What is Cica? This Skincare Ingredient Can Do Wonders for Your Skin!

In the world of skincare, Centella Asiatica or, in short, Cica has been gaining popularity as an ingredient these past few years, especially in Korean beauty products. 

This guide will tell you all you need to know about what is cica, three benefits for the skin, advice with myeppo product recommendation to start your skincare routine with Cica.

What is Cica?

Cica is also known as Gotu kola, Pennywort or Tiger Grass. In Southeast Asia, we call it Pegaga, and it looks like this:

It’s certainly not a surprise as Cica has been around for hundreds of years for its wound treatment benefits, as well as burns, psoriasis and scleroderma.

Our star ingredient contains active ingredients known as terpenoids, which make up around 8% of the weight of the plant.  

Based on studies, the magic of Cica is mainly derived from four main active ingredients: asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside. They are either used in a product alone in pure form or as a combination known as Centella Asiatica extract and bring potential beauty benefits.

Three Benefits of Cica for Skin

Aside from wound healing benefits, what makes this ingredient a winner? Let’s find out!

1. Keeps Your Skin Moisturised
   A 2016 study mentioned that Cica can be used in moisturising cosmetic formulations, which also complements the treatment for dry skin and sensitive skin condition. 
   
   With a different formula containing various concentrations of the botanical extract, the study showed that it could improve skin moisture by increasing skin surface hydration state and decreasing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), which also helps in enhancing your skin barrier.
   
   Get to know more about your dry skin type.

2. Anti-Inflammatory
   Most of the results showed that when people use products that contain Centella Asiatica, it can help to soothe red and inflamed skin. This is because madecassoside has properties that help inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. 
   
   Also, in-vitro studies showed that asiaticoside increases migration rates and accelerates the attachment of skin cells, making this ingredient a winner for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin. 

3. Erase Signs of Ageing
   Based on a random double-blind clinical trial, 20 female participants aged 45-60 with photoaged skin examined the impact of topically applied 0.1% madecassoside with 5% vitamin C on their skin. 
   
   Centella Asiatica has been used as an effective anti-photoaging agent. The six-month treatment improved firmness, elasticity and skin hydration and was confirmed by appropriate biometeorological tests.
   
   The skin condition improvement was due to madecassoside, which promotes collagen production, mainly enhancing type I collagen, which supports healthy hair, skin and nails.

Suppose you want to find out more about what’s inside the beauty product before putting them on your skin. Here are five websites that will analyse the ingredients for you.

Do’s and Don’ts

An allergy to Centella is extremely rare. We at myeppo encourage you always to do a patch test. Understandably, it’s tempting with all the great benefits mentioned, but it’s better to be safe!

The good thing about Centella Asiatica is that you can safely pair it with all the other ingredients. Based on the aforementioned clinical trial result, best to pair it with Vitamin C to boost collagen production. 

If your skin feels dry, especially after using acne treatment such as benzoyl peroxide, Cica can help you top up your skin hydration. This natural ingredient is so versatile!

Myeppo recommends: Centella Asiatica Skin Care Products

With all the great benefits from Cica, we want you to treat yourself to three goodies at myeppo shop. From cleansers to moisturisers, we got your back!

To learn how to apply these skincare products correctly, click here.

1. Pestlo Ourecipe Oil To Foam Cleanser
   Made entirely from vegan ingredients, this unique cleanser starts out as an oil but quickly emulsifies into a foam with water. Formulated to be mildly acidic (pH 5.5) to maintain the skin’s natural pH, this unique cleanser offers to thoroughly remove water-resistant makeup, before turning into foam to provide a thorough cleanse without stripping away the skin’s natural moisture balance with the extract to help soothe skin.

2. Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming Cica Dressing Mask (3 Pcs)
   This sheet masks relies on a breathable, lightweight gauze material to soften/hydrate inflammation-prone skin. It also help to balance both texture and tone. The Magnesium joins forces with the botanical extract to soothe in-depth, putting an end to unpleasant inflammations.

3. Needly pH Balancing Essence Lotion
   Formulated with to a slightly acidic pH 5.5 ±1.0 to match skin’s natural pH level, this lightweight and refreshing formula provides deep moisture. It also contain Cica and Houttuynia Cordata Extract helps soothes and calms your skin.