What Is Cica in Skincare

You may have noticed the term Cica in the description of a green soothing looking tube or jar. You must have ever wondered, what is Cica in skincare, and why everyone is continually talking about it. Allow me to simplify it to the utmost.

Centella Asiatica is a little leafy plant which was nicknamed Cica and has been used in Asian medicine since ancient times. Tiger grass is so called because the tigers in Asia were observed rubbing their wounds on the grass to ensure they healed. The very fact that I tell you that story is telling you something about its calming effect. This modest plant is now among the most popular skin care ingredients in the world.

The Real Ingredient of Cica

Cica is not a fancy lab name. It is actually derived from a real herb known as Centella Asiatica. It will be found increasing in damp parts of India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. The traditional healers used it to treat burns and cuts way before skincare was a thing. Upon examination by scientists it was found to contain powerful compounds, which have a calming effect on the skin and assist in repairing it.

When you come across a product that is marked Cica cream or Cica balm it will almost always have extracts of this plant in one form or another. It is Madecassoside to some brands; it is Gotu Kala or Tiger Grass to others but all lead to the same calming herb.

The Compounds That Make Cica So Powerful

Centella Asiatica is abundant in natural molecules that help to heal the skin. The predominant ones are madecassoside asiatic acid and asiaticoside madecassoside. Both are involved in calming and healing the skin.

• Asiaticoside can rejuvenate collagen that causes the skin to become firmer and promotes healing of wounds.
• Madecassoside causes redness and inflammation to be reduced.
• Both Asiatic acid and madecassic acid reinforce the skin barrier and inhibit the loss of moisture.

These are popular among dermatologists since it is based on actual research. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology studies have discovered that madecassoside enhances skin hydration and also assists in alleviating irritation following retinoids or acid application.

Why Cica Is a Skincare Superstar

The most important fact why people love coca is that it is quiet and soft. It does not sting or burn. It does not peel the skin. It is a simple way of making your skin feel relaxed and comfortable.

When the red blood of your skin is sore and swollen Cica is your gentle friend. It chills you and repairs your skin barrier. That wall is the protection of the pollution bacteria and dryness of your skin. As it grows weak the skin will respond with breakouts, redness or itching. Cica reinforces that barrier allowing your skin to protect itself again.

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Top Benefits of Cica

Soothes Irritation and Redness

When your skin is angry after exfoliating or using activities Cica will help to soothe the skin. It indicates to your skin to calm down. Cica is used on a daily basis by many people who have sensitive skin since it helps to alleviate that burning or tight feeling which is common with strong products.

Improves the Skin Barrier

Your skin is a wall of small skin cells, and lipids. When it collapses moisture escapes and bacteria get in. Cica helps rebuild that wall. Gradually you find that your skin remains moist longer and is less scratchy or strained.

Speeds Up Wound Healing

Cica is medically used to treat burns and cuts. In skincare it acts in the same way accelerating cell renewal. Should you have popped a pimple or are healing a reaction that Cica assists your skin to move through more quickly and easier.

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Adds Hydration and Glow

Cica is also a great hydrator. It assists your skin to retain water making it look plump and radiant. It leaves the skin soft and dewy without making it greasy.

What Skin Types Benefit Most

• Cica is nice to all the skin types but there are those who are even more fortunate.
• Cica is loved by sensitive skin as it cools redness and irritation.
• Cica calms acne prone skin as inflamed skin is relieved without pores being clogged.
• Dry or dry skin becomes firmer and moister.
• The collagen boosting compounds that make skin firm and elastic are beneficial to aging skin.
• You can use them regardless of having oily skin. Cica stands on her own toes.

How to Use Cica in Your Routine

Cica is available in a variety of forms including creams, serums , toners or masks.

When your skin is erythematous apply a Cica cream at night to soothe the skin during the night. When using retinol or exfoliating acids, make sure to apply a light Cica serum prior or following those activities to alleviate sensitivity.

It also goes well with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid but you must not combine it with other strong exfoliants such as glycolic acid at the same time. Let your skin breathe.

An early morning regimen of Cica moisturizer and sunscreen is also an excellent combination to soothe redness and shield your barrier.

Cica in K beauty and western skincare

First, cica gained popularity in Korean cosmetics. It became fashionable with brands such as Dr Jart and Etude House and their calming tiger grass creams. Korean beauty is characterized by soft skin finding ingredients and the Cica fits well in the same ideology.

It was soon followed by Western brands. Cica is now available in drugstore lines, such as L’Oréal CeraVe and La Roche Posay. Every brand applies it to a variety of textures between heavy balms and water-like toners but the effect is similar to soothing.

