If you’re a fan of Korean skincare (also known as K-beauty), chances are you’ve heard of Cica. This cult favourite ingredient is known by names like Centella, Tiger Grass, Indian Pennywort or Gotu Kola, and is hailed for its hydrating and skin-soothing benefits. However, there’s more to this powerhouse ingredient than you can imagine…don’t believe us? Keep reading!
Why Cica?
Cica is an antioxidant-rich herbaceous plant, well known for its anti-ageing benefits, and its name in Sanskrit “Gotu Kola” literally means “Fountain of Youth.”
This herb has a long history in traditional medicine and is now causing quite a buzz in K-beauty regimes for its ability to achieve the coveted "glass skin" look.
Sensitive skin is common in Korea due to high pollution levels. As a result, sensitive skin-friendly ingredients, such as Cica, are frequently seen in Korean beauty products to calm inflammation, redness, and irritated skin.
Navigating the world of skincare can be challenging for those with sensitive skin. Harsh ingredients can easily trigger irritation, redness, and discomfort. This is where Cica comes in!
No matter your skin type or biggest concerns, Cica can help you target several skin concerns. It has a rich content of antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids that heal and rejuvenate the skin from within. It is well tolerated by all skin types including those prone to dryness, oil, eczema, psoriasis, acne or scarring.
What does Cica do for the skin?
1. Antioxidant Defence
Packed with powerful antioxidants, Cica helps combat free radicals - unstable molecules that cause the skin to degrade (age) faster. External factors like pollution, sun exposure, smoking and excess alcohol intake cause free radical damage and oxidative stress.
By neutralising these free radicals, antioxidants protect the skin from external stressors and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants lend spare electrons to these free radicals - and stop the degradation of cells.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Skin Saviour
Cica’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort caused by dryness, acne breakouts, or sensitivity. It contains tannins and active compounds like madecassoside that help heal and regenerate the skin faster.
Cica can help soothe and calm inflamed skin, reducing the appearance of redness, irritation, and sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory effects can further alleviate discomfort, promote a healthier skin barrier, and strengthen sensitive skin against damage. Additionally, it helps calm down flare-ups of skin conditions like rosacea & eczema.
3. Hydration Hero
Cica replenishes skin hydration - giving the skin a smoother, plumper, and healthier appearance. Skin ageing and dehydration cause fine lines to appear on the skin prematurely - giving the skin a more worn-out appearance.
Powerful hydrating ingredients like Cica are non-negotiable when you want picture-perfect Korean glass skin.
4. Prevents Premature Ageing
Collagen is an important protein that the skin needs to regenerate and heal. Cica helps to boost collagen production in the skin which helps to heal wounds, reduce ageing signs such as wrinkles, and fine lines, and improve your skin’s texture.
Every year after age 25, the skin loses 1-2% of collagen, putting the natural skin ageing process in motion. By incorporating collagen-boosting actives like Cica and following a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your skin looking healthy, young and firm for years to come.
4. A Natural Mood Booster
Research indicates Cica has natural anxiolytic properties, that help ease anxiety symptoms and increase levels of feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also counteracts the effects of stress by regulating cortisol production hormones.
A 2010 study showed participants taking Centella Asiatica for 60 days experienced reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.
Cica is one of the 4 main components of our proprietary psychodermatology blend NeuroCalm(S)®, a revolutionary formula that alleviates the effects of stress on the skin. This formula can be found in all of our Topical Skincare products, and its oral-grade formula NeuroCalm(I)® can be found in our Skin Supplements.
24H Hydration Sunscreen - Soothing Sun Protection for All Skin Types
The cooling, soothing and intensely hydrating benefits of Cica can be found in our 24H Hydration Sunscreen - a creme gel texture that feels like water on the skin and blends into all skin tones within seconds.
It protects the skin with SPF 50 & PA++++ against UVA & UVB rays, and Bluelight emitted from electronics. It’s powered by safe and environmentally conscious New Gen Filters that protect the skin with a more photostable formula that doesn’t break down under sun exposure.
The 24H Hydration Sunscreen has a lightweight creme-gel formula that blends into all skin tones within seconds leaving no white cast, just a light dewy finish. Hero ingredients Cica and Marine Algae deeply hydrate and plump the skin, making it the perfect pick for all skin types - deep nourishment and hydration combined with powerful sun protection.
Not many people know this - but even oily skin needs hydration, the overproduction of sebum (oil) is a biological response when the skin isn’t adequately hydrated. Our sunscreen is formulated to suit all skin types, making it one of the best picks for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Unveiling the power of Cica wasn't just about flawless skin, it was about a holistic approach to beauty. Cica tackles visible concerns while promoting a healthy, resilient complexion; its potential mood-boosting properties add another layer of well-being. So next time you seek Korean skincare's secrets, remember Cica - the key to unlocking a radiant, stress-free you.
