Centella Asiatica (Cica): The Korean Skincare Hero for Acne

Cica has been used as an important herb since ancient times to help treat the burns, cuts, skin ulcers and wounds in the Korean herbal practices. In Korea, this herb is generally referred to as byeongpul, which literally means a disease-curing grass. The perennial plant transformed from an ancient herbal ingredient to a scientifically backed active ingredient used extensively within the modern formulations targeted for many skin concerns such as:

• Acne
• Burns
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Acne Scarring
• Wound healing

This blog explains why Indian Pennywort / Centella asiatica (Cica) is popularly considered as a hero skincare ingredient to target acne by elaborating on: 

• Beneficial cica uses for skin diseases
• Anti-acne action of cica
• Trending cica based products
• An advanced acne skincare routine with cica
• Important tips on its use on a daily basis

Main Uses Of Cica In Dermatology

This medicinal herb with so many active phytoconstituents showcases significant therapeutic properties for the prevention as well as management of multiple skin concerns. Its potent dermatological actions can be attributed to the activity of the active compounds such as:

• Asiaticoside
• Asiatic acid
• Madecassoside
• Madecassic acid

The Gotu Kola skin (popular Indian name for cica) is helpful in skin conditions such as: 

• Acne scar management
• Acne reduction
• Improvement in rosacea
• Minimizing inflammation on skin

How Cica Supports Damaged Skin Barrier

Cica supports by:

• Locking in hydration to prevent dry & dehydrated skin
• Protecting the skin against the environmental pollutants
• Promoting the tissue regeneration
• Minimizing the risk of scarring
• Encouraging speedy recovery of the skin barrier
• Soothing the inflamed pimples
• Improving the skin cell turnover
• Inhibiting the inflammatory pathways
• Providing faster relief from red and itchy skin
• Preventing the formation of post-acne marks
• Strengthening the natural moisture barrier of the skin
• Brightening the dark spots as well as skin with hyperpigmentation
• Boosting the collagen production to support the structural integrity 
• Neutralizing the oxidative stress on the skin
• Enhance the activity of other supporting ingredients like niacinamide
  

The Science Behind Its Anti-Acne Action

Before diving deeper into the mechanism of the anti-acne action of cica, you need to know how acne affects the health of the skin barrier. Acne is basically a condition of the skin where comedones (blackheads & whiteheads) as well as actively red, painful and swollen pimples appear on the surface of the skin. The main factors contributing to the irritation on the skin subsequently leading to the acne formation are:

1. Excess oil production on skin
2. Congestion of the pores
3. Poor desquamation
4. Microbial Infection 
   

Cica works on the skin topically by providing

Anti-inflammatory Effects

As per a study, the madecassoside in cica aids effectively in

• Reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1𝛽.
• Suppressing the expression of TLR 2 (inflammatory signalling protein).
• Blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-𝜅B factor in inflammatory pathways.
• Subsequent inhibition of TNF-apha and IgE.

Hydrating Effects

• Increasing the aquaporin-3, involucrin & loricrin involved in promoting the hydration of the barrier.
• Upregulation of HA (Hyaluronan) synthases (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3). 

Anti-Oxidant Effect

• Inhibition of ROS (free radicals) formation.
• Reduction in the damaging effects of oxidative stress on skin barrier.

Barrier-Support

• Boosting the production of collagen.
• Strengthening the weakened barrier due to skin irritation & acne. 
• Providing protection from urban pollutants.
  

Top Product Recommendations Of Cica Skincare Products India

How To Incorporate Cica In Your Daily Skincare Routine For Acne

Morning Routine

1.Start with a gentle cleansing of the face with Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash

Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash helps to remove the overnight build up dirt, excess oil and sweat from the skin barrier with a gentle formula made of activated charcoal, ceramides and sebum control enzyme. This face wash suits oily, combination as well as acne-prone skin with utmost gentle acne care. It preps the clear skin for the subsequent steps of your daily skincare regime. It helps to effectively to:

• Control excessive oiliness on face
• Reduce the congested pores
• Minimize blackheads & whiteheads
• Reduce the activity of sebaceous glands
• Promote the barrier repair with ceramides

Step by step use:

1. Wash your face with clean water
2. Take a small amount of anti-acne face wash in your palms
3. Mix with some water and rub well
4. Make a creamy rich lather
5. Massage it on your face in smooth circular motions
6. Rinse thoroughly with water
7. Pat dry the skin softly at last

2.Next apply Alite Anti-Acne Gel

The Alite Anti-Acne Gel is your next step after cleansing as it supports: 

• Barrier-repair
• Pore refinement
• Reduction in pimples
• Soothing action on redness, pain and itching around acne bumps

This formula is designed with non-comedogenic active ingredients such as niacinamide, contacticel as well as silanediol salicylate with many other skin-calming ingredients. It additionally provides deep hydration to the skin in a light weight gel texture that is widely suitable for most skin types prone to acne.

Directions For Use:

Apply this gel in a gentle manner over actively inflamed pimples in a very small amount.

3.Apply a cica moisturizer on your skin

A cica based hydrating moisturizer will help keep the skin calm and protected from the environmental stressors such as: 

• Sun exposure
• High heat
• Rapid Transepidermal water loss
• Oxidative damage 
• Urban pollutants
• Moist environment that makes skin feel greasy & tacky

Take a small amount of moisturizer on your fingers and apply it gently on all your face with a relaxing massage.

4.Use a broad spectrum sunscreen as the last step

This step is very important as it involves broad spectrum protection against the harmful ultraviolet radiations from sun and prevents oxidative damage to the skin. You can use any light-weight and non-comedogenic sunscreen for skin prone to breakouts on a regular basis. 

Evening Routine

1.Double cleanse the skin

You need to properly remove the trapped impurities from the face such as dirt, excess oil, sweat, make up residue, etc. You can use Cleansers such as: 

• Micellar water and a cotton pad
• Cleansing balm
• Gentle cleansing oil

Then, you can wash your face with a deep cleansing face wash for a double cleanse. 

You need to use that formula which offers: 

• Mild exfoliation
• Deep cleaning
• Complete makeup removal
• Pore decongestion
• Non-drying barrier support
• Safe use without irritation
  

2.Use Alite Anti-Acne Gel on active pimples

Applying an anti-acne gel on a daily basis helps to reduce the breakouts on the skin by fighting against acne causing microbes in a very effective manner. This gel formula by Alite Skincare is perfect for use as it has dermopurifying action of contacticel, barrier-repair action of niacinamide as well as skin-calming properties of silanediol salicylate. 

Suggested Use:

Apply a small amount of this powerful acne care gel on the affected area of this with gentle rubbing. 

3.Next apply the centella asiatica acne moisturizer on the skin

Finally apply the cica cream / gel on the skin with an utmost gentle massage on the skin to seal in the moisture and provide deep hydration reducing the TEWL (Trans-epidermal water loss). This aids in protecting the skin barrier with utmost ease and comfort. Its anti oxidant, anti inflammatory as well as hydrating action soothe the irritated skin barrier due to acne and strengthens the damaged as well as weakened skin barrier to prevent the recurring acne and post-acne marks gradually with its consistent use on a daily basis in your skincare regimen.

Possible Side Effects

Using cica for skincare is generally well tolerated on the barrier but in certain susceptible individuals, this power-packed herbal Korean active may result in:

• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Mild irritation
• Stinging or burning feel
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (rarely)
• Redness, itchiness or swelling

That’s the reason why doctors generally recommend performing a patch test of any new skincare product before incorporating it into your daily regimen as well as observing any side effects for about 24-48 hours.

Important Tips

• Look for non-comedogenic formulas for cica based skincare formulations for acne-prone skin.
• Use it twice daily for maximum benefits.
• Apply cica based sheet mask 2-4 times in a week.
• Use a gentle cleansing face wash on a regular basis to maintain clear skin.
• Do not forget to reapply your sunscreen after every few hours when exposed to sun rays for a prolonged period of time.
• Follow a simple morning and evening skincare routine with key active ingredients for dedicated acne care such as:

• • Niacinamide

  • Activated charcoal

  • Ceramides

• Talk to your doctor in case of persisting painful acne, acne marks, uneven skin tone and scarring.

Summary

Cica has been used as an important herb since ancient times to help treat the burns, cuts, skin ulcers as well as wounds in the Korean herbal practices. The perennial plant transformed from an ancient herbal ingredient to a scientifically backed active ingredient used extensively within the modern formulations targeted for many skin concerns. It is useful in acne scar management, acne reduction, improvement in rosacea as well as minimizing inflammation on skin. It supports the skin barrier with its anti-inflammatory properties, anti-oxidant as well as hydrating action for holistic barrier support to combat acne on a daily basis with its consistent use in your skincare regimen. 

You can follow a simple as well as realistic acne care routine in the morning with a 4-step action of cleansing, anti-acne gel, cica cream and sunscreen. Similarly, you can follow a gentle evening skincare regime with double cleanse, anti-acne gel and cica based hydrating moisturizer on a regular basis with utmost ease and comfort. In order to avoid the possible side effects from cica, you must do a patch test before the use. Consult a doctor if severe irritation persists for longer on the skin barrier. 

FAQs

Ques. What is Centella asiatica popularly known as?

Ans. Centella asiatica has many popular names across the globe including:

• Cica
• Gotu Kola
• Tiger grass
• Indian Pennywort
• Byeongpul

Ques. What are the benefits of using Cica as a korean skincare ingredient in my regimen?

Ans. Cica mainly focuses on providing multiple benefits to the skin including:

• Targeted acne care
• Relief from irritation
• Deep hydration
• Barrier strengthening 

Ques. What are the most trending Cica Serums India?

Ans. The hottest trending Cica Serums in India are:

• Dot & Key 2% Salicylic Acid + Cica Anti Acne Serum
• Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica Restoring Serum
• Dr. Sheth's Cica Exosomes & Vitamin C Glow Serum

Ques. Which ingredients should I pair with Cica in my skincare routine for acne?

Ans. You can pair Cica with active anti-acne ingredients such as: 

• Niacinamide
• Ceramides
• Vitamin C
• Salicylic Acid