Cica, The K-Beauty Ingredient Everyone Is Talking About
If you’re a fan of K-Beauty, you must have heard about Centella asiatica (aka Cica), the ingredient everyone has been talking about. This “miracle ingredient” has made appearances in almost every other K-Beauty skincare launch, and it’s even making its way into western products.
What Is Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica is known by many different names including Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Asiatic pennywort, and tiger grass. This plant is native to the wetlands in Asia and used as a culinary vegetable as well as medicinal herb. It is most well-known for its health abilities. In fact, legend has it that Centella asiatica got its nickname of “tiger grass” from tigers that would roll around to help heal and soothe their battle wounds.
What Are The Skin Benefits?
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Anti-aging
Centella asiatica is high in antioxidants which help to neutralize free radicals found in pollution and UV rays. These free radicals can cause damage to skin’s barrier resulting in uneven skin tone and other concerns that are linked to skin aging. Cica can prevent the loss of elasticity by improving blood circulation and production of collagen. Your skin will thank later for more youthful and firm skin with reduced lines and wrinkles.
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Healing
Centella asiatica contains Madecassoside which is a compound that boosts the antioxidant activity of the skin. This helps soothe the irritated skin and many other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, varicose veins and stretch marks. Madecassoside’s anti-inflammatory benefits come in handy for those who suffer from acne-prone skin. Any breakouts and spots can be treated and cleared without any marks or scarring left behind. Cica can also prevent ‘Maskne,’ the skin irritation, clogged pores and acne flare-ups induced by wearing face masks to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you’re concerned with sensitive or acne-prone skin, this ingredient should belong in your skincare routine.
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Moisturizing
Centella asiatica is enriched with amino acids, fatty acids and beta carotene, all of which provide huge amounts of nutrients for the skin making it hydrated and restoring the oil and water levels back to the skin’s barrier. Sensitive and extremely dry skin types will see marked results in the comfort of their skin with visible signs of any dryness significantly reduced.
The Perfect Ingredient Combos
Cica & Aloe Vera
Teaming these two ingredients becomes the ultimate spot battling combo.
Cica reduces any inflammation and kills off any spot forming bacteria from the skin, while aloe vera soothes and heals any breakouts.
Cica & Vitamin C
Cica and Vitamin C both give powerful boost for collagen production. Combining these two ingredients will significantly improve skin suppleness, firmness and hydration and improves the appearance of any signs of aging.
Centella asiatica can be used by all skin types but it’s most suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. This miracle ingredient bolsters the skin’s barrier, hydrates, and soothes irritation. If you want to try out the latest K-Beauty trend for yourself, check out for K-Beauty favourites below!
K-Beauty Favourties
Farmstay Cica Farm Line:
Farmstay Cica Farm Line consists of many different kinds of skincare products including cleansing foam, toner, emulsion, ampoule, eye serum, and cream made with Centella asiatica extracts.
Visit their website below to find out more!