10 Best Skincare Products With Centella Asiatica (Cica) in the Philippines 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist

Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison, MD, MPM, FPDS, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on the skin, hair, and nails.

For more skincare tips, you can read her blog, or you can like and follow her on Instagram and Facebook!

Centella Asiatica or Cica is also referred to as Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort as well as Tiger Grass because tigers are known to rub their wounds against this plant for healing. It grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of South Africa, Indonesia, India, China, and even the Korean Peninsula. 

In 2016, Korean beauty brand Dr. Jart + launched its first-ever Cicapair Tiger Grass Correcting Line, which made cica popular among K-Beauty fans. As a result, global brands like Laneige, Kiehl’s, and L'Oréal also began formulating their cica skincare products. 

Generally, skincare products that are infused with cica are great for all skin types- they can enhance the overall appearance of the skin by clearing the complexion. However, cica is especially beneficial to sensitive, acne-prone and mature skin. For it to be effective, always check if the product contains at least 5% of cica extract.

Cica is known to soothe and repair irritated skin for those who suffer from acne, stubborn breakouts, and redness. It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that aid in lowering inflammation, killing bacteria, and fighting free radicals. 

It can also hydrate your skin- making it an excellent moisturizer, especially for dry skin. It enhances the skin barrier to improve your skin’s suppleness and elasticity as well as delay other signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

Cica contains amino acids, which can speed up the healing of wounds by increasing collagen production. This makes it a great treatment for burns, eczema, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it’s an effective anti-photoaging agent in skincare products, protecting your skin from sun damage. Lastly, it also helps in lessening the appearance of stretch marks.

From soothing irritated skin to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, there are many ways to use cica-infused skincare products to your advantage. Before you get excited about its "magical properties", make sure to consider the following points prior to your next purchase.

With the rise of cica as a gentle yet effective skincare ingredient, many beauty brands have launched different products that are infused with this "miracle" extract. You can opt for calming toners, hydrating sheet masks, and foaming facial washes according to your skin type and regimen needs.

The most common type, however, are creams and gel-based products in the form of moisturizers and soothing gels. Some are specifically formulated for acne control, reducing wrinkles, neutralizing the skin tone, and soothing irritated skin. 

If you don't have an established routine yet, you can also try the cica line of certain skincare brands to experience the full benefits of this natural ingredient. 

Your skin type can range from normal, dry, oily, combination to sensitive - and they change over time due to factors like hormones, aging, medications, and the weather. 

Normal skin isn’t too dry nor too oily and may have a radiant complexion. In contrast, dry skin looks dull, has less skin elasticity, and some may have red patches and roughness. Oily skin has enlarged pores that are visible. You may have blackheads, whiteheads, and other skin blemishes as a result of excessive sebum.

Meanwhile, you have a combination skin type if your chin, nose, and forehead, also known as the t-zone, are oily while the rest of your face is dry. Having excess oil on your skin is also the typical cause of having acne-prone skin.

Sensitive skin is more susceptible to redness, itching, and dryness. This skin type may not tolerate some products because of their harsh ingredients and fragrance. Always check the label to avoid allergens that may trigger reactions that can harm your skin. 

Aside from your skin type, you may also have a particular skin concern that you want to address. This will help you narrow down your options since some cica-infused skincare products are formulated to treat a specific skin issue. Moreover, cica is often paired with other potent ingredients in order to effectively combat skin woes. 

Science has proven that when vitamin C is combined with Centella Asiatica, they provide wound healing benefits and increase collagen production. Moreover, a study also showed that when these two ingredients are paired together, they can give your skin extra hydration and improved suppleness, in addition to their ability to refine the appearance of wrinkles. 

When it comes to treating acne, cica balms or moisturizers contain a concentrated formulation of its active compounds including madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and asiaticoside. They help in reducing redness and inflammation as well as speeding up the healing process of acne on your skin.

If you need extra hydration for dry skin, you may want to look for hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract for added moisture on your skin. On the other hand, AHA, BHA, and PHA products help in removing sebum and dead skin cells to smoothen the skin’s texture.

Check other ingredients such as adenosine, an amino acid that helps boost collagen to maintain the skin’s elasticity. Some brands like L'Oréal have joined the cica bandwagon and launched a cream packed with retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Take a look at what customers are saying about the product before purchasing. While cica skincare products are known for their skin repair, soothing, moisturizing, and anti-aging benefits, they’re not equally formulated. Some brands incorporate other ingredients to treat specific skin conditions. 

Look for product reviews that talk about skin issues and skin types that are the same as yours. Also, check out the brands that show third-party clinical reports to verify the effectiveness of their products. 

Ready to start a new skin regimen? Here are 10 cica-infused skincare products that you can add-to-cart. These range from cleansers, toners as well as different types of cream and gel-based products so you can try the benefits of this hardworking ingredient. 

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Still have unanswered questions on your mind? Below, Dr. Meg answers some of the web's most asked questions!

In vitro studies on Centella Asiatica and its compounds showed benefit in wound healing and prevention of hypertrophic scars, but there were no human trials conducted if it can fade scars. More studies are needed to prove this claim.

Centella Asiatica is generally safe to use, and there are no reports of incompatibility with other skincare ingredients.

Centella Asiatica does not cause increased cell turnover on the skin, so it cannot cause purging. If you experience an increase in acne while using a product with Centella Asiatica, stop using the product and consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Avoid introducing so many new skincare products in your skincare routine all at the same time to avoid skin irritation and breakouts. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance on choosing the right skincare products based on your skin concern.

If you don't have a skincare routine yet, it's time to start one- regardless of your age and skin type. Your skin will definitely thank you in the future. Simply follow the basic 3-step skincare regimen, which includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing the skin. Here are some of the best skincare products to get you started.

Cica is more than just a plant that can heal wounds. It's a miracle ingredient in K-Beauty products that is effective in soothing irritated skin. It contains anti-aging, antibacterial, and hydrating properties as well. Now that you're armed with more information about the benefits of this popular natural ingredient, we hope that you'll consider cica-infused skincare products on your next purchase.

Author: Maria Krisette Capati

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