It’s a skincare ingredient that’s gaining more and more traction as a true complexion super-soother. It’s been used in Korean skincare for decades but has now grown in popularity globally, too, for its ability to heal and soothe a stressed, sensitive complexion without the need for a rich, heavy cream. But sensitive skin or not, skincare products containing CICA might just be an excellent addition to your skincare routine. Here’s why…
So what exactly is CICA?
CICA is a skincare ingredient that has super-soothing and healing properties. It comes from the Centella Asiatica plant; a herb that’s mostly found in Asia. (It also goes by other names, including Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort and Tiger Grass.) The name CICA is both a shortened version of Centella Asiatica, and a reference to the process of ‘cicatrising’, which means to heal a wound by forming a scar. It’s long been used in Eastern medicine as a herbal remedy to help heal incisions and burns.
CICA has long been used in Eastern medicine to help heal incisions and burns
How does CICA benefit the skin?
CICA contains active ingredients called terpenoids, which when used in skincare can be soothing, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. (The main ones found in Centella Asiatica are Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside and Madecassoside.) As well as terpenoids, it also contains antioxidants, amino acids, and Vitamins C, A, B1 and B2. In other words: a total skincare powerhouse.
Centella asiatica, also known as Asiatic pennywort, is a common ingredient in traditional medicine
Do you have to have sensitive skin to benefit from CICA?
Not at all. Because it’s so good at replenishing the skin with soothing moisture, CICA creams are a really good option as a daily moisturiser, whether your skin is feeling dry and irritated or if the temperatures are extreme - hot or cold - or you’re using other ingredients like Retinol for the first time and want to make the rest of your routine as gentle as possible.
How often can you use CICA creams?
You can use a skincare cream with CICA in it morning, night - or both. It’s an ideal ingredient to use both morning and evening if you feel your skin is particularly dry or sensitive. A cream like BEAUTY PIE’s Happy Face, which contains the powerful skin-soother Madecassoside Extract from the Centella Asiatica plant, can be used twice a day, either as a moisturiser by itself, or in conjunction with a serum or oil for added skin-nourishing.
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