Korean skincare is famous for its infusion of unique ingredients derived from nature. It is safe to say that Korean skincare has truly mastered concocting products ingredients wise. No wonder Koreans have that unique glass skin and youthful glow indicative of their highly effective products. So, if you want that same Korean glow, let us dive into one of the famous ingredients found in Korean skincare – Centella Asiatica.
Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica is found in almost all of Korean skincare products from cleansers, toners, essences, serums, creams and even sunscreens! Centella Asiatica or commonly known as Gotu Kola or Asiatic Pennywort, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the family umbellifere (Apiceae) found throughout Asia. It is a tasteless and odorless plant that thrives in and around water.
Medicinal value
In ancient medicine, centella asiatica is believed to act as a wound healing agent and is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, and as treatment for mild and chronic diseases. These folk medicine claims along with some clinical trials on the efficacy of centella made this plant into Korean skincare.
Actives
Centella Asiatica contains saponins also called triterpenoids which include asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside all of which are part of the skincare term- Centella Asiatica Extracts. These saponins are mainly responsible for the wound healing of the skin and vascular effects by stimulating collagen production on the wound site.
Asiactic acid
An antioxidant active that soothes the skin and boosts the dermis. It helps reduce glycation, a non-enzymic process implicated to cause many complications one of which is aging.
Madecassic acid
This is known to play an essential role in suppressing inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating enzymes that cause inflammation and redness.
Asiaticoside
In a study conducted by Lee et al. in 2012, it was found out that asiaticoside “promotes skin cell behaviours involved in wound healing by increasing the migration rates of skin cells, enhancing the initial skin adhesion, inducing an increase in the number of normal human dermal fibroblasts.
Madecassoside
As part of the saponins, this active ingredient possesses anti-redness and anti-scaling effect. It provides a smooth feeling to the skin. It also helps reduce the itchiness of the skin when irritated.
Personal Experience
My experience with Centella Asiatica has always been pleasant. Whenever my skin feels dull, sensitive, or irritated, products with Centella extracts in them helped my skin return to its calm state. I also do not have adverse reactions to it. It is a very gentle ingredient but very effective in targeting skin concerns like inflammation from acne or post-acne. Centella Asiatica will really help soothe and calm down the redness. So, if your skin needs some healing, calming, and soothing, this ingredient is a must have. Here are some of the products that I have tested and have been loving with Centella.
