Though an ancient herb, centella asiatica also called gotu kola, tiger grass, Indian pennywort, or spade leaf, has reemerged on the skin care front in quite a few products. The reason this is an ingredient that has survived the ages is due to its potent active compounds that seem to have amazing benefits to address a variety of skin issues. Therefore, if you haven’t heard of centella asiatica, then here is why you want it in your skin care regime.
To begin with, this herb has a wealth of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, vitamins B and C, and phytochemicals that can heal, calm inflammation, help with cell regeneration and collagen formation while improving circulation.
With specific plant components like triterpenoid saponins, notably madecassaside and asiaticoside that this herb possesses, irritated skin can be pacified while wounded skin can be healed. What is so fascinating about centella asiatica is how these components work to perform that healing by fibroblast proliferation strengthening cells as it repairs. What this means for a small wound is it calms the stage of inflammation that usually results in scars as it is mending the skin. This also spells good news for burns, psoriasis and scleroderma.
At the same time, this process also increases the skin’s collagen production to help with anti-aging and sun-damaged skin. The skin can also find relief from excess dryness since those triterpenoid saponins increase a component in the connective tissue of the skin known as glycosaminoglycan to produce hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels. It has also been studied for how effective it is for firming up sagging skin, improving elasticity and the look of stretch marks when used regularly.
With all this one plant extract can do for skin beauty, it is no wonder centella asiatica as an ingredient is finding its way into all sorts of skin care products from toners, cleansers, eye creams, beauty oils to anti-aging and calming creams, and sunscreens. Given this, you may just want to start considering this ingredient when shopping for new skin care products.