Cica vs Other Soothing Ingredients

Cica vs Aloe Vera

Aloe freezes and moisturizes but it acts primarily superficially. Cica also goes further and stimulates repair of barriers and collagen.

Cica vs Niacinamide

Niacinamide brightens and balances oil, but at times can irritate sensitive skin. Cica is seldom irritating enough to be used by people who are easily irritated.

Cica vs Green Tea

Green tea combats free radicals and maintains oil. Cica is more healing and redness-soothing. They do work well together but have opposite purposes.

Dermatologist Recommended Cica Products

You would like to experiment with Cica to begin with a well formulated product.

• Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream is a time-honored redness and sensitivity soother.
• Cicaplast Baume B5 La Roche Posay is a post-treatment favorite among dermatologists.
• COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum is a lightweight oily, or acne prone skin treatment.
• Etude House Soon Jung Cica Balm is effective with irritated skin or skin prone to eczema.
• Dermatologists and users have tried and fallen in love with them.

What Science Says About Cica

Some of the benefits of Cica are supported by research. Research has demonstrated that Centella Asiatica extracts lead to better healing of wounds through acceleration of collagen production and inflammation. The International Journal of Cosmetic Science published a report that madecassoside creams enhance skin moistness and skin roughness.

Cica is frequently cited by dermatologists such as Dr Whitney Bowe and Dr Joshua Zeichner as a top calming ingredient in post treatment or reactive skin. But they also caution that not all products with the label Cica have sufficient levels of real Centella extract to be of any consequence. Read the ingredient list at all times.

Possible errors in use of Cica

Most of them think that the more Cica you have in the products the faster they heal but too many products can bog down your skin. Select a Cica item or two and leave them to work.

Do not ask to see immediate results. Cica is a slow-acting repairing ingredient like most of the barrier repairing ingredients. Allow two weeks to experience the fairer-skinned health.

Bear in mind as well, Cica is not a substitute for sunscreen. It is an aid to healing, however it is not protective against UV damage.

How to Identify Real Circa in a Product

Look at the ingredient list. Authentic products feature Centella Asiatica extract madecassoside or asiaticoside high on the list of ingredients. Be cautious of those items that reference Cica in the name and then have Cica at the bottom of the list with the fragrances and fillers at the top.

Wholesale perfume or heavy perfume cancels the calming effects; this is because the product contains alcohol. Select an easy soft formula.

The Future of Cica in Skincare

Cica is not just a trend. Researchers are discovering how to stabilize its compounds and make them more useful. It is being combined with peptides, ceramides and probiotics by brands to soothe the skin even better. Soon we may have Cica based sunscreens and barrier serums that can both protect and heal.

Is Cica Worth It

Absolutely yes. Cica happens to be one ingredient that can be used safely by almost everyone. It is mild, inexpensive and science-supported. It will not substitute your whole routine but can help every other product perform better as it will keep your skin barrier composed and robust.

Cica should be added to your shelf should you always experience redness, dryness or sensitivity.

FAQs About Cica in Skincare

Is Cica safe for everyday use?

Yes, Cica is safe for daily use. You can apply it morning and night as it is not irritating and helps to maintain the skin barrier instead of debilitating it.

Can Cica help with acne scars?

Cica is useful in erasing red or dark spots that the acne leaves due to its ability to increase collagen and accelerate skin repair. It does not whiten the skin, but it aids in the natural disappearance of scars.

Does Cica lighten dark spots?

Cica does not actively lighten pigment, like vitamin C, but it inflames the skin and inflammation can prevent the formation of new spots.

Is it Cica cream or serum?

If your skin is dry, use a cream. On oily or acne prone skin, use a serum. Both render comparable advantages in the various textures.

Is Cica compatible with retinol or acids?

Yes it is a fine match indeed. Apply Cica behind or on top of retinol, or on top of exfoliating acids, to soothe any redness or peeling.

Does Cica clog pores?

No Cica is non comedogenic. It soothes the skin without leaving a film or sealing the pores.

Is Cica good for oily skin?

Yes because it is at par with oil production, and it does not make you feel weighty.

What is the duration of result seeing?

It can take you a few days to actually feel better through your skin but a real barrier repair tends to manifest itself within two to three weeks of daily use.

Are Cica products the same?

None of these are high in Centella extract and the rest are just using it as a marketing tool. Always read the label.

Does Cica substitute my moisturizer?

You can use only a rich Cica cream. Lighter serums or gels are to be applied under a moisturizer.

Cica demonstrates that a mild skincare can be effective. It demonstrates that you do not have to use brutal ingredients to treat your skin. Cica is a light warm embrace your skin will be glad to feel, whether you are new to skincare or you are rebuilding after irritation.