This K-Beauty Natural Ingredient Has Endless Benefits For Your Skin!

So, let’s start by answering the big question – the obvious one. What exactly is centella asiatica? Also known as cica, brahmi, Indian pennywort, gotu kola or tiger grass, this antioxidant-rich medicinal herb has been used to treat illnesses and heal wounds. It has taken Korean skincare by storm and is now found in soothing skin creams. In fact, this new popular ingredient for cosmetics isn’t all that new either! It has been used in Central Asia – China, Japan, Korea, and India where it is considered an Ayurvedic herb, and many more countries, for centuries. Legend has it, that when injured, tigers would roll around in this plant to heal themselves – hence the name tiger grass. Now that’s pretty cool!

HOW DOES CICA BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?

1. Soothes skin

This is the key factor which makes it great for sensitive skin. It contains tannins and active compounds such as madecassoside that help heal and regenerate skin faster. It calms down redness and heals minor cuts and wounds – we’re looking at you, you pimple-picker! It helps calm down rosacea and other skin flare ups too.

2. Helps strengthen skin barrier

Due to its intensely hydrating properties, this skincare ingredient is great for those with a compromised skin barrier. As it is anti-inflammatory and rich in amino acids, calms irritated skin and provides it with a boost of hydration. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which keeps the skin soft and elastic.

3. Reduces fine lines

As it hydrates the skin, it plumps up skin cells, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It increases elasticity of the skin with the help of beta carotene and fatty acids, giving it a youthful appearance.

4. Calms down acne

Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, cica is a gentle ingredient that helps battle acne even in the most compromised skin barriers. It contains a myriad of vitamins – such as A, B1, B2, B3 – also known as niacinamide, and C which repair the skin as it heals.

5. Protects skin against premature ageing

This miracle plant prevents sun spots and damage by external factors by decreasing moisture loss and aiding in cellular repair. This makes the skin appear plumper and less inflamed. As we know, damaged skin is a lot more prone to sun damage. It is also a great source of antioxidants which help prevent further skin damage.

6. Lessens scars

Centella asiatica contains triterpene compounds which increases collagen production and boosts skin healing. This is especially useful for reducing the appearance of scars and even reduces hyperpigmentation, especially on Asian skin.

HOW DO I INCLUDE CICA IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?

Since this is a mild yet potent ingredient, it is well tolerated by all skin types. Keeping this in mind, Quench has an entire range called the Mama Cica which helps balance the skin, tackle acne, oiliness and other skin concerns. It is especially useful for sensitive skin types which cannot tolerate harsher actives. Due to its gentle nature, you can look for this ingredient in all your products as it only boasts of good things! So, to make your life easier, here’s a simple skincare routine containing centella asiatica.

• Cleanse thoroughly

Start by cleansing your skin thoroughly. Use a gentle yet effective facewash, like the Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash which deep cleanses the pores and gently sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing refreshed, glowing skin. Use a dime-sized amount and apply it all over your face and neck using circular motions. Rinse off using lukewarm water and pat dry.

• Exfoliate for glowing skin

We are fans of chemical exfoliation – it is far more gentle and in many cases, a lot more effective than physical scrubs which can cause micro tears on the skin’s surface. Try the Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads which are soaked in glycolic acid, cica and papaya extracts which loosens dead skin cells, instantly revealing smoother, more radiant skin.

• Sheet mask it up

K beauty is a fan of sheet masks, and for good reason! Try the innovative Mama Cica Mud Dipping Sheet Mask For Oil Control And Clear Skin which combines the benefits of a clay mask and a sheet mask. Infused with cica, kaolin clay and Korean ginseng, it draws out impurities, leaving you with deep cleansed skin. Use it like a normal sheet mask, and then rinse to remove any clay residue.

• Target your skin concerns

If you have any active acne, slap a pimple patch over it! Try the gentle yet effective Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches which contains hydrating cica, witch hazel, tea tree oil, Korean ginseng and lotus root extracts which kill bacteria and soothe inflammation. Just stick it on and go on with your skincare routine.

• Nourish your skin

Now that your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it is prepped to absorb skincare ingredients a lot more effectively. The Mama Cica Intense Oil Control Essence refreshes the skin and balances the sebum levels while deeply hydrating the skin. It contains cica, peony root and sea buckthorn extracts in addition to hyaluronic acid which plumps the skin, giving it a dewy glow. Just take a few drops and press it into your skin until absorbed.

• Give your under eyes some love

Once you have applied your essence, follow up with an eye cream that makes you look well-rested and awake. We are fans of the Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Under Eye Cream which minimizes dark circles and reduces puffiness. Plus, it comes with a metal rollerball applicator which makes it easy to use and you can sneak in a quick massage! Pro-tip: Stick the tube in the refrigerator for a quick cooling effect.

• Seal it all in

Using a lightweight moisturizer, seal all of your hard work in. Use a non-greasy, quick absorbing moisturizer that suits your skin type. Dot it all over your face and neck and massage it in until absorbed. Pro tip: It is always better to apply moisturizer on a damp face as it absorbs better. So, before you apply it, mist your face with the gentle and hydrating Mama Cica Rejuvenating Face Mist. You can also use it throughout the day when your skin needs a quick boost of moisture.

• Use a night mask

When you sleep, your skin regenerates and recuperates. This is a great time for treatment products to really do their jobs. Which is why, apply a soothing and moisturizing mask as the last step of your skincare routine. We recommend the Mama Cica Oil Control Overnight Mask which unclogs pores, prevents acne and reduces blemishes, due to its masterful concoction of 2% niacinamide along with cica and calendula extracts.

So, try this gentle skincare routine and let us know if it worked for you!