatica help neutralize free radical damage caused by environmental pollutants and sun rays. Apart from this, it improves blood circulation in skin tissue and the synthesis of collagen which aids in maintaining youthful skin and reduces the risk of signs of ageing.
Moisturizes Deeply
Centella Asiatica packed with amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids and phytonutrient offer essential nutrients for rejuvenating skin from deep within. Furthermore, amino acids are a good hydrating agent that supports soothing rough, dry and irritated skin.
Soothes The Skin
The key bioactive compound present in Centella Asiatica is saponins (asiaticosides), which are attributed to have soothing and healing qualities. Gotu kola is the perfect ingredient to restore skin’s moisture barrier, thus safeguarding skin from breaking down, mainly for sensitive skin, which is red, irritated, itchy or inflamed. Using this wonder skin ingredient helps ease the visible signs of skin sensitivity like itching and burning.
Wound Healing
Centella Asiatica is valuable in treating skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and stretch marks. While it also speeds the healing of acne scars making skin blemish-free. Madecassoside in Centella Asiatica triggers antioxidant activity at the site of wounds, increasing blood flow and speeding the healing process.
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Uses
- Centella Asiatica has been used extensively as a natural beauty care ingredient in recent times. This herb was first used in South Korean Cica creams and now they have become foundations of the K-beauty regimen because of their soothing benefits.
- Centella Asiatica is used as the key ingredient in topical medications for burns, stretch marks, scars, inflammation, and leprosy.
- Centella Asiatica is also available as a dietary supplement that can help enhance blood flow and lessen swelling.
- Centella Asiatica topical cream of 3% concentration can be used to heal several skin woes. However, it is best to consult a dermatologist before using this product.
Side Effects
Centella Asiatica extract is an herbal skincare ingredient, thus allergies and side effects are very rare. However, it may cause allergic reactions in a few people. So, it would be better to do a patch test before applying this product to your face.
