Centella Asiatica For Skin: Benefits And Side Effects

What Is Centella Asiatica?

Centella asiatica is a perennial medicinal herb native to the wetlands in Asia, especially in Southeast Asian countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia (1). It is also known as gotu kola (in China), brahmi (ayurveda), tiger herb, Indian pennywort, and wild violet.

Centella asiatica is primarily used in folk medicine and Ayurvedic treatments mentioned in Sushruta Samhita, an Indian medicinal text, for its potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits (2). It has wound healing properties and is also used for healing skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, and lupus.

Centella asiatica or cica is frequently used in skin care products for its skin-restorative properties. Keep reading to learn why you should include it in your skin care routine.

Benefits Of Centella Asiatica For Skin

1. May Heal Wounds And Burns

Centella asiatica has wound-healing abilities and has been used orally and topically to repair wounds (2). A mice study states that it contains triterpenoids compounds like asiaticoside, asiatic acid, Madasiatic Acid and madecassoside that promote collagen production and accelerate the wound healing process (3).

2. May Reduce The Appearance Of Cellulite & Scars

Centella asiatica metabolizes the enzymes proline and lysine, which helps in collagen production. The herb also helps improve blood circulation (4). It promotes wound healing and may reduce the risk of scarring and keloid formation. Applying products with Centella asiatica may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite (5).

3. May Minimize Aging Signs

A study involving 20 female volunteers evaluated the effect of 0.1% madecassoside extracted from Centella asiatica on the signs of photoaging (6). After six months of treatment, the researchers observed a significant improvement in superficial wrinkles and skin hydration levels. It also made the skin soft and supple and improved its texture.

Fun Fact

Gotu kola, famously known as “the fountain of life,” is believed to have helped an ancient Chinese herbalist live for over 200 years, according to legend.

Madecassoside promotes collagen expression and reduces inflammation to manage signs of photodamage and aging.

4. Soothes The Skin

Centella asiatica is especially beneficial for sensitive skin and can calm redness and irritation.

The 2021 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology involved 3050 participants. Of these, 1526 reported sensitive skin, while 1524 reported non-sensitive skin, showing an almost equal split. Women tended to report sensitive skin more than men and younger age groups had higher rates of sensitivity, peaking around ages up to 34 years. It can be attributed to the triterpenoids (asiaticosides and madecassoside) in the herb, which can reduce inflammation to soothe your skin.

5. Prevents UV Damage

Centella asiatica is a potent antioxidant and can prevent UV damage, thanks to its triterpene composition (7). It can prevent free radical damage, which is often one of the main causes of premature aging, and minimize signs of UV damage like dark patches, hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

6. May Reduce Acne Inflammation

Centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe acne inflammation. It may help relieve the pain, swelling, and redness associated with acne lesions.

7. May Soothe Irritated Scalp

Centella asiatica may soothe an irritated and oily scalp. It helps control sebum (oil) production that may keep infection at bay and repair your scalp to give your stronger and healthier hair (8).

Trivia

Around the middle of the 20th century, alcohol extracts of Centella asiatica proved to improve even severe skin conditions like leprosy (9).

We have learnt the various benefits of Centella Asiatica for the skin. To learn how to use it, check out the next section.

How To Use Centella Asiatica For Skin?

Centella Asiatica can be used topically for skin health. Here is a simple way to make a Centella Asiatica-infused toner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of dried Centella Asiatica leaves or powder
• Essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the water in a pot and add Centella Asiatica leaves or powder to it.
2. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, allowing the herb to infuse into the water.
3. Let the mixture cool. Then, strain the liquid and pour the infused liquid into a clean bottle or container.
4. Optionally, add a few drops of skin-friendly essential oil for added benefits and fragrance.
5. Store the toner in the refrigerator and use it with a cotton pad after cleansing your face.

While Centella asiatica has numerous skin benefits, it may also cause minor side effects. Let’s take a look at them.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Centella Asiatica For Skin?

Centella asiatica is a safe ingredient for all skin types. However, if you are allergic to it, cica may cause a few side effects like (2):

• Skin allergies
• Burning sensations
• Irritation
• Contact dermatitis

If you have never used cica products, it is best to do a patch test to avoid adverse effects. And if you are keen to give it a try, here are a few product suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use niacinamide with Centella asiatica?

Niacinamide is yet another skin care component that can aid those who struggle with acne (10). Fortunately, niacinamide and Centella asiatica can be safely mixed to lighten and decongest skin while reducing redness and swelling.

Is Centella asiatica good for oily, acne-prone skin?

Centella asiatica benefits all skin types, but it’s incredibly advantageous to oily and acne-prone skin. It cleans and hydrates the skin while removing debris and excess sebum – and it won’t harm your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Can I use Centella asiatica with salicylic acid?

The straightforward answer is yes. Centella asiatica and salicylic acid are a good match for each other. Salicylic acid can enter deeper into the layers of skin since it is oil-soluble (but it also may dry and irritate the skin). Niacinamide, on the other hand, decreases inflammation and increases the skin’s natural moisture.

Does Centella repair the skin barrier?

Yes, Centella asiatica can aid in the repair of the skin’s moisture barrier, allowing it to protect itself from further breakdown (11).

Does Centella mix with vitamin C?

Yes, Centella and vitamin C can be used together. According to a study, a topical mixture of vitamin C and a Centella asiatica extract dramatically improved skin suppleness, firmness, and hydration, as well as the appearance of wrinkles, after 6 weeks of application (12).

Centella Asiatica is a miracle herb for all skincare lovers. It is rich in antioxidants that promote skin healing and protect it from harmful radicals. Watch the following video to learn more about its immense skin benefits.

Was this article helpful?

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

   

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries. He runs multiple laser centers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and has trained many doctors in lasers and...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more