Centella Asiatica is also known as Gotu Kola. This botanical ingredient has come into the spotlight for its potent antioxidant properties that help to rejuvenate, protect, and heal your skin like no other. From eczema to anti-aging properties, Centella has many uses, but how does it really work on skin of color?
What is Centella?
Centella (Centella Asiatica) is an herb rich in antioxidants that have long been used to treat wounds and illness in Indian Ayurvedic medicine; however, it has also been a popular herb in Chinese medicine as well. It has grown in popularity for medicinal use because Centella plants are naturally antiseptic and contain a large number of active ingredients, such as Asiatic acid, terpenoids, madecassic acid madecassoside, and asiaticoside. Because of this, Centella has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties and a rich source of amino acids, making it a powerful hydrating herb to soothe upset or compromised skin.
Benefits of Centella
Now that we’ve talked a little bit about what Centella is and its origins, what about its many benefits? Well, thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, Centella actually has many benefits for the skin. Let’s highlight a few.
1. Increases protective barrier
One of the first big benefits of Centella Asiatica is that it can help revitalize the skin's protective barrier. This is thanks to its high level of active ingredients, including high concentrations of amino and fatty acid, which help the skin to form a stronger protective barrier to keep hydration in and harsh chemicals and rays, such as damaging sun rays, out.
2. Anti-aging properties
Aging becomes more noticeable in your late 20's. Normally Skin of Color shows signs of aging as a result of trans epidermal water loss and loss of collagen. Centella-Gotu kola provides strong anti-aging benefits thanks to its ability to protect skin molecules from gradually declining. On top of that, Centella also helps to improve and boost circulation as well as has collagen production, overall contributing to a more youthful complexion.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
There are so many skin conditions that create inflammation in Skin of Color. Centella Asiatica helps to alleviate skin dryness while enhancing the skin’s overall quality and appearance. The anti-inflammatory properties in the herb increase hydration and help to soothe and repair dry and irritated skin. Additionally, compounds in the plant's chemical makeup are madecassoside and asiaticoside, both known for their soothing properties. This is why it's recommended for treating various skin conditions, such as eczema.
What can Centella help with?
We've discussed the benefits of Centella for Skin of Color, but what skin problems can it potentially help you with the most? Here are the top three skin problems Centella is a natural at treating.
1. Eczema
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis a condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities but appears to be more common in African Americans. Centella Asiatica is considered to be incredibly effective in treating eczema and psoriasis, as it is naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. For this, plant leaves are often used in creams or ointment, which can be used topically on the affected skin.
2. Healing & Irritation
Another huge benefit of Centella is its ability to help soothe the skin and boost healing on irritated areas. This is because Centella contains saponins, which are known for their amazing soothing properties. Therefore, if you suffer from inflammation, itchiness, or redness, Centella is definitely for you.
3. Helps fight Acne & Acne Scars
Centella is an Acne fighting ingredient. With its natural ability to reduce inflammation, it is an excellent companion to have when combating acne. This is because Centella is known to strengthen skin, thanks to the properties of Madecassoside present in the herb, which boost antioxidant properties and increase blood circulation for stronger, healthier skin. On top of that, it can help to protect skin from marks and scarring in the aftermath of acne, which is another huge perk.
How do you use centella asiatica?
Now, when it comes to using Centella in skincare, there are definitely a few products that you want to keep an eye out for to soak in the most benefits. This typically includes moisturizer creams, serums, or cleansers, as they help to penetrate deeply into the skin, boosting the benefits of the herb to the max. Whatever way you choose to use it, Centella is essential to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Centella products recommendations
Here are our Best Selling products with Centella for your skincare routine. Whether you’re looking for a new cleanser or a powerful moisturizer, we’ve got you covered.
The first product recommendation is the Glow Facial Cleanser on BijouSkin.com. Perfect for combination and oily skin, this facial cleanser is a gentle vegan & plant-based cleanser that incorporates many powerful, natural ingredients for maximum efficiency. Carefully formulated with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and aloe vera, this cleanser is sugar-based and sulfate-free to effectively clean the skin without stripping it away. Many other ingredients in this cleanser, such as rosehip oil and borage oil, are known to fade dark marks and discoloration and help reduce inflammation and fight acne for a more refined and youthful texture. Overall, the Glow Facial Cleanser is essential to your skincare routine and is truly one of a kind.
Ingredients: Aqua (Deionized Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe), Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Cocamide Mipa, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Organic Olive), Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (Borage), Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Organic Rosehip Seed), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Geranium Maculatum Extract (Wild Geranium), Taraxacum Officinale Extract (Organic Dandelion), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract (Sweet Orange), Origanum Vulgare Extract (Oregano), Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree Essential Oil), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Our other product highlight is the BijouSkin Daily Moisturizer is essential to any skincare routine. This moisturizer is a non-greasy formula that is rich in fatty acids & antioxidants to lock in moisture and help to restore the skin's youthful complexion. With ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter, this moisturizer is essential for lightening dark spots and discoloration, as well as reducing signs of aging for a smooth, refined, and refreshing skin texture. This Daily Moisturizer is also paraben-free and one of a kind.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe), Aqua (Deionized Water), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Organic Sunflower), Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), Stearic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Organic Jojoba), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Geranium Maculatum Extract (Wild Geranium), Taraxacum Officinale Extract (Organic Dandelion), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic Green Tea), Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative)
Centella is a powerful ingredient for Skin Of Color! Whether you’re looking to use it to soothe irritation, combat acne, or even heal eczema, you can rest assured that this powerful little herb has got your back for youthful, healing, and hydrated skin.
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