An Ingredient Worth the Hype: Centella Asiatica
A really frustrating part of skincare is when you try a new product for your sensitive skin and it either doesn’t help, or just makes it worse. There are loads of claims for holy grail ingredients that are said to be best for those with sensitive skin. And the truth is, a lot of these claims don’t live up to their expectations. One ingredient, however, holds beneficial properties that meet the hype: centella asiatica.
The History
Centella Asiatica is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It most commonly grows around streams and rivers near rocky terrain. This creeping greenery has been used as a medicinal aid for skin ailments and other clinical indications in China, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Madagascar for thousands of years. Over these years, centella asiatica has been touted as– a “miracle elixir of life” in Chinese medicine and a treatment for wounds, eczema, and psoriasis in Indian medicine. It is apparent that something about this plant holds healative properties.
Healing Properties
Centella Asiatica is most used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that this plant, when used on wounds, boosts antioxidants, which in turn increases the blood supply and strengthens the skin.
In one study, centella asiatica was able to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory action against atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease. In fact, the addition of centella asiatica reduced activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor that plays a role in the inflammatory response.
Together, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant hold promise for those who struggle with irritated skin.
Where can you find it?
This ingredient is used often in moisturizers and serums. Due to its healative properties, it is beneficial to use for sensitive skin. At EpiLynx, we use centella asiatica in almost all of our moisturizers and serums. This is just one reason why our products are so helpful for sensitive skin. If you’re curious about what centella asiatica can do for your skin, our Soothing Bundle for Dry, Sensitive & Irritated Skin – SPF 30 is a great place to start.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412323/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/centella-asiatica