Have you ever come across the term “cica” in skincare products and found yourself curious about its true significance? In this article, we will explore the real meaning of cica, its myriad benefits for your skin, and the various product types available on the market to seamlessly incorporate cica into your skincare regimen.
WHAT DOES “CICA” REPRESENT?
The term cica is an abbreviation for Centella asiatica, a plant that has gained popularity in skincare formulations. Commonly referred to as Gotu Kola, Bua-bok, Tiger grass, or Indian Pennywort, this traditional herb has been celebrated for centuries, particularly throughout Southeast Asia, due to its extensive nutritional and therapeutic properties [1].
WHY IS CICA SO POPULAR?
In recent years, cica has surged in popularity, especially in South Korea, becoming a key ingredient in numerous skincare products. The global rise of K-beauty has thrust this remarkable ingredient into the limelight, particularly for its soothing, calming, and hydrating qualities that cater to a variety of skin types.
From a scientific perspective, the acclaim surrounding Centella asiatica can be attributed to its complex chemical makeup, which contains several compounds known for their beneficial effects on the skin.
The principal active constituents of Centella asiatica include a group of compounds known as “centelloids,” which encompass madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid [2]. Additionally, extracts of Centella asiatica boast a variety of other compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, amino acids, vitamins, and sugars [3].
SKIN BENEFITS OF CICA
The use of Centella asiatica as an active ingredient in skincare products is supported by several notable skin benefits. Below are four of the primary advantages:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Soothing Properties
The extract of Centella asiatica has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects upon application to the skin, making it an excellent agent for soothing irritation.
A study [3] evaluating two cosmetic formulations (an emulsion and a hydrogel) containing 5% C. asiatica extract revealed its potential to reduce redness (erythema) caused by an experimental inflammatory agent applied to human skin. The findings indicated that cica-containing formulations might provide a protective effect on the skin, lessening redness and sensitivity to irritants. This anti-inflammatory action is attributed to cica’s centelloids, which are known to inhibit the activity of inflammatory enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Such anti-inflammatory benefits have been linked to positive outcomes in managing skin conditions like eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis [4].
2. Moisturizing Benefits and Enhancement of Skin Barrier Function
Cica is also recognized for its moisturizing properties, specifically targeted at alleviating dry and sensitive skin.
The aforementioned study [4] demonstrated how effective C. asiatica was in enhancing skin moisture through two mechanisms: 1) by increasing skin surface hydration and 2) by minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which reflects an improvement in skin barrier function.
Notably, the emulsion containing 5% C. asiatica extract had a substantial impact on hydrating the skin and fortifying the epidermal barrier, particularly its tightness, which was attributed to the presence of carbohydrates (such as sugars), centelloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds [4].
Furthermore, the benefits of cica were found to be comparable to those of ceramides in another study [5], where it was illustrated that C. asiatica could effectively enhance barrier function and hydration in dry, irritation-prone skin.
3. Wound Healing Properties
From a therapeutic standpoint, C. asiatica is widely celebrated for its efficacy in treating wounds, burns, and scars (including stretch marks).
Research has shown that C. asiatica extracts positively impact wound healing by promoting type I collagen synthesis and enhancing microcirculatory function [1]. Asiaticoside is believed to play a pivotal role in this process, as it improves the tensile strength of newly formed skin, thus facilitating the healing of wounds while also exerting anti-inflammatory action [6].
Several studies indicate that wounds treated with C. asiatica heal significantly faster and reduce in size compared to untreated wounds [6].
4. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in skin aging, as it contributes to the deterioration of vital structural and cellular components like collagen.
Within the realm of cosmetology, C. asiatica has emerged as a powerful anti-aging ingredient, owing to its capacity to stimulate type I collagen synthesis, which diminishes with age [2], alongside its antioxidant properties that combat free radicals due to its rich content of flavonoids and phenolic acids [3].
Studies [7] have demonstrated that C. asiatica enhances fibroblasts' ability to combat oxidative stress by upregulating cellular antioxidant enzymes, while also inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (the enzymes responsible for collagen degradation), thereby helping the skin maintain its firmness and elasticity.
HOW TO INCORPORATE CICA INTO YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN
The primary cica-infused skincare products available today emphasize their soothing, calming, repairing, and hydrating capabilities, particularly for sensitive skin types that are prone to irritation and redness.
Let’s explore some product options that you might consider adding to your skincare routine in order to reap the numerous benefits of cica.
Cica Cleansers:
Cica-based facial cleansers are typically formulated to cater to sensitive skin, being gentle and mild to preserve the integrity of the skin barrier without causing dryness. These formulations can be beneficial for nearly all skin types, making them excellent choices for your daily cleansing regimen.
Some options to consider include:
- NUDESTIX Cica Cleansing Jelly Milk Face Cleanser.
- Kiehl’s Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser.
- BANILA CO Clean it Zero Purifying Foam Cleanser (including 8 Centella Asiatica
